What is a Ceilidh or Barn Dance?
A ceilidh or barn dance is an evening of informal traditional dancing.
Perfect for a wedding or party, it is suitable for all ages and provides a great way for people to mix and socialize. The faster dances are an energetic work out, and Wraggle Taggle also play in a more relaxed romantic mood.
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Our callers teach the dances from scratch - no experience necessary! Everyone will have a good time! Mistakes are half the fun of it!
Nowadays there's lots of crossover between traditions, but the dances are thought to have originated in particular countries or regions. If you prefer, Wraggle Taggle can offer dances concentrating on one style e.g. Scottish or Irish.
An Irish "ceili" suitable for dancers with less experience, would include it's own particular dances. "The Siege
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of Ennis" and "The Bridge of Athlone" are both very popular. Wraggle Taggle can also accompany set-dancing, a more complicated style popular in Ireland. We can even arrange a demonstration of step-dancing. Tap-dancing and Riverdance are a development of this style. The jig probably originated in Ireland.
Popular dances in a Scottish "ceilidh" include "The Gay Gordons" and "The Dashing White Sergeant." Reels probably came from Scotland.
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Circle dances are common in an English Barn Dance, and nowadays it's common to include dances from Ireland, Scotland and America. The Hornpipe pobably come from England
American Barn dances often include "square sets" i.e four couples facing each other. "The Virginia Reel", a popular American dance is often now used in Barn Dances and Ceilidhs in Ireland, Scotland and England.
Wraggle Taggle dances include;Barn Dance;
Big Set;
Circassian Circle;
Circle Waltz;
Cumberland Square Eights;
Danish Waltz;
Dashing White Sergeant;
Gay Gordons;
Hokey Cokey;
I Want to be near you;
Seige of Ennis;
Strip the Willow;
Virginia Reel.
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