Ceili Dancing

Ceili (pronounced kay-lie) dancing is sometimes called group or team dancing. It can also be used to refer to a dancing event in which ceilis will be danced. Ceilis can have 2, 4, or 8 dancers dancing together. Ceilis were originally danced at houses in Irish villages.

There are a variety of ceili dances that can be organized into social dances and competitive dances.

The social ceili dances are done at parties, wakes, and ceilis. These include the Gay Gordons, Siege of Ennis, and the Humours of Bandon. Social ceili dances, when danced at ceilis, are usually followed by refreshments and time for dancers to catch up with friends and fellow dancers.

Competitive ceili dances are danced at smaller competitions, as well as on the regional, national, and international level. These ceili teams are judged on how well the dancers can execute the dance, their positioning, and their lines and angles that they form while dancing. These dances make rings, lines, and square patterns on the floor.

Both boys and girls do competitive ceili dances in soft-shoes. Some of these dances include the Sweets of May, the Trip to the Cottage, the Cross-Reel, the four-hand reel and jig, and the High Caul Cap.

Ceili dancing is one of the most difficult kinds of dances to master competitively. The team needs to be able to work together and flow as one unit. There is no one dancer in competitive ceili dancing. The team must work together to make the lines, angles, and patterns flawless. Without good teamwork, a competitive ceili team will not succeed.

Sources
Meehan, Madeline. (2008). A Brief History of Irish Set Dance, Ceili Dance, Traditional Old-style Step Dance, Irish Step Dance and Sean-Nos Dance. Retrieved March 22, 2008 from http://www.ceili.wizardisland.org/dance.html

Middleton, Ashley. (1999). Jumpstart Guide. Retrieved March 22, 2008 from http://www.diochra.com/jumpstart/faqclrg.php#1-3

Youtube. (2007). CMC-UIUC's 2007 Show - 'Trip'. Retrieved March 22, 2008 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpPEVNkjoJM