 sj |
||
|
||
Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps
|
|
|
Subject: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 17 Feb 01 - 08:01 AM MMario advises me to break up my initial request ... so here goes. I am looking for steps to SIMPLE Irish dances. I have Bridge of Athlone, Walls of Limerick, Waves of Torrey, Seige of Ennis, Rakes of Mallow, and Peeler and the Goat. I need similar very easy dances for a St Patricks Night Gig which needs to be all Irish. Grateful for any help anyone can give. Thanks |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,JTT Date: 17 Feb 01 - 11:16 AM There's a series of videos called Irish Dancing Made Easy, produced by Eamonn Holmes and Ronan Kelly. Eamonn Holmes works in RTE and could probably tell you where to get them (www.rte.ie and find a contact-us email addy); or you could phone McCullagh Pigott in Dublin (a music shop), which stocks them. Or you might get them from Eason's. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 17 Feb 01 - 11:22 AM Yeah, good idea but don't really want to go to that expense! (old miser that I am!). Just need the instructions - have the music, band etc. Any help??? |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: bill\sables Date: 17 Feb 01 - 11:35 AM You might find what you want Here |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 17 Feb 01 - 11:38 AM Been there... done that... too English Sorry! |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: *#1 PEASANT* Date: 17 Feb 01 - 11:43 AM Irish Dance Steps
Note: First right foot, then left.
Jigs
Beginners Jig (a.k.a. jump 3 times) Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 Hop up, hop back, hop back 2, 3, 4.
Toe Heel Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 Toe, heel, toe, heel Kick, hop back, hop back 2,3,4.
North South Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 North, South, East, West Kick, hop back, hop back 2, 3, 4.
Heel, Heel, Toe, Toe Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 Heel, Heel, Toe, Toe Heel, Heel, Toe, Toe Kick, hop back, hop back 2, 3, 4.
Skip and Skip Jump, hop up, hop back 2, 3, 4 Skip, and skip, and skip 2, 3, 4 Toe and heel, toe and heel Kick, hop back, hop back 2, 3, 4.
Reels Point Point Point, Point, hop back 2, 3 Point, Point, hop back 2, 3 Hop up 2, 3, hop up 2, 3 Hop back 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Side Step Hop 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Hop back 2, 3, hop back 2, 3 Hop back 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Hop back 2, 3, hop back 2, 3.
Up and Back Hop up and back, up and back Walk 1 walk 2, hop up on your heel Change, Change Hop back 2, 3, back 2, 3, back 2, 3. Or hop over 2, 3, over 2, 3, over 2, 3.
Point Hop Back Point hop back Step, skip, hop, down in front Hop up left 2, 3 Cross over left right in front Cross over left right in back. Point right 1, 2 Left toe and heel And turn 2, 3 Point right hop back
Slip Jigs
Hop Up 2, 3, 4, 5 Hop up 2, 3, 4, 5 Over 2, 3, 4, 5 Point right, left, right Hop up, over 2, 3 Point and hop 2, 3 Hop over 2, 3 Point and hop 2, 3 Hop over 2, 3.
Conrad
Hornpipes Beat Right, Beat Left Beat right, beat left, beat right, hop back Beat left, beat right, beat left, hop back Beat right, beat left, beat right, hop back Hop rock 2, 3, hop rock 2, 3 Over 2, 3, over, 2, 3, over 2, 3 Shuffle hop back, shuffle hop back, shuffle hop back. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 17 Feb 01 - 11:49 AM Thanks but O dear I'm not very good at explaining am I What I need are ceilidh dances - not stepping or step dances Things like Bridge of Athlone - see top of this thread. Thanks for your prompt reply tho' perhaps I've got all that exists. If you have other ideas please reply |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: *#1 PEASANT* Date: 17 Feb 01 - 11:50 AM Here is my music and dance page click here Also this is a great source Click here Then here is another Irish Dance Email Discussion List This is a discussion list covering all styles of Irish dance. If you wish to subscribe to this list, send an email message to listserv@post.queensu.ca. In the body of the message type one line with this text "subscribe irdance-l" followed by your name. Let me know if you find the steps laid out on line. Conrad |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 17 Feb 01 - 12:00 PM These look interesting sites Thanks - off to a gig now but will explore when back at work Monday! Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: *#1 PEASANT* Date: 17 Feb 01 - 12:21 PM I knew what you meant but thought a few steps might help! Generally at J.Patricks in baltimore they get a bunch of drunk folks put them into a line have them do goose steps then cavort around the room. Conrad |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sorcha Date: 17 Feb 01 - 12:41 PM Sarah, try this one: here. Click on the dance you want, and it gives you instructions. I searched "Irish set Dances" with the quotes and came up with a whole bunch of hits.....
Home page for above clickie.
Overview of Irish Dance Just keep scrolling until you find descriptions........
Ceilidh Home lots and lots of clickies, I didn't do them all!! Good luck, and have fun!! |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Marion Date: 17 Feb 01 - 05:34 PM Sarah, I used to study Irish dance and attend the ceilidhs of the Irish Society of Ottawa. One that was very popular at our ceilidhs was the Haymaker's Jig. If you see a description of that in some book or website, check it out. It's a lot of fun. It's kind of similar to the Scottish Strip the Willow, if you know that one. Marion |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: RichM Date: 18 Feb 01 - 11:28 AM Sarah, do you have a caller for the dance? If so, that person could advise you on suggested tunes, tempo, and how many times to repeat. Many dances require the band to keep the instruments going until the figures have been repeated a number of times. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: NancyZ Date: 18 Feb 01 - 02:34 PM Hi Sarah, Here are a couple of "easy" dances for folks who don't go to Barn Dances all the time. I can't vouch they are strictly "Irish" but they are easy and fun and cross all boundaries; The OXO Reel Tune-Quebec Polka or? Longways Sets of 6 couples (men in one line women across from them). A1 Lines step forward for 4 and back 1st couple gallop to the bottom of the set A2 Lines step forward and back 2nd couple galop down to the bottom of the set B1 Couples at each of the set(top two couples together and the bottom two couples together) circle Left and Right while middle couples Right Hand Star and Left Hand Star so that the set forms a OXO B2 2nd couple (now at bottom of the set) galop back to the top Everyone swing their partner. Galop=couples take hands and dance or skip sideways down the set. Right and Left Hand Star=Put right hand out together and walk round to the left back to place. Ditto for the left except walk to the right. Circle Waltz: (almost any waltz tune will do) Large circle round the room. Gents with ladies on their RIGHT facing into the middle. The first step is like a "swaying" motion with a light kick of the leg and gently swinging the arms forward and back together. A1-1-2 Everyone into the center with a "sway step" in and out. Then the gent turns the lady on the left over to his right into his partners place. Repeat this 4-times ( if you haven't seen this here is what to do. The ladies let go of their left hand partner and while holding the man on her right hand turns and faces him taking his other hand,they are now facing each other. Now release his left hand and while still holding his right hand turn back into the circle and take the new mans hand, your all in a large circle now holding hands. This movement is gentle and fluid and much easier than it sounds, try it! so you've repeated this four times now.......you have your new partner! take a ballroom hold and take two side-steps into the circle, and gently twirl her around once, then take two side steps back, and twirl her around. Now have the couples waltz around the circle together ( tell them to pretend there is a circle on the floor and they have to stay on the line, this way the couples stay in line and dont crash and burn! If the couples dont know how to waltz just tell them to fake-it, we do it all the time in California! The main thing is to stay moving around the circle until the tune comes to the conclusion..........then all join the circle again with WOMEN ON THE RIGHT OF THE MEN. Repeat at least 4 times or until everyone has danced with everyone else, a good mixer! Have you called before? If not, relax, just have the folks walk through each dance before they do it to the music. Tell them to relax and if they make a mistake to just catch-up to where they need to be rather than to go back and do the move again:)Make it fun! If you can practice the dances yourself before you teach them you can really work out any problems before-hand that could occur and you won't be as nervous. I invited a bunch over for a jam and had them help me out with some new dances, they were surprised but didnt mind and had fun! Good Luck! Nancy
|
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 19 Feb 01 - 06:06 AM you might find some helpful info or in the very least, some links here... would love to do you a blue clicky... but at the moment, I am technically challenged... and to busy to go to the thread to find out how.... it's the set dancing news website... http://www.setdancingnews.net/ Good luck! Ella Harvest time jig is a good one to do... |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 19 Feb 01 - 06:08 AM Hi everyone. Thanks for the help so far. I've done lots of calling so I'm OK as far as that goes (well no-one has told me to get lost YET!). What I'm having trouble getting hold of are the dances that people do in Irish ceilis that are NOT step dances eg Bridge of Athlone etc. I'm investigating some of the links and the Haymakers looks to be a good addition to my repartoirre (never could spell). Any other suggestions still very welcome! |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 20 Feb 01 - 09:14 AM Still looking for inspiration - did I say NOT step dancing Also NOT Set dancing - simple ceilidh dances required. Any dance notations very gratefully received. Thanks stf |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Snuffy Date: 20 Feb 01 - 07:42 PM Like most terms concerning Irish music, "set" can have two meanings - a Set Dance is a solo (riverdance type) dance with a fixed tune and fixed steps, and is often danced in competition. "Sets" are for four couples (apparently originally sets of quadrilles) which may have 4 or 5 movements in them of varying metres and tempos (slides, jigs, reels, hornpipes etc), and names of towns or counties such as the Connemara Set or the Athlone Set (I made these up as examples). These are the ancestors of American square dancing. And then you have the Irish equivalent of Country Dancing, with 4 or 5 couples in longways sets, doing the Siege of Ennis, the Bridge of Athlone, and Strip-the-Willow-type dances, with chasees and casts and arches. These are the sort that Sarah is looking for, not any sort of Set Dances or Sets. Anyone got the notation for any of these? |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 21 Feb 01 - 03:31 AM Thanks a million Snuffy!!! I knew someone would know what I mean out there. BUT does anyone know any that don't include Seige of Ennis, Bridge of Athlone, Walls of Limerick, Rakes of Mallow, Waves of Torrey, Peeler and the Goat and also now Haymkers. Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,JTT Date: 21 Feb 01 - 05:05 PM Here's an explanation of some of the steps, and here's a page of addresses for set and ceili dance classes. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: NancyZ Date: 21 Feb 01 - 05:10 PM Ok Sarah, Here are two more simple dances: Stoke Golding Country Dance: Longways set of 4 couples A1- 1st gent swing 4th lady in the center of the set A2- 1st lady swing 4th gent B1- 1st couple double strip the willow with all the couples to end of set. Then first couple arch over the heads of the gents line and then back up the ladies. Repeat dance with the new first couple (I'm assuming you know how to strip the willow, if not, let me know and I'll attempt an explanation). Cumberland Square Eight: 4-couples in a box set, called top couple and side couple. A1 Top couples gallop across the set and back A2 Sides repeat B1 Top couples right-hand star and left-hand star B2 Sides repeat A1 Top couples basket and go round once A2 Sides basket and go round B1 All take hands and circle left B2 Promenade back to place counter clock-wise Basket=Gents hold hands behind the ladies backs: Ladies put hands on gents nearest shoulders. All lean out and spin to the left pivoting on right foot, or just spin around! Good Luck |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: NancyZ Date: 21 Feb 01 - 05:20 PM Can I ask if the other dances you do have,Walls of Limerick, Waves of Torrey, Seige of Ennis, Rakes of Mallow, and Peeler and the Goat, are on a web page? I'd love to check them out for myself! Cheers, Nancy |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 22 Feb 01 - 07:47 AM Thanks Nancy. I do those 2 dances. Several of the one's I mentioned are on the site given by GUEST JTT and the others by PEASANT at the top of this string. Here is the dance notation for Peeler and the goat SQUARE SET A1 Hold hands in circle then into the centre for 4 steps and back (twice) A2 Right arm turn partner / left hand turn partner B1 Give crossed hands to partner Lady under the crossed hands Man under crossed hands Lady under crossed hands Swing partner B2 Couple 1 (back to band) make one handed arch with man on inside and lady on outside and go over couples 2, 3 and 4 then rejoin circle to start again Repeat for couples 2,3, & 4 etc |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Jo Taylor Date: 22 Feb 01 - 06:29 PM Ummm... Nancy, Stoke Golding Country Dance (collected by Miss Lambert of Leicestershire) and Cumberland Sq8 are very much English country dances, not Irish! Sarah, do you still need some? I might be able do dig some out - presume you do want Irish ones? If you're happy with English ones I have dozens, but it's often a bit fuzzy as to where dances originate; many English ones are well suited to being danced to Irish tunes. Jo Taylor |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 23 Feb 01 - 03:42 AM Jo Yes I do still need some dances but they MUST be Irish and simple. No step or set dances purely ceili with minimal learning required. I have Bridge of Athlone, Waves of Torrey, Rakes of Mallow, Seige of Ennis, Walls of Limerick, Peeler and the Goat and the Haymakers. Do you have any others ? I've done a lot of calling (over 10 years practice!!!) so I know quite a lot of dances but I need IRISH ones for a St Pats night where we've been asked to stick to simple Irish dances and I havn't really got enough for a full evening. Any help gratefully received. Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Noreen Date: 23 Feb 01 - 08:24 AM I think you have got all the simple ones there already Sarah- except maybe the Harvesttime jig and the Fairy Reel- have you seen them anywhere? The Sixteen Hand Reel is quite easy to dance but it's long and too unwieldy to call if no-one knows it. What you can do (and is usually done) is repeat the Walls of Limerick and the Siege of Ennis a couple of times through the night. Sense of achievement that the dancers know what they're doing (well, possibly...), the caller gets a bit of a break and the dancers can just enjoy dancing. Noreen |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: NancyZ Date: 23 Feb 01 - 01:40 PM Hi Sarah, Stokes Golding and Cumberland 8 are indeed English in orgin, so I see your dilemma. Here is one last ditch effort if you still can't find enough easy ones for a full evening.....try PalTalk! It's simple enough to download, find an "Irish" room and ask away. I have found the Irish that I spoke to very helpful and friendly and happy to assist, especially concerning Irish Culture. I asked one man to assist in an Irish translation of a song and he was happy to abide:) Good luck in your search and sorry I couldn't help more. Nancy PS All the dances you recieve would make a great webpage! Hint Hint:) |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: R! Date: 23 Feb 01 - 02:34 PM Sarah, I have no additional information to share but agree with Noreen that repeating the some of the dances during the night helps the dancers build confidence and allows them to enjoy the dances more fully. It always did for me. Luck to you! If I may, I'd like to borrow your thread to thank Bill Sables for the website. It's been several years since I've been able to dance. Just reading the steps made me remember how much fun I had as an English Country Dancer. Ta ra, Reen
|
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 24 Feb 01 - 03:51 AM I'll think about a website - but first of all I've got to go to building a website school!!! Hopefully 2 evenings in March then it will be a possibility. Thanks for the tip about Paltalk - wot exactly is it? I'm new to all this and I am still trying to find my way around the Mudcat site Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: NancyZ Date: 24 Feb 01 - 03:56 PM Hi Sarah, PalTalk is a free program you can download that allows you to talk to other folks who have Paltalk. All you need is a microphone or you can type text also. People from all over the world are in different "rooms" such as Mudcat under the "music" catagory. They sing songs and play instruments. They have rooms to learn languages, have your tarot cards read, or just meet folks from all over the world! Hence, you could meet-up with some Irish folks and perhaps learn some new easy dances. Here is the link: http://www.paltalk.com/paltalk/index.html It takes 3 minutes to download and is a small program. Give it a shot if you like! Also, for learning to build web-pages Netscape has a feature called Composer you can build easy pages with. There are also many free tutorials on the net. Of course you can learn to do this in all your "free-time" between calling for dances, work and family right? Anyway, would be very interested in any dances you collect as I have many English and Scottish Ceilidh/Barn Dances and would love to expand the collection to Irish, but just like you, the easy kind as whenever I call it's usually with people who have never danced before. Cheers, Nancy |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Bernard Date: 25 Feb 01 - 02:33 PM Don't forget 'Drops of Brandy' which is a 'Strip the Willow' figure, single then double, for a longset which can be as long as you like. Once the 'double' has started, the next 'single' sets off - mayhem usually ensues! 'Foxhunters' is a good tune for it... gradually build up the speed...!!! |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Lucius Date: 25 Feb 01 - 06:33 PM Can someone correct me, I'm under the belief that there are no "easy" Irish dances. Obviously, step dancing requires exacting footwork, but even the few lessons that I have had in set dancing seems to require a sophisticated shuffle step(9re:house about) that places them in a league beyond American squares. Personally, I'd rather teach strathspay, but I'd love someone to tell me that I'm wrong. Lucius |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock Date: 26 Feb 01 - 07:01 AM I'd agree Lucius. Set dancing does indeed have "shuffle" steps and "hop and stamp" variations on this, generally requiring a bit of practice to get the co-ordibation fluid. Step dancing - of the solo or group sort - generally takes years to get it right, and a good teacher to teach it. It's the ceilidh dance steps such as the Waves of Tory or the Siege of Ennis that are simple as you just need to skip in the indicated direction. