What's a ceilidh?
It's a social dance, traditionally held in a barn (hence often called a
“barn dance”). Thomas Hardy's descriptions of rural English life
pre-1850 describe barn-dances or ceilidhs as an integral part of local
celebrations - Weddings, Births, Baptisms and Wakes often included a
Barn Dance, as well as high days and holidays such as Harvest,
Christmas and Easter. Any cause for celebration and social gathering
was cause for a ceilidh.
Entertainment
The break in dances provides a slot for other entertainment if
required. Sometimes, other artists are booked, or perhaps your own
guests will appreciate a chance to show off their talents with a song,
tune, story or dance? Blakeney Red Band offer music, circus or dance
performances as ceilidh entertainment.
Why hold a Ceilidh?
Ceilidhs are inclusive - from toddlers to totterers, fitness freaks
to couch potatoes, everyone is welcome and everyone moves at their own
pace, whether that's your first faltering footsteps, your final fling,
with the aid of a zimmer frame or wheelchair-users - ceilidh dances are
fun for everyone.
Ceilidhs are relaxed - dance when you want, sit it out when you don't.
The music is live and loud enough to rock your socks without inflicting
permanent damage to the eardrums. No strobe lighting, no flames,
flashes or fireworks; ceilidh dancers make their own entertainment!
Ceilidhs are ideal for families.
Ceilidhs make money, especially when combined with fun fund-raisers
like raffles, roll-a-�1 or even the ever-popular Ferret racing. Plan a
ceilidh for your fund-raising event. (See Organising a ceilidh)
Ceilidhs enhance BBQs, Conferences, Receptions and Parties. A ceilidh
is the ideal way to round off a fete or fair, and a wonderful
opportunity to say “thank you”, “Hello” or “Goodbye” to collegues and
friends.
But I don't know any traditional dances!
No problem! Blakeney Red band comes with built-in Caller Rog Wade.
He takes charge of the dancing through the event, walking through the
moves, demonstrating the steps and reminding dancers of the moves
during the dance. The Caller is on hand to lead the dances and prevent
confusion descending into chaos on the dance floor.
And I don't have a partner!
You don't need one! Ceilidhs are social dances, so partners (when
needed) are plentiful. It matters not who you dance with, only that you
enjoy the dancing.
A ceilidh is a chance to make acquaintances, and turn them into
friends! There are even “pass on” dances, where you can legitimately
swop your partner for a newer model again, and again!
So what happens at a Ceilidh?
You'll receive an invitation, or buy a ticket, or get a ticket on
the door. The ticket might include food - often a Ploughman's, Pastie
or Stovie Supper - and will say if there is a bar available at the
venue (drinks, especially water, is suggested as dancing can be
energetic).
Book Blakeney Red, and you'll get a live band to set the mood, play
for the dances and fill in any gaps in between.
Dance to old tunes - Dashing White Sergeant, Three around three,
Gallopede, Haste to the Wedding and Gay Gordon(or Caerphilly March) -
some tunes you know, some you don't, and some you might recognise!
The Caller is MC for the event, and will invite dancers to take
the floor. It all follows from there, with dances explained, walked
through, Called and danced as energetically as you like. Bop till you
drop or sit some out - it's up to you!
In a typical ceilidh, there'll be a break halfway through the
evening for refreshments, comfort and socialising before the dancing
continues. The evening ends with an “all in” dance like Circassian
Circle, and the band plays out with a toe-tapping polka or smoochy
waltz for as many as will.
How much does Blakeney Red cost?
That varies, depending on how far we have to travel, how long the
gig is for and what you want! Call us to discuss what you need.