Did you know there is a whole world of Irish dance beyond Riverdance and little girls wearing bright costumes in dance competitions? People of all ages and nationalities get together and turn toe tapping into happy social dances set to traditional, lively Irish tunes. Céilís (pronounced "kay lees") are Irish dance parties where the musicians and dancers create an amazing shared energy in the dance hall or pub. There are many dances and a variety of moves, formations, and steps so you'll never be bored. Some céilí and set dances are similar to Contra, American square dancing, or English country dancing, but the Irish has a magical style and vibe all its own.
This page offers a list of opportunities to dance in and around the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex and beyond, whether you are a new dancer seeking to learn or an experienced dancer wanting to kick up your heels. Peruse this page for highlights and the Calendar for upcoming events, or sign up to receive notices on our e-mail list. If you hear about an event or classes open for public participation, please send them to us so we can pass the word along. See you at the next céilí!
Upcoming Events
Trinity Hall Céilí -- February 7, 2010
Come out and dance at Trinity Hall with the Lone Star Céilí Band from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Dances called. Beginners welcome! (Please spread the word by sharing this flyer at your school or office.) NO CEILI Feb. 7 due to the Super Bowl. We're skipping Trinity Hall this month.
SCMA Céilí -- February 20, 2010
Enjoy céilí and set dancing at the ArtCentre of Plano. It's a great location in historic Plano, steps away from restaurants, the Fillmore Pub, and the DART light rail. Bring a friend! 7-9pm, open to all levels, age 13 and up. BYOB if you like; water provided. $7 ($5 for SCMA members).Irish Set Dance Class -- March 3 - April 7, 2010
Register now for the Irish Set Dancing class in McKinney, TX. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate set dancer, join this class and learn something new. We'll cover everything from what it means to dance 'round the house to footwork to new dances, depending on your interest. Classes will run Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:30pm, March 3 to April 7 in the McKinney Community Center. Bring a friend, spouse, or a young dancer age 12 and up. Check out page 24 of the McKinney Activity Guide for more details. Call 972-547-2690 and register now to ensure the class makes!North Texas Irish Festival -- March 5-7, 2010
Don't miss this huge festival - plenty of music, dancing, fair food, and pretties to buy. Stick around Saturday for the evening céilí from 7-10pm with music by the Lone Star Ceili Band. You can even bring the kids to dance. We tend to dance more traditional céilí and 2-hands at the beginning and switch to sets later in the evening when it's mostly grown-ups. Whichever style you prefer, it's all fun!Running Calendar
For general Irish dance information see the Irish Dance Wiki.
Past Events
Trinity Hall Céilís -- 1st Sunday of the Month
These are mighty céilís! We dance sets like the Moycullen, the Connemara, and the Clare Lancers plus 2-hands and
traditional céilí from Walls of Limerick to the Three Tunes. Check out the
photos of past dances.
SCMA Céilí -- January 9, 2010
It was "around the house and mind the woodturning" for this céilí. Such amazing things to admire between dances!SCMA Party Céilí -- November 14, 2009
The holiday party céilí was a blast! We had four full sets for the Monaghan Set - woo hoo! Folks brought yummy snacks, the band played wonderfully, and a good time was had by all.
SCMA Céilí -- September 19, 2009
The fifth consecutive season of céilís at the ArtCentre of Plano, sponsored by The Southwest Celtic
Music Association, got off to a great start.
Trinity Hall Céilí Session -- August 2, 2009
Billye Cheek and Sharon O'Rourke called this one. A fun afternoon was enjoyed by all.
Texas Rose of Tralee Céilí -- July 11, 2009
Céilí with the 2009 Texas Rose of Tralee, Leslie McDonough from 4:00 to 7:00pm in the former Chaucer's space next door to Trinity Hall. Calling by Susan Harrison. This was a fundraiser for the Texas Rose of Tralee. Cost: $10 per person.
Trinity Hall Céilí Session -- July 5, 2009
We had our own party on Independence Day weekend at the céilí with the Trinity Hall Session Players.
Click the pic for more from the day.
Trinity Hall Céilí Session -- June 7, 2009
Our first session with the Trinity Hall Session Players and area dancers was awesome!
Click the picture to see more photos from the day.
SCMA Celtic Céilí -- May 16, 2009
It was time to dodge sculptures again! For pictures and video take a look in the gallery
SCMA Celtic Céilí -- April 4, 2009
For pictures and video take a look in the gallery
North Texas Irish Festival -- March 6-8, 2009
NTIF was a blast. Awesome weather, shows, and vendors plus the novelty of a new (old) space
made for a memorable weekend.
Lochrann's Pub Dancing -- Feb. 15, 2009
Ahh, it's so nice to spread out in Lochrann's new Devin Hall.
SCMA Céilí -- November 22, 2008
The 2008 Party Ceili had a great turnout! We danced the Ballyvourney Jig Set, the Antrim Square, the Fairy Reel, and plenty more. Treasured quilts adorned the ArtCentre's walls and were even draped inside a Sleeping-Beauty-like display. "Around the house and mind the sarcophagus!"
SCMA Céilí -- September 27, 2008
The first céilí at the ArtCentre, and the venue was definitely a hit.
SCMA Céilí -- April 12, 2008
The second céilí of 2008 was another mix of new and experienced dancers and was lots of fun. Danced through several figures from the Ballingeary set, the High Cauled Cap, a few two hands and even tried on the Flowers of Edinburgh.
Lochrann's Pub in Frisco TX Apr 6, 2008
We got bumped due to an away soccer game so started things about 4:30 rather than the regular 2:00pm but it was fun just the same. Come join us sometime! Check the calendar above or email us to confirm. (Psst...Click the photo below to see the gallery photos from past sessions.)
We also have a blog post at
the
dragonseye.com blogThe North Texas Irish Festival -- March 1, 2008
NTIF was great fun and the crowds were such that the festival way paid for on the first day! The dancing and music kept our feet moving and the Saturday night céilí left us tired but happy. Altan was a great treat on Sunday and the festival was an all-around success (except for the concession lines).Take a look at the pictures and video over here.
Lochrann's Pub in Frisco TX
Finally, a real Irish pub north of 635 that encourages trad music and dancing! We adult dancers are all about this. Dec. 30, 2007 was our first chance to dance while Bob Moore & friends played. We dance on 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Join us! Check the calendar above or email us to confirm. (Psst...Click the photo below to see the gallery photos from past sessions.)
SCMA Céilí -- January 12, 2008
The first céilí of 2008 was loads of fun with a mix of new and experienced dancers. Danced through a few ceili figures, the Monaghan set and a fun hornpipe. Click the icon to see more.
Many thanks to Aon Celtic Art for the lovely graphics.
Hosting through www.dragonseye.com.
Last updated: January 21, 2010