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock Date: 26 Feb 01 - 08:04 AM co-ordibation? Sounds dodgy. I definitely meant co-ordination. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Noreen Date: 26 Feb 01 - 11:03 AM And where can I buy this co-ordibation fluid, Fibula? Sounds as if it would be useful in all sorts of areas... |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Rich(bodhránai gan ciall) Date: 26 Feb 01 - 07:11 PM Weekly dances here in Pittsburgh end every week with the Keel Row, (right before the waltz, of course). The musicians here play it really slow to start and bring it up a little every couple turns. This way new people who've been sitting and watching can often be drawn in, and by the time it's at breakneck speed, they're already dancing! ( This still not as mean as telling them that mná is men and fír is her on the bathroom doors!) Rich |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 27 Feb 01 - 03:50 AM Rich What else do you dance weekly at Pittsburgh ?? Someone out there MUST know some simple ceili dances ? |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: manitas_at_work Date: 27 Feb 01 - 07:42 AM Sarah, I don't understand why you can't use some English, Scottish or American country dances. At Irish dances I've played at nobody has stopped to ask the origin of the dances and they are all sufficientl alike in style to pass from one country to another with ease. Dances like Waves of Tory, Bridge of Athlone and Thady You Gander are danced often enough in England that nobody stops to think that they might not be English. You could try this link http://www.ftech.co.uk/~webfeet/efolk/index.html#descriptions for English dances and http://www.scottishdance.org/ for Scottish dances.
|
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 27 Feb 01 - 07:48 AM Manitas I have a fierce band leader who is also unfortunately the agent to deal with. He checks my every move and if he says Irish - Irish it has to be....not that I'm scared or anything but I need the ££££ Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Noreen Date: 27 Feb 01 - 08:09 AM Sarah, I was brought up ceili dancing in the Irish community in Liverpool (England) and have danced at many a ceili in Ireland. You have been given all the simple ones that are possible to call! Any others are best learned by joining in with a group who know the dance, or stepwise (pun intended) at a ceili class. When I've been involved in calling dances, we've used mostly English dances such as those mentioned above. Noreen |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock Date: 27 Feb 01 - 08:10 AM Noreen - Old Ma Fibula's Genuine Co-ordibation Fluid and Dancing Elixir ("just like Grandma used to make") - available by mail order for only 40 quid a bottle, right after the Mudcat Female Scientific Research Group have finished the lab testing. Also available on perscription from the NYCFTTS. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: wes.w Date: 27 Feb 01 - 08:13 AM Sarah, As people have already said, its difficult to know what is Irish and what isn't. My daughters have been dancing Irish STEP since toddlers (eldest now 19) under tuition of a lady who learned in the 1950s (and former All Ireland). Its changed a lot since then, though. What I can tell you is that the Ceilidh dances are danced by us parents using the figures only, without the fancy footwork. We just bounce around in time to the music. So I'd suggest you look at the step stuff only from the figures point of view. The dances you've mentioned are some the kids use. SETS are a different animal. Depending on the capabilities of your audience (usually zero on St Pats) you may be able to teach them a few standard set moves (forward and back, round the house, turn the lady, etc) and then string various combinations together, perhaps in varying reel/jig/slide/ hornpipe rhythms. But stop worrying about the feet! If you do see a expert couple, get THEM to demonstrate, and you'll have friends a future source. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: wes.w Date: 27 Feb 01 - 08:20 AM Sarah, As people have already said, its difficult to know what is Irish and what isn't. My daughters have been dancing Irish STEP since toddlers (eldest now 19) under tuition of a lady who learned in the 1950s (and former All Ireland). Its changed a lot since then, though. What I can tell you is that the Ceilidh dances are danced by us parents using the figures only, without the fancy footwork. We just bounce around in time to the music. So I'd suggest you look at the step stuff only from the figures point of view. The dances you've mentioned are some the kids use. SETS are a different animal. Depending on the capabilities of your audience (usually zero on St Pats) you may be able to teach them a few standard set moves (forward and back, round the house, turn the lady, etc) and then string various combinations together, perhaps in varying reel/jig/slide/ hornpipe rhythms. But stop worrying about the feet! If you do see a expert couple, get THEM to demonstrate, and you'll have friends a future source. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: wes.w Date: 27 Feb 01 - 08:29 AM Whoops! Sorry, trans-atlantic delay problems! |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Bernard Date: 27 Feb 01 - 01:36 PM Even better - just take a few standard figures and make up your own dances. That's what most of us do at some time or other. Just remember they go together in 8 bar phrases, usually - a 32 bar dance is 2 'A' plus 2 'B' phrases, a 48 bar dance can be AABBAB, or AABBCC (or anything else, for that matter!). Maybe you could even make up an original figure of your own, and call it 'The Shamrock'... As long as the audience enjoy themselves, tell your 'fierce bandleader' to go and play with himself. He's a big problem who needs bringing down to size! |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Rich(bodhránai gan ciall) Date: 27 Feb 01 - 06:14 PM Sarah, I normally play at the céilís. If I dance at all, I normally have to trust the 7 other dancers to drag me around with them. It seems to me the fairy reel is a pretty easy one , but I don't remember all of it. I won't be playing tonight, but if I can get the steps for it next week, I'll PM you. Rich |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,Wavestar Date: 27 Feb 01 - 06:44 PM Sarah - if you still need dances, email the Celtic Society here at the University of St Andrews (email should be celtic@st-andrews.ac.uk, check the web page - st-and.ac.uk) They have lots of dances, easy and not so easy, and they teach them very well. I know several of the committee members, in particular is Jo answers tell her I referred you. These are ceilidh dances, not set or step. They may be identifiably Scottish and they may not, but it's worth a shot. -Jessica |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,Guest Date: 27 Feb 01 - 08:12 PM We regularly drag anyone who gets close enough through the Siege of Carrick. It has one mildly tricky part. But it's progressive, so after the third repeat or so, everyone's got it. The Four Hand Reel (I've never heard another name for it), and the Fairy Reel are pretty simple, but longer. Depends on how long you're planning to spend teaching |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 28 Feb 01 - 03:32 AM I need to spend about 6 mins teaching - thats why they've got to be simple. Thanks for the e-mail contact Jessica Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Marion Date: 28 Feb 01 - 07:49 PM Sarah, I'd just like to second what Noreen said - it's fine, and in some ways desirable, to repeat dances within an evening. Lucius, from my experience, you're right and wrong. There is a proper way to do the footwork in the ceilidh dances that has to be learned. But you don't need to do the footwork properly to have a good time. Those who are unknowledgeable need to know where to go and when, either by walking through the dance first or by having the experienced dancers giving them some verbal/physical guidance as they go along. But they can bluff the footwork and just skip or run or whatever. Marion |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 03 Mar 01 - 09:01 AM Rich - did you have any luck with the dances ? Guest guest do you have instructions for the Seige of Carrick or does anyone else ??? Still searching Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler Date: 06 Mar 01 - 08:36 AM Thread refreshed,as Sarah still doesn't seem to have what she wants! And me, I know NOTHING, having 2 left feet! RtS |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 06 Mar 01 - 02:49 PM Thanks for refreshing me Roger !!!! |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 09 Mar 01 - 08:19 AM Another attempt at a refresh in hope of more. Steps to seige of carrick anyone ??? The 17th looms closer and so far not much luck in expanding my repertoire Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,mike@muzikman.freeserve.co.uk Date: 10 Mar 01 - 05:28 AM Reading through the melé of "missing the point" would have been a real expensive trip if you had to pay for the postage.!! I play in a professional Barn Dance band but you should be wary of the difference in the translation of the word "Ceilidh" cos in Ireland it means a sort of music festival whereas the English often use the term loosly to describe a Barn Dance. You should check with the people you are doing the booking with to see what they want exactly. This could be where the confusion is comming to bear perhaps. I know what you mean.... Seige of Ennis, Lady Godiva comes to Town, Stripping the Willow etc etc. Try our caller doug.hudson@lineone.net or visit our webpage www.hotrats.net I think you will find this type of entertainment very rewarding if you haven't done any yet. Good luck on Paddies Day, I'm doing two gigs that day ...knackered or what but its a living ....just. Mike. