Jackson Irish Dancers teaches periodic adult classes in traditional céilí and figure dancing and country sets. The classes are offered in various locations, including at Ballet Mississippi in downtown Jackson, and through the Community Enrichment series at Millsaps College. With visiting instructors, we also offer additional workshops throughout the year.

Traditional Irish Dancing

Traditional Irish céilí dancing, figure dancing and country set dancing are ancestors of American square and round dancing and clogging, and are "kissing cousins" to contra dancing and other traditional English and Scottish country dance forms. You may be interested in Irish dance because you've seen it on television or at a festival; it may be a way to learn more about your heritage (more than one in three Mississippians claims Celtic ancestry); or you may just be looking for a great new way to get some aerobic exercise. Whatever the reason, this is your chance to give it a try! Beginners are welcome; you do not need any prior experience with Irish dance, or a partner, to participate.

Please note: 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.

Adult classes in céilí dancing, figure dancing, and country set dancing are designed for adults ages 16 and older, though younger students may be admitted at the instructor's discretion, based on a personal interview and evaluation. You do not need any prior experience, or a partner, to participate. Unless otherwise noted, where classes and workshops are scheduled for Sunday evenings, they will be held at the Ballet Mississippi studio in the Mississippi Museum of Art complex at 201 E. Pascagoula Street in downtown Jackson; classes and workshops scheduled on Thursday evenings through the Millsaps Adult Enrichment Series will be held at Millsaps College in the aerobics studio at the Hall Athletic Center. CelticFest Mississippi (sponsored by the Celtic Heritage Society) is held at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, on Lakeland Drive at I-55, on the weekend following Labor Day each year. There is an admission charge for CelticFest. Periodic céilíthe (some of which are also sponsored by CHS) are usually held at Fenian's Pub, on the corner of Fortification and Jefferson Streets. These are only general guidelines; please confirm admission charges, locations and times of specific events before you travel.