Ceilidh dancing

Ceilidh is a Celtic word derived form Gaelic and was the word used for a gathering where people entertained each other by dancing, singing, telling stories and playing music. Only in the 1970s did Ceilidh become associated solely with dance.

Ceilidh dances are called.  This means someone will walk you through the dance beforehand, and will tell you what to do next whilst dancing. The individual dances are repeated several times, and as Ceilidh dancing is purely a social dance there are no special techniques or footwork which needs be mastered before joining in. 

Dances done at weddings, such as the Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow etc. are not classed as “Ceilidh”, the reason being that Ceilidh has a ‘caller’ and the dances are taught from scratch.  Callers encourage people to get up on the dance floor and have a go.

To find out more on how to get involved in Ceilidh contact the Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust or local dance centre. See links list to the right for contact details.