The Bluegrass Ceili Blog

For more than a decade, Bluegrass Ceili Academy has been proud to serve as Lexington’s community Irish dance program. We believe that local traditions are at their best when they bring people together in unexpected ways. This summer, we're taking that mission out of the studio and straight into the heart of our city. We are excited to announce the launch of Ceili & Co., a traveling social dance series taking the floor at our favorite locally owned taprooms, patios and neighborhood hubs. Simple Steps. Social Sips. Great Company. What is Ceili & Co.? At Ceili & Co. events, we believe in doing what makes your heart sing. It isn’t about a perfect performance; it’s about the company you keep. We are partnering with Lexington's favorite local businesses to transform…

Are you looking for a new skill or a fun way to stay active? Now is the perfect time to start! Registration is officially open for Irish dance classes in Lexington with Bluegrass Ceili Academy. Classes are offered for all ages and skill levels, providing an opportunity to begin a new journey. This year, the Bluegrass Ceili is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It's been a decade of fostering a vibrant community through Irish dancing in Lexington. The academy is committed to enriching Lexington's cultural landscape, making Irish dance affordable and accessible to families throughout the community. Classes for adults and returning youth will run from September through May. For new dancers looