What is a Ceilidh? – look further down the page for information on our Scottish, Irish and English Ceilidhs and our usual dances…
What is a Ceilidh, Ceili, Barn Dance or Highland Fling?
Originally the word Ceilidh (kay-lee) descended from the Gaelic word for ‘gathering’ or ‘party’… However, these days when people think of a Ceilidh, they think of a fun filled night of
As for the rest: they all mean pretty much the same thing!
The beauty of a ceilidh or Barn Dance is that everyone can take part, young or old, experienced dancers to beginners and even those with two left feet!
…Not all of your guests will be interested in the music played at a Disco and many people can often be nervous on the dance floor – but with a Ceilidh you’re walked through the steps so there’s nothing to be nervous about - and with Licence to Ceilidh’s unique combination of traditional tunes meet modern, funky rhythm section - musically there’s something for everyone!
No experience is necessary! You and you’re guests will be under the watchful eye of the professional caller who’ll be with you every step of the way – walking you through the moves before each dance and continuing to call out helpful hints through-out the rest of the dances (with Licence to Ceilidh our Callers come as standard when you book the band and with years of experience calling for us).
Having a Ceilidh is the perfect Icebreaker! Whatever the occasion, from team-building days, to Weddings and Birthdays, Corporate Functions or Student Nights!
The emphasis is on having fun and being sociable!
A Scottish Ceilidh with Licence to Ceilidh:
This is our speciality as it’s what we tend to get the most call for…
Our caller usually starts with the classic Gay Gordons and makes sure as many guests who are capable of standing get involved! After this initial icebreaker, it’s often difficult to get even the most reluctant punters to sit down again!
The next is the Dashing White Sergeant - a favourite with the gentlemen as it calls for having one lady on each arm!
Later in the night we’ll be sure to do the famous Strip the Willow! Everyone’s favourite - a raucous affair with lines of people stretching all the way down the room...
...Those with a bit more experience often like to request the Eightsome Reel. This is the most complicated dance we offer for most events*, but a favourite with the Scots!
Then if you’d like we’ll round of the night with a good old fashioned Auld Lang Syne!
Other dances in our usual Scottish set-list include:
Cumberland Square Eight (the one with the baskets!)
Virginia Reel
St. Bernards Waltz
Please ask to see our sample set-list for a larger range of Scottish dances - if you can’t see your favourite dance, why not request it?
*If you’d like to enquire about us playing for Reeling, please send us an email or give us a call.
An Irish Ceili with Licence to Ceilidh:
Licence to Ceilidh also regularly perform Irish ceilidh’s or Ceili.
Our Callers can provide all your favourite Irish dances from The Siege of Ennis, Walls of Limerick and the ever popular The Bridge of Athlone.
Other dances in our usual Irish set-list include:
The Waves of Tory
The Galway Reel
Haymakers Jig
If you have a dance that you are particularly fond of, you can always request it in advance.
We’ll also tailor the music we play to an Irish repertoire to better suit the dances and the evening in general.
An English Ceilidh or Barn Dance with Licence to Ceilidh:
Licence to Ceilidh also have vast experience with English ceilidhs as well, so if you’re looking for a good old step-hop in your ceilidh look no further!
We can provide all the English classics from the Nottingham Swing to The Willow Tree or the Cumberland Square Eight (Very popular in English traditions as well as Scottish).
Other dances in our standard English set-list include:
The Cornish Six-hand Reel
The Rosa
Boston Tea Party
Photos: Top Box: 1, 3, 4, Philippe Barnes. In Text: All Touch Photography
