About Traditional Irish Dancing and Class Information


Class Release Form (Adult): PDF Download
Class Release Form (Child): PDF Download

Membership Form: PDF Download

Mostly Monthly Ceili Series
Solo Dance Classes for Kids and Adults
Set and Ceili Dance Classes for Teens and Adults

MOSTLY MONTHLY CEILI - Fenian's Pub - Jackson, MS

What is this céilí thing, anyway? Céilí (pronounced "KAY-lee") means "gathering", especially with music and dancing - but our definition is that it's good old-fashioned fun. We host a céilí about once a month at Fenian's Irish Pub (corner of Fortification & Jefferson Streets in Jackson) - usually the third Sunday, but check the calendar for specifics. Some months are crowded, raucous affairs, while others are quiet opportunities to learn some dancing in a relaxed setting. Sometimes our friendly local musicians join in to play live music or sing a song or three, and other times we get along with some CDs. Either way, we've never known a céilí not to be a great time!

Musicians and singers are welcome, as are all dancers, regardless of experience -- we'll walk through the dances before doing them -- so bring the kids, grandma, your dancing shoes, your fiddle or whistle, and your favorite new tune, and come on out from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon each month (check the schedule at www.fenianspub.com and on our calendar page). These events are family-friendly and non-smoking; and best of all, they're FREE (donations welcome). The bar is open and Fenian's provides a special céilí menu, so there's music, food, drink, and dancing -- all the important things in life! Come join us.

SOLO DANCE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH CATHERINE SHERER BISHOP, TCRG

Catherine offers weekly classes in light and heavy-shoe solo dancing, based on interest and experience. Beginners must start with light dancing. Your registration fee for these classes is a JID membership (an annual payment of $15 for individuals and $25 for families; family membership required for students under 18). Thereafter, classes are just $10 per person per class.

Wednesday evening solo classes are held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mississippi Ballet Theatre, 2930 Springridge Road (Clinton area). (Note new location - MBT has moved!).  From Jackson, take I-55 South, take I-20 West, exit at Hwy 18 towards Raymond, and drive 5 miles.  Turn right on Springridge Road (there will be a sign with flashing yellow lights that says "Signal Ahead" just before the turn).  The studio is on the right, across from Deviney Equipment.  From Madison/North Jackson:  take I-220 to I-20 West, and then immediately exit onto Hwy 18, and then follow same directions as above.  From Clinton:  take Springridge Road towards Raymond.  The studio will be on the left, across from Deviney Equipment, and just before you get to Hwy 18. 

Friday afternoon solo classes are held at the Madison County Cultural Center at 210 Main Street, Madison, MS, and run from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.  Classes are in the second-floor dance studio.

For information on these classes, please call Catherine at 601-720-5034.

 

CÉILÍ AND SET DANCING CLASSES FOR ADULTS & TEENS

Not sure solo dancing (à la Lord of the Dance) is quite your thing? Fear not: JID also offers classes and workshops for adults and teens in set and céilí dancing. If you're new to this Irish dancing thing, these "set dances" are traditional dances, usually for "sets" of eight dancers, and often from a particular geographic area in Ireland. They're descendants of 18th- and 19th-century French and English courtly dances, and sort of cousins of American contra, square and round dancing. Céilí dances also have standard choreography, and many are recognized for competition dancing. They may be "long" or progressive dances, or figure dances, and they're generally danced with more of a "lift" (footwork coming off the ground) and a more formal posture.

In other words: set and céilí dances are for a group of dancers; they're a great way to meet people and get some exercise, and if you know your right foot from your left foot, that's half the battle. You don't need to be Irish, or a dancer, and you don't need a partner. Beginners are welcome. Classes are geared for adults and mature teens (ages 16 and up), but we sometimes admit slightly younger students with the instructor's permission. Céilí and set dancing classes meet periodically on Sunday afternoons from 4 to 5 p.m., at Ballet Mississippi's Downtown studio (in the Mississippi Arts Center adjacent to the Museum of Art and Planetarium).  Workshops with visiting instructors may be held at other locations. For schedules, pricing or other information, check the events page, email , or call Catherine at 601-720-5034.

A note about shoes and such:

If you're new to this, don't rush out and buy special shoes. Just come give it a try, hopefully wearing a smooth-soled shoe with some support for your feet and ankles. Aerobics shoes or dance sneakers are good choices; ballet shoes, jazz shoes, or even a clean pair of sneakers are OK too. For any studio class, please don't wear your dance shoes on the street - grit or pebbles in your shoe treads can scratch the dance floor surface, so keep a clean pair to use only in the studio. Once you're comfortable dancing we'll be glad to recommend some sources for Irish dancing shoes for solo, céilí and set dancing. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring some water to drink.

The inevitable disclaimer:

Yes, there are some lawyers in our group, so we feel we need to warn you: Irish dancing is aerobic. As with any new fitness activity, you are encouraged to check with your doctor before beginning if you have any special health concerns.  We will request that you complete a release form before beginning classes.