Scottish Ceilidh Dancing

Holding an event like a wedding or a party where you want Scottish Dance but your participants haven't taken classes? There is a special form called a "Ceilidh Dance" (pronounced Kay-Lee), where dancers don't need any prior experience.

If you are interested in having Scottish ceilidh dancing at an upcoming wedding reception, birthday, anniversary, or other social event, you can contact us at KayleeDancingSD@gmail.com or at (858) 255-1643. We would be glad to work with you to make your event or celebration a big success. Our instructors/callers all hold teaching certifications from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland.

About Ceilidh Dancing

‘Ceilidh’ (pronounced ‘Kay-lee’) is the Gaelic word for gathering. It’s also a type of dancing that is relatively informal, done in couples or groups to traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, usually played by bands featuring fiddles, accordion, and keyboard.

Scottish ceilidh dancing is great fun - energetic, uplifting, and sociable. It is a common form of entertainment in Scotland, and the UK in general. Ceilidh dancing is frequently an integral part of wedding receptions, birthday parties, and other celebrations.

Ceilidh dances are simple, and no experience is necessary as all the dances and moves are cued by a caller, making it easy to follow. Just about anyone can get up and join the dance. A caller selects the dances and provides basic instruction to ensure everyone can have a good time.

A major reason ceilidh dancing is such fun is the rousing music used - Scottish and Irish traditional reels and jigs. A typical ceilidh dance event consists of a mix of dances, some with a partner dancing as a group with other couples, and some with a partner dancing around the room. Favorite dances include Strip the Willow, Gay Gordons, Canadian Barn Dance, and Virginia Reel. Examples can be seen on YouTube by searching for “Scottish ceilidh Dancing.”