Advice For Novice Dancers

To some a first ceilidh may loom as a daunting experience, but rest assured, others have embarked upon the same journey and lived to tell the tale. In the capable, caring hands of your caller, you will not be a novice dancer for long. Please take time to consider the following points which will help to make your first ceilidh a truly joyous occasion.

Clothing

Ceilidh dancing is warm work so clothing should be light and loose fitting. This allows for free circulation of air (especially under the arms and between the legs) and easy frictionless movement.

Footwear

Low heeled sensible shoes are preferred. Heavy Industrial boots with steel toecaps are unsuitable as are ladies' fashion shoes with high heels.

Dehydration

Please remember to drink a lot. Most dancers sweat buckets and the lost body fluids must be steadily replaced. We don't want you passing out on us.

Jewellery

Large hooped earrings are not recommended since they may get pulled or become entangled. In the excitement of the dance other items of jewellery are often lost. It is probably sensible to keep jewellery to a minimum.

Accessories

However, you may like to top your outfit with an amusing cowboy hat, and why not get creative with your make-up and give yourself some country girl (or boy) freckles?

Etiquette

Ceilidh etiquette demands that you honour your partner by means of a bow or a curtsy as appropriate to your sex. This should take place at the start and conclusion of each dance. In times gone by it was expected that the gentleman would invite the lady to dance, but in these enlightened and emancipated times it is perfectly acceptable for a lady to make the first move. Most gentlemen will feel flattered upon receiving an invitation to dance. Bands greatly appreciate a polite ripple of applause after each musical item. Thank you.

Listen Carefully

Your caller is in the business because of his ability to deliver clear instructions. He will do his part but for successful dancing you must do yours. LISTEN!

Participate

It is inevitable that you will end up dancing enthusiastically, so you might as well start sooner rather than later. Allow yourself to be guided and manipulated by your caller. He knows what's good for you. Enjoy your dancing

WARNING

Ceilidh dancing like all physical activities and sports is potentially hazardous. When conducted properly under trained supervision the risks are small but can never be totally eliminated. Although all possible precautions are taken to ensure the safety of dancers The Band cannot be held responsible for any injuries sustained during a performance.
          Please remember,        

       
YOU DANCE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The Barn Dance

by Virginia Ramsbottom

When the lights go low and the music starts,
We do-si-do with swirling skirts.
We swing our partners round and round,
It's a happy snappy square dance sound.

We jump we slide we form a star.
We stamp we glide we go too far.
The drummer swings. The fiddle sings.
The caller bawls outrageous things.

Grand chain and away we go, 
Inside high and the outside low.
Heel and toe then promenade.
Pause for a glass of lemonade.

Were the Gordons really gay?
Who cares? Let's dance the night away.
Give us a jig or a lively reel.
We spin and sway like a big cart wheel.

Form a set and strip the willow.
All right, a girl may be a fellow.
Make a circle. Step and hop.
I wish this dance would never stop.