Ceilidh Guide
What is a ceilidh?
Never heard of a ceilidh? No worries, we’ve got you covered! A ceilidh usually has a “caller” who explains the dance moves to the crowd, and then everyone dances along to (often) live music. And let’s be clear – ceilidhs are all about having fun!
There’s something special about sharing the music and the moment with others. In a world where real connections can be hard to come by, ceilidhs bring that sense of togetherness we all crave. Check out Ceilidh Connections in action in the video below – it’s a good taste of what’s to come!
What makes a Great Ceilidh?
A Great Caller!
The callers are the ones who bring the dancing to life, and a ceilidh can make or break depending on how well they do their job.
Our caller knows how to grab your event by the horns and make it their mission to get everyone involved and having a blast. If anyone’s even remotely keen to give dancing a go, we’ll encourage them all the way – no one’s left on the sidelines!
A great caller has the knack for reading the crowd and adapting their style to suit the moment. Sometimes, you need full-throttle enthusiasm to get everyone moving, and other times, a more laid-back approach is best to simply keep things flowing. It’s all about knowing what fits.
And choosing the right dance? That’s key. Pick something too complicated and you’ll lose the crowd. A skilled caller will sense the vibe, pick the perfect dance for the moment, and keep the energy rising. We start with a spark of interest and, by the end of the night, we’ve turned it into a full-blown blaze!
A Great Band!
The caller might be the star of the show, but let’s not forget about the magic created by the incredible musicians at Ceilidh Connections! The music has to have that something special that gets guests itching to dance, and our musicians have a deep understanding of ceilidh dancing that really brings it to life.
The fiddle is at the heart of ceilidh tunes, and our fiddle players grew up soaking up ceilidh vibes and folk tunes in sessions. They know how to create that magic that makes people want to leap up and dance – sometimes all it takes is a solo fiddle to get the crowd going!
These musicians are like magicians, creating a driving, rhythmic sound that makes one fiddle sound like a whole orchestra! Throw in a guitar for a richer sound, and the accordion adds even more texture and playfulness. When the caller starts working their magic over that, you’ve got a massive sound.
And just like the caller, the band has to roll with the punches of the ceilidh. If the walk-through went well but the crowd’s struggling with the casting out at the end? No worries – we’ll adjust and keep the energy flowing. It’s all part of the ceilidh charm!
Great Planning!
First off, let’s talk about guests. The more we know, the better! How many folk are coming? What’s their dancing experience and age range? How well do they know each other? These details are crucial because they’ll shape the kind of dances and overall ceilidh style that will work best.
Next up, the venue. Ceilidh Connections has plenty of experience at all sorts of venues, big and small. The dancing space and layout play a huge part in what’s possible. We’re pros at ceilidhs in small or tricky spaces – it all comes down to smart planning. For example, minimising tables and chairs can make all the difference. And in a larger space, positioning the furniture just right can help beginners feel more comfortable diving in.
We’ve got heaps of experience advising on venue set-up, from acoustic requirements to working closely with the venue to ensure everything’s set for a smooth night. We’ll make sure all the logistics are taken care of, whether that’s adjusting for sound limiters or getting the layout just right.
When it comes to timing, a little thought goes a long way. Proper planning means you can place the ceilidh at the perfect point in your event, ideally when most guests are there, and energy levels are still high. That’s why we often recommend having the ceilidh a bit earlier. But, of course, every event is unique, and there’s an art to getting those timings spot-on. Even the type of food can make a difference!
If you’ve got other entertainment lined up, that’s another factor to consider. For example, if you’re planning a DJ, it’s best to let the ceilidh lead into the disco. It creates a seamless musical transition from the traditional to the modern – you don’t want to unleash Stevie Wonder too early!
With our experience, Ceilidh Connections will help guide you through all of this, ensuring you’ve got the perfect ceilidh set-up for your event.
Get in Touch
If you’re planning a ceilidh, barn dance, wedding, party or just want to chat we’d love to hear from you.
You can call Graeme on 0476 565 062, send an email to bookings@thescotsmanmusic.com or fill in an enquiry form.
