Don’t know your Dashing White Sergeant from your Eightsome Reel? Do I need to learn the dances before I go, will it matter if I haven’t got a clue, and what do I wear? Welcome to the ScotlandShop guide to all things ceilidh.
What is a ceilidh?
Pronounced kay-lee, the word descends from the Old Irish céle, in Gaelic literally translating as “visit”. Today you can count on a ceilidh being music, lots of dances, lots of involvement, and a fabulous, fun night out.
Do I need to know the dances?
No! The whole point of a ceilidh is that everyone should be able to join in, irrespective of experience, age and fitness. Most ceilidhs, the White Heather Club included, will include a caller who’ll explain the steps involved in each dance and keep you on track once the dance has started. There’s often a range of experience amongst the dancers too, so if it’s your first ceilidh, you’re unlikely to be the only one treading the boards for the first time.
The objective is fun and enjoyment more than dancing perfection. If you find yourself marooned in the middle of a dancefloor, more than likely some of your fellow dancers will be able to put you back on track. We’ve all been there!
For those who want to prepare, there are so many videos on YouTube! Type ceilidh into the search bar and the drop down will show links to instructional videos for different dances.
Do I need to go with someone?
It will be easier if you do go with someone or in a group as you’ll have someone to dance with.
If you want to go on your own, it’s worth doing some research on the event before you go. If the event attracts lots of singles, finding partners for each dance should be simple, if not it may not be the event for you.
An alternative could be dance classes, many of which don’t require a regular dance partner. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society has lots of information - www.rscds.org. ScotlandShop are the official weaver and stockist of the Society’s tartan, read the full story on our blog here.
Same sex couples are commonplace, just remember one dancer often ‘leads’ the dance, so you’ll need to decide who’s going to lead.
Which dances will I do?
There are some ceilidh ‘regulars’. Think Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow, Canadian Barn Dance, Military Two Step and Eightsome Reel. Some bands specialise in specific, less well known dances, and bands often adjust their set list according to the age and enthusiasm of their audience.
Is there always a band?
Most ceilidhs will include a band. The smallest bands could be a fiddle and accordion, with one of the musicians also acting as the caller. The largest bands may also have drummers, guitars, keyboards, whistles and more, with a dedicated caller explaining each dance. Some bands play ceilidh tunes very traditionally, some of the larger, more contemporary bands add their own slant to the music. Jazz ceilidh, anyone?
The band at the White Heather Club is the Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio. Charlie’s been leading ceilidh bands for more than 40 years, acting as accordion player and caller, so you’ll be led through each dance by one of the most experienced ceilidh callers in Scotland.
A band isn’t essential though. It’s possible to have a wonderful night of dancing in a small venue with nothing more than a few happy people, some dance tracks and a big speaker.
Do I need to dance every dance?
No! You don’t have to dance every dance, although the callers for some of the ceilidh bands can be very persuasive. You’ll find there are regular breaks in the evening, allowing a chance for everyone to catch their breath.
If you want to sit in a corner for the evening, a ceilidh might not be for you.
What do I wear?
It depends on the event and the location. There’s no dress code that specifically relates to a ceilidh but event organisers may make their own requests.
If the dress code isn’t specified, lots of people do wear kilts or tartan - you can’t beat ceilidh dancing in a kilt - but lots don’t too. You’re probably going to get very warm in some of the faster dances so lighter clothing is better, fellow dancers might appreciate it if you went for lighter footwear than your hobnailed boots too!
At the White Heather Club, staff will be wearing kilts and mini kilts provided by ScotlandShop in the beautiful Scotland Forever tartan. Co-branded T shirts sported by Bonnie & Wild and ScotlandShop staff will be available to purchase if you’d like to grab a more permanent souvenir of your night.
Ceilidhs come in many different styles, from a small group in a rural community hall to large events at weddings or celebrating Hogmanay, Burns or St Andrews day. Whatever your reason, get your dancing shoes on, get involved, and get ready to have fun!
