Hello, I’m Kate
I’m an enthusiastic ceilidh dancer who enjoys encouraging others to dance, and the main person behind Ceilidh Cornwall. I grew up in northeast Scotland and learned to dance as a child in our kitchen at home, at school and weddings.
I’m also a geoscientist and that took me to Iceland in 2005 where I started teaching ceilidh so that I’d have people to ceilidh dance with, and from there The Reel Thing Ceilidh Band and the Ceilidh in Reykjavik project were born – ceilidh classes, corporate events, weddings, parties and ceilidhs in concert halls, nightclubs and in city centre squares.
Now based in Cornwall, I regularly call and play whistle/flute with several local ceilidh bands, most frequently with The Brim Ceilidh Band as their main caller. I have also worked with The Rosevilles Ceilidh Band, The Freedom Fields Ceilidh Band, Celtic Ceilidh Collective and the Hilltop Ceilidh Band, and still do so now and again. It is fascinating and fun working with a wide range of talented musicians.
My priorities with ceilidh dancing are having fun and encouraging everyone to join in – I think those are more important than whether you point your toes in quite the right way – though I do teach technique too.
I’ve worked in education since 1999 and am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority, and have completed multiple training courses on different teaching skills, communication, presentation and working with students with English as a second language. I’ve taught folk from under 5 to over 80 – it is never too late to learn something new. I am a member of the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
I have public liability insurance and a valid first aid certificate, though I hope neither are ever required!
Family and ceilidh musician friends help with Ceilidh Cornwall, and are much appreciated, hence the use of ‘we’ around this website.
Such a fun evening! Hope there are to be more?
— Alison
I think this teacher is exceptional. And one of the main reasons my daughter is studying [in Cornwall] – (a nice comment from my time as a Geography lecturer)
— Ann
She is passionate about what she teaches, is kind and approachable
— Eleanor
I had a great time. Met some lovely new people too
— Tessa
Photo credit: John .Edwards
Ceilidh Cornwall 