About Traditional Irish Dancing and Class Information


Class Release Form (Adult): Pdf Download
Class Release Form (Child): 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). 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., one Sunday afternoon most months (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 $5 per person per class.

Classes are Wednesday evenings at Ballet Mississippi's Ridgeland studio (in the Odyssey Shopping Center on Pear Orchard Road just north of County Line Road). For information on these classes, please e-mail Catherine directly or call her 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. Classes meet periodically through the year at Ballet Mississippi's Ridgeland studio on Thursday nights or at its Downtown studio (in the Mississippi Arts Center adjacent to the Planetarium) on Sunday afternoons. Workshops with visiting instructors may be held at other locations. For schedules, pricing or other information, check the events page, e-mail Maggie, or give us a call at 601-592-9914.

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.