Get Jiggy at the Last Ceili of the Season

One of the neat things about the DIY movement is that a lot of old things are becoming new again, and this reflects a desire to maintain a connection with our past while at the same time re-purposing “old-fashioned” things to fit in with our current times. I got to thinking that even ceilis fit this description, too.

A ceili (pronounced Kay-Lee) is a traditional Irish dance where people dance to a set pattern for each tune. The caller explains all the steps before each dance, so you can’t use the excuse that you don’t know how to dance. You also don’t need a partner either because there are a lot of people who go solo, just for the fun that’s in it. It may remind you of those old-fashioned barn dances you’d see in old black & white NFB documentaries, but it’s not anything like that. We have lots of different people and ages at the ceilis. It’s a social, relaxed atmosphere and a great way to get some exercise, too!

The ceilis are put on by SIAMSA, the Montreal School of Irish Music, and the live band that accompanies the dancers are mostly teachers from the school. The caller for the SIAMSA ceilis is Bill White who also teaches dance at the school — so he knows what he’s calling about!

There are six or so ceilis every year and the last one is this Saturday. Don’t miss it! Details below.

WHAT: Ceili — dance

WHERE: NDG Legion, corner of de Maisonneuve & Addington

WHEN: Saturday, May 3rd, 8pm to 11-ish pm

COST: $10

MORE INFO: www.siamsa.org