We occasionally offer specialist classes and workshops and these pop up every now and then, but we can also run these, and our normal classes or variations of them, for your group – please do ask. Ceilidh workshops are fantastic for celebrations, hen nights, birthday treats, for community groups, youth groups and team-building events for you and your colleagues!
Take a look at the ideas below and then do get in touch if you are interested.
Note all times below are suggestions.
Workshops for beginners and more advanced dancers
These workshops give you a good mix of different types of dances from a variety of countries, tailored to different experience levels.
Introduction to ceilidh – master the basics
In this introductory workshop you will learn ceilidh and ceilidh-style dances from a range of traditions and countries, with an interesting mixture of dances to different types of music. You’ll be well versed in do-si-dos, right hand stars and basic spinning moves by the end of this workshop, enough to feel at home in any ceilidh setting. You might even catch the ceilidh bug! These workshops can be arranged as a one-off or in block if you’d like a bit more than just a taster. (1-1.5 hours)
Intermediate / advanced ceilidh
Do you crave to learn a bit more from the ceilidh world, not quite challenged enough at ceilidhs and classes aimed at the less experienced dancers?
If so, I have some fun, more challenging dances up my sleeves to set your minds, and your toes, to.
Maybe the Eightsome Reel, for example: “a fusion of opposites: the elegant quadrille with its French roots and the energetic reel native to Scotland” (Rosemary Coupe)? (1-1.5 hours)
Design your own ceilidh dance
This workshop will allow you to choreograph your own ceilidh dance and then test it out. If there are enough of you in the workshop then you will teach it to others in the group, and also learn the dance that they designed. We look at the components of dances, how they fit to the music and think about how moves flow into each other to make really satisfying dances.
(1.5 hours to a half day)
Themed workshops
Ceilidh Cornwall classes and evenings cover dances from all over the UK and even farther afield, with some dances from around the world. These are our most requested workshops, but do ask if you’d like to explore dances from the USA or Scandinavia too – we will do our best to help.
Scottish ceilidh classics
These workshops introduce you to the classic ceilidh dances from Scotland, such as Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow and St Bernard’s Waltz. Perfect to book in January just before (or for) a Burns Night celebration, in November for St. Andrews Day or just for the fun of an authentic Scottish ceilidh experience.
(1-1.5 hours)
A taste of Cornish dance
This beginner Cornish dance workshop introduces you to dances you might encounter at a Troyl (sometimes called a Cornish ceilidh).
You will dance in groups, pairs and as individuals, so there will be a good variety, and we’ll end on a traditional Serpent dance.
(1-1.5 hours)
Regency dances
Do you have a desire to step back in time, or onto the set of Bridgerton or a Jane Austen drama?
Many of the dances that we dance today have a long history. If you fancy something a little more elegant that our normal ceilidh dancing why not try some of the dances that were commonly danced at balls around the country during the Regency era? You might even fancy dressing the part.
(1-1.5 hours)
Occasions and events
Ceilidh brings joy to any situation where you want a group to mix, break the ice, and share laughter and a sense of achievement. It is all about joining in, having fun and creating some fabulous memories.
Team building
Set dancing in ceilidhs is a natural team building activity. Ceilidh is all about team work.
These workshops will use ceilidh dances with different figures and patterns to challenge your team to communicate and problem-solve, building a shared sense of achievement by the end of the workshop.
Most importantly, you’ll plenty of smiles and laughter, important ingredients for strengthening working relationships.
(1.5 hours – 2 hours with a break for chatting and refreshment)
Having a party?
Birthday? Hen night? Stag night? Christmas? Anniversary? Burns’ Night? Rainy-season mood booster?
Or fancy bringing ceilidh to your part of the world and there are no classes nearby – book us for a one-off workshop instead.
Either start your celebrations with an ice-breaker ceilidh dance, or make it last all night, ceilidh is a crowd-pleaser and gets everyone, of all ages, up on the dancefloor.
Want to make it more special? Add a band.
Wedding party practice
Do you fancy a ceilidh at your wedding but are not sure what to do? Learning some moves beforehand can really reduce your stress. These workshops can be run for the wedding party or just for the bride and groom. We can decide on a first ceilidh dance, and practice the dances you’d like to include on your special day. We have lots of wedding ceilidh experience and will guide and support you, making your dance preparation into a fun time whilst also ensuring that you have one less thing to worry about when the big day comes.
Children’s and family workshops
Just for fun, or with identified learning outcomes, you pick. For younger age groups it is best if known adults also attend, to encourage young dancers to have a go. Kate from Ceilidh Cornwall has an enhanced DBS check.
Ceilidh for Tots and you
A workshop for pre-schoolers and their adults (or older siblings too).
Simple dances, good music, patient and enthusiastic teaching will help to build your little one’s confidence and spatial awareness, make friends and share a special time dancing with you. Most of all, we have fun, try something new and get involved!
Dances are based on traditional ceilidh, but adapted to be more accessible for younger dancers.
This workshop can be adapted for either EYFS or KS1 age groups. In all cases adult assistants who know the children, or parents, will be required to participate.
(Dancing for 30-45 minutes and then time for a natter and a cup of tea afterwards should you wish)
Ceilidh for under 12s
This workshop is intended for older primary-aged children (KS2).
Either as a family ceilidh event or a fun activity for a younger youth group or primary-age class, this workshop is great for burning up energy, building cooperation and movement skills and learning a bit about Celtic culture. Or just make it about having a fun time together.
All ages can participate in this workshop, but it is aimed to suit primary aged children, with participating known adults (parents, guardians, older siblings, teaching staff)
These workshops can be linked in to other learning, such as literacy, music and movement, with packs of resources for preparation and follow-up music, dance and reading resources.
(30-45 minutes, plus optional linked resources)
Teen ceilidh workshop
Teenagers bring wonderful energy to folk dancing and ceilidh.
Once any initial awkwardness about trying something new is banished then teens are made for ceilidh! This workshop introduces ceilidh dancing with fun icebreaker games and simple dances and then gives your teens the chance to try a few different dances in a variety of shapes and styles to modern upbeat fusion ceilidh music.
For those unsure about dancing ceilidh is great because it comes with clear instructions, counted beats and gender-free roles taking much of the awkwardness out of dancing, perfect for a group of friends, classmates or a youth group (KS4 and KS5).
(1-1.5 hours)
Thank you considering a workshop with Ceilidh Cornwall
Ceilidh Cornwall 