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 -- August 1, 2010
Come out and dance at Trinity Hall Dallas (the Mockingbird Station location) with the Lone Star Céilí Band from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Dances called. Beginners welcome!
Irish Set Dance Classes -- Fall 2010
Irish Set Dancing classes in McKinney, TX continue! Learn dances, fancy footwork, and have a grand time with friendly folks. Couples or singles welcome.
| Class Code: | 133525-A1 |
| Dates: | Sept. 8 - Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 - Dec. 1 |
| No class Nov. 24 due to Thanksgiving | |
| Day / Time: | Wednesday evenings, 7:30 - 8:30pm |
| Location: | McKinney Community Center, 2001 South Central Expy. (a little north of 121, east side of I-75) |
| Fees: | $32 Resident/$35 Non-Resident |
| Age: | 12yr. & up |
| To register: | call 972-547-2690 or visit https://webtrac.mckinneytexas.org/ |
SCMA Celtic Céilí - 2010/2011 Season
A new season begins in September in a new venue...drum roll...
the Sammons Center for the Arts in Dallas!
Dancers will enjoy plenty of room to move in the airy, 2800 sq ft Meadows Hall. This century-old Dallas
landmark hosts many other arts and cultural events and is
located
close to major freeways for easy access from around the Metroplex.
Why the new venue? The ArtCentre of Plano sold their lovely building and moved to an historic home instead which
simply does not have room for dancing. We wish them well in their new space.
Along with the new venue, this season adds a new one-hour class in Irish set or traditional céilí dancing to
help beginners get up to speed and to give experienced dancers an opportunity to focus on footwork and tricky
moves. Classes will run from 6:45 to 7:45pm to recorded music, followed by a céilí from 8:00 to 10:00pm to live music.
Both are open to all levels. With the greater space and the addition of a class, admission is
$10 regularly or $8 for SCMA members. If you're not already a member of the Southwest Celtic Music Association,
now would be a great time to join. Check out the membership levels and benefits here.
Note that most of the dances are on Saturday evenings as usual, but two are on Friday nights this season. See you on the dance floor!
| September 4, 2010 | Class: 6:45pm to 7:45pm | |
| October 8 (Friday) | Céilí: 8:00pm to 10:00pm | |
| November 6 | Admission: $10 ($8 for SCMA members) | |
| December 4 | Water provided | |
| January 7, 2011 (Friday) | ||
| February 5 | ||
| April 2 | ||
| May 7 |
Trinity Hall Céilí -- September 19, 2010
Come out and dance at Trinity Hall Dallas (the Mockingbird Station location) with the Lone Star Céilí Band from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Dances called. Beginners welcome! * Note that these pub céilís are moving from the 1st Sunday to the 3rd since the SCMA Céilís will mostly be on 1st Saturdays. *
2011 Mardi Gras/O'Flaherty's Irish Channel Pub Reunion Cruise -- Feb. 25, 2011
Plan now for a delightful break in 2011, an Irish themed cruise of the Caribbean! Prices start at $1099pps for this week-long cruise aboard the Norwegian Spirit. Bring an instrument and enjoy daily sessions with the Lone Star Ceili Band, and of course bring your dance shoes for céilí and set dance workshops and evening ceilithe. Check out the link for all the details.
CCE North American Convention, San Antonio -- March 24-27, 2011
If you love Irish set dancing and traditional music, you must not miss the opportunity to attend the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann's convention weekend in San Antonio, TX! Dancers, get ready for four days of céilís and workshops. Musicians, you'll get workshops too plus opportunities to session with amazing players from North America and beyond. Details are still being worked out; check with the convention's website for updates.
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.
North Texas Irish Festival -- March 5-7, 2010
Wow, was a great festival this year. Saturday's weather could not have been more perfect, and a super bouncy group of adults kept the ceili hopping. Whee!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: July 25, 2010