I play in an Irish/Scottish ceili band, we have varying reactions from the places we play at. It depends on the types of audiences. At weddings and parties etc, then people really get up and have a great time.

At arranged ceilis for fundraising, or a straight forward ceili evening then it can be a little hard sometimes to get people up and dancing. We have a troop of dancers who demonstrate the dances first and then go around when the crowd are more reluctant and get them up to dance.

Most times though people join in, but some people can be very VERY inhibited (those who are not used to ceilis or have not been to many) and don't like to make a show of themselves. It sometimes makes us think, well why did they book a ceili band if all they want to do is to sit down and listen to the music.

If loads of people get up and dance it makes the evening go quickly and we enjoy it more. As a musician in the band it is hysterical watching some of the creations that go on on the dance floor. And sometimes we are hard pressed not to fall about laughing.

Go for it.

Ella