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 10 Mar 01 - 09:20 AM Finnishing work now and the weekend beckons at last. Thought I'd refresh this before I go and anticipate the riches I will find here on Monday Morning. Well I can have hope anyway |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Noreen Date: 11 Mar 01 - 08:33 PM Sarah, if you've not found them yet, Fairy Reel instructions (and others), are here: http://www.angelfire.com/on2/ceili/ Try the 'Sweets of May' too, nice and easy but needs a specific tune. The same two are also referred to at http://arthurkingsland.virtualave.net/Irish-Dance/instructions.html |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 13 Mar 01 - 03:30 AM Thanks Noreen but these dances at Newcastle and Angel Fire sites are mostly set dances and they are too complicated. There are too many parts to them for beginners. I need something very very simple but traditional. But any other ideas anyone. Some of you Irish mudcats must have danced as kids some really basic stuff In hope, Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Noreen Date: 13 Mar 01 - 10:17 AM Sarah, you have been given everything that there is. I was brought up going to children's ceilis and being dragged round dances at adult ceilis by those who knew them- there are no others. But as I said above, (and someone else mentioned) the Fairy Reel and the Sweets of May are possibilities to call, if you have a crowd who are quick on the uptake. Otherwise, repeat the Walls of Limerick and Siege of Ennis, or resort to simpler, non-Irish dances, which you have also been given above. Noreen |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Noreen Date: 13 Mar 01 - 10:18 AM I meant to add, please let us know how you get on. Noreen |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock Date: 13 Mar 01 - 12:13 PM Aye Sarah, as an Irish Mudcatter who has danced really basic stuff - it's Waves of Tory, Walls of Limerick, Siege of Ennis - the ones you already have. Noreen's right - that's all there is to it. And I don't even know how traditional they are - I went to Irish (step) dancing and learnt set dancing too - those ceilidh dances we have mentioned I rarely encountered except at the odd wedding and Old Age Pensioners' Social Nights where the taste of watery tea and egg-and-onion sandwiches with the crusts cut off linger still. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 14 Mar 01 - 03:46 AM Fibula Do you know this one The Seige of Carrick that was mentioned in this thread ? AAArrgh!!! panic ! 4 days to go!!! |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Noreen Date: 18 Mar 01 - 11:47 PM Sarah- how did it go? We need to know! Noreen |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Sarah the flute Date: 19 Mar 01 - 06:56 AM Thanks Noreen The punters were fine and had a grand time. Luckily they were running a bit late and so I got away with doing my usual Irish dances with a couple of others with subtle name changes. The only heckling was a few snide comments from my band leader but hey ho back to playing with my nice band next week I survived the ordeal !!! Sarah |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Noreen Date: 19 Mar 01 - 07:07 AM Glad to hear it, Sarah. Snide band leaders are sent to try us... :0) Noreen |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock Date: 20 Mar 01 - 07:03 AM Glad it went well Sarah. I taught my Girl Guide pack a couple of slightly modified dances last week (Siege of Ennis and Waves of Tory) and they had a great time! I was amazed at how quickly the younger ones picked it up and kept in time, and even the troublemakers were begging for another go! |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: GUEST,catlin Date: 21 Mar 01 - 06:14 AM 1) I'm looking for my own email and will join soon 2) Find your local Society for Creative Anachronsms (sca.org)group. A lot of the dances overlap. Also, try finding a local National Scottish Country Dance Society group. I'm sure they have a website. Go to Piney Woods up north. Do NOT watch Riverdance, trying to immitate them. The Irish dance step they do a lot is called "sevens and threes" and is a pain in the tuckuss to teach. FYI: Irish dancing looks that way because most of it was done in the kitchen or living rooms of very small cottages during one of those annoying crackdowns by the English(as in they were not allowed to be seen doing it, let alone speaking their native tongue or be jailed). So, the dances, which were probably as lively as Scottish Country dances, became the dances we see exhibited on (shudder) Riverdance-straight armed with little vertical movement. That way if the constable came a callin' they could quickly disperse. |
|
Subject: RE: Irish Ceilidh Dance Steps From: Noreen Date: 21 Mar 01 - 06:48 AM Interesting theory, Catlin... I think sets (round the house and mind the dresser!) might have been a bit more difficult to conceal... :0) |
| Share Thread: |