Dancers of all ages enjoy themselves at a prior ceilidh at Fuller Lodge. Courtesy photo
The lively ceilidh band plays for last year’s ceilidh at Fuller Lodge. Courtesy band
LOS ALAMOS SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS NEW RELEASE
Scottish Country Dancing and Ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee) dancing are among Scotland’s most joyful and enduring cultural traditions. Combining lively music, energetic dancing and a wonderful sense of community, these traditional social dances bring people together to celebrate the joy of traditional arts, shared heritage, and an opportunity to experience new sights, sounds, giggles, and more. Enriching audiences with a variety of cultural experiences including music, literature, and dancing is central to the idea of a Ceilidh.
The Los Alamos Scottish Country Dancers have been hosting Ceilidhs for the past couple of years to great local acclaim! We will host our third annual Ceilidh on Saturday, Nov. 14, and all are invited to attend and participate.
This year, we will have a very special treat: a group of Ukrainian friends from the New Mexico community will join us to present some of their traditional dancing and will also engage the audience in learning some Ukrainian dances as well.
A bagpiper will enthrall us with some Scottish tunes, so you don’t want to miss it! And have you ever heard the strains of an Irish bouzouki? You’ll hear one at the Ceilidh.
What Is a Ceilidh? (Hint: Come Find Out on Nov. 14)
The word Ceilidh comes from the Scottish Gaelic language and originally meant a visit or gathering. Often, a Ceilidh was an informal social occasion where people came together spontaneously to share stories, music, poetry, songs and dancing. Unlike some formal styles of dancing, a Ceilidh does not require extensive training or experience. The emphasis is on participation, spontaneity, and fun. Audience participation is what makes it!
Bringing Everyone Together
Bringing everyone together on the dance floor is a key element to most Ceilidhs. A teacher (like a “caller” in square dancing) will explain each dance, demonstrating the movements and guiding participants through the figures. This makes Ceilidh dancing accessible even to people who have never danced before.
Music is at the heart of every Ceilidh, giving us the impetus to move. Instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, piano, guitar, cello, and drums create the distinctive sounds that make people want to get onto the dance floor. You can expect some live musical accompaniment as well as some recorded music. The combination of traditional melodies and enthusiastic dancing creates an atmosphere that is difficult to resist.
The Social Side of a Ceilidh
Perhaps the greatest attraction of a Ceilidh is its ability to draw people together in a relaxed social setting. People of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can participate. Families, friends, visitors and complete strangers can find themselves dancing together, laughing when they make a mistake and celebrating when they manage to complete a dance. The beauty of a Ceilidh is that nobody needs to be an expert. Enthusiasm is far more important than technical ability!
What Is Scottish Country Dancing?
Scottish Country Dancing is a traditional form of social dancing in which groups of dancers perform a sequence of movements to lively Scottish music. Demonstrations done by members of the Los Alamos Scottish Country Dance group will be performed at the Ceilidh.
One of the most appealing aspects of Scottish Country Dancing is that it is a social activity. Partners change, sets interact and dancers work together to complete the figures. It’s about sharing the experience.
The Los Alamos County Recreation Department sponsors Scottish Country Dance classes for adults in Los Alamos, meeting on Monday nights at Fuller Lodge from 7:30 – 10:00. All those
18 or older are most welcome to attend these classes!
Why Everyone Should Experience a Ceilidh
- It is great fun. The lively music and energetic movements create an atmosphere of
excitement and enjoyment. - It encourages social interaction. Dancing with different partners provides an easy way
to meet people and make friends. - It is good exercise. The dances provide an enjoyable way to stay active.
- It celebrates cultural heritage. Participants experience traditional music, dance and
community spirit. - It is inclusive. Beginners are welcome, and most dances can be learned with a little
guidance.
A Ceilidh is also a wonderful opportunity to step away from everyday routines, put aside worries and enjoy an afternoon of music, jokes, stories, and dancing. Snacks will be provided.
Los Alamos’ Third Annual Ceilidh will be held on: Saturday, Nov. 14 at Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos from 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Suggested donation: $5/person or $10/family
Hosted by the Los Alamos Scottish Country Dancers
So, put on your dancing shoes and join the party! You don’t need a kilt, you don’t need a partner, and you don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy a Ceilidh — you just need a willingness to join in!
Contact goodegg728@gmail.com for more information.
Scene from a prior ceilidg at Fuller Lodge. Courtesy photo
Always a treat to have a bagpiper at a ceilidh. Courtesy photo