Ceili Dancing Workshops

Two dance workshop times to choose from: 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm, or take both! Then come try out the dances later in the evening at the ceili dance.

Irish Ceílí Dancing | Come learn, dance & have fun!

Come and share the fun of Irish Ceílí (Kaylee) dancing with dancers from the Ceílí of the Valley Society. Ceílí dancing is a folk/social dance form that dates back for generations, with new dances being devised as we speak.  If you are thinking Riverdance, don’t. The dances we will learn will not involve any high leaps, flying feet, or hard shoes tapping.  The dances will involve learning new steps & formations, dances, and having fun!  

The workshop will be led by Elisa Chandler with the assistance of the Ceílí of the Valley demonstration team, so there will be lots of new friends to help you out. We will explore basic footwork and formations, and then put them all together into dances. Ceílí dances come in all shapes.  We will experience dances done in circles & squares, long line dances, and progressive dances.  We will be dancing to reels, jigs, polkas, and waltzes. The dances will be enjoyed later in the evening at the Ceílí (Social Dance).  We will be dancing to live music at the Ceílí.

We hope you will come and join us…to learn, to dance, and to have fun! Can you tell our highest priority is to have fun and to enjoy dancing with new friends?

FAQs:

What is a Ceílí?  A Ceílí is a social gathering, it can have music, dancing, songs and storytelling. We focus on the dancing and music.

Do I need to come with a partner? No, a partner is not necessary, we will join up as needed for each dance.  

Do I need special clothing? No, wear loose, comfortable clothes.  Layers are always a good idea.  Some dancers prefer to wear a skirt with shorts below…up to you

Do I need special shoes?  No, wear soft-soled shoes with closed toes. Ballet slippers or jazz shoes work well, as do “tennis” shoes.  High heels, heavy boots, sandals, open toed, and loose-fitting shoes are not recommended.

Do I need to be an expert dancer? No, if you know your right from your left and can move forwards & backwards, that’s a great beginning.  Dancers of all levels are welcome and all will have fun learning these dances!

***These answers apply to the Workshop and the evening Ceílí!

Who is the Ceílí of the Valley Society?

Ceílí of the Valley Society is a non-profit based in Salem, Oregon.  One part of our mission is to promote Irish heritage, primarily through social events that incorporate music and dance. We hold a dance class every Tuesday evening and a Ceílí every 2^nd Friday, so if you are in Salem and the timing works out, come join us. We also host an annual Samhain Celtic New Year Festival in October.

Our demonstration team does dance presentations at festivals, schools, retirement communities, and numerous other community events.  We are very excited to come to Mt. Vernon to share our joy of Irish Ceílí dancing with you.