Floor area/size for ceilidh dancing

Subject: Floor area/size for ceilidh dancing
From: Will Fly
Date: 05 Aug 15 - 02:19 PM

I'm very occasionally asked by potential ceilidh bookers for our band what floor area is needed for particular numbers of dancers. They usually need some sort of idea if they're going to book a marquee, for example.

Does anyone had a rule of thumb for calculating dancing space? The most common number of people we play for is usually between 80 and 120.

Any suggestions welcomed.

Subject: RE: Floor area/size for ceilidh dancing
From: GUEST,#
Date: 05 Aug 15 - 03:28 PM

http://www.jigsandreels.co.uk/faq/how-much-space-do-we-need.shtml

Subject: RE: Floor area/size for ceilidh dancing
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Aug 15 - 03:34 PM

Not something that I have ever thought about but a good starting point is just to look at the size of some regular ceilidh venues.

At Cecil Sharp House Trefusis is 112 square metres and Kennedy 252 square metres. Trefusis starts getting uncomfortable at around 80 dancers while Kennedy still feels empty.

Subject: RE: Floor area/size for ceilidh dancing
From: Mo the caller
Date: 12 Aug 15 - 10:53 AM

A booklet that I read when starting to call said 70 people on a badminton court.
If you imagine square sets in the lines; 8 boxes, with room for a square in each box, easily. (Though usually the first up take a full box, and it gets more squashed towards the bottom).
Where experienced dancers will fit 2 longways sets a roomful of beginners might spread.

And it depends if there are chairs / tables.

Disco floors are hopeless!!...except when you want to disguise the fact that no one is getting up to dance.