Reception Home
Wedding Home
Russ
Ellen
Our Story
Our Families
Preparations
|
In Scotland and Ireland, the word "Ceilidh" (pronounced "kaylee") literally means a gathering or party. It's a celebration! Even today, dancing forms an important part of many Scottish social gatherings, including weddings. A "Ceilidh", in modern usage, has come to refer to a celebration involving dancing.
Ceilidh Dancing is the traditional social dance of Scotland. Less formal than Highland dancing, it's what you get when you take the gentler English country dancing (think Jane Austen...) and add excitement. It is danced in sets of two to five couples. The dances vary in tempo: lively and fast paced or slow and elegant:
- Jigs (quick time)
- Reels (quick time)
- Strathspeys (slow and lovely)
Demonstration Video Clips
(Courtesy of the University of Aberdeen):
Don't worry about not knowing the dances or having two left feet. We will have instructors to help us get through only the simplest of patterns. Besides, Ceilidh dancing is informal and the emphasis is on enjoyment, so it's not too important where you put your feet. Just come prepared to have fun and celebrate with us in the traditional Scottish style!
|
