Ceili (pronounced KAY-lee) dancing is a form of Celtic (KEL-tik) social dancing. It's a fun gathering of people, with music, dancing, and, frequently, drinking. Ceili dancing is done in groups of two or more people. If you've ever done contra or square dancing, you will recognize many of the figures (moves).
Although there are seven modern nations that have Celtic roots: Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Spain, Brittany, Ireland; the two most recognized Celtic nations are Ireland and Scotland. A céilí in either country is based on the same principle: the CRAIC*. However, the dances done in the two countries can be very different. A word about spelling: céilí is the Irish spelling and ceilidh is the Scottish, and more ancient, spelling.
Ceili dancing is group dancing and is not to be confused with step (solo) dancing or with set dancing, which involves different footwork. Ceili dancing is based on the book distributed by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha ("The Commission") called "An Rince Fiorne."
The Athens Ceili Club invites you to learn the traditional dances and music of the Celtic world. Not a dancer? Not a problem! There are also musicians in the mix providing us with the heartbeat that drives the dance!
So come on out and join in some good craic!
*craic: (pronounced crack) the Irish word for fun'n'frolic; hard to define but easy to recognize when experienced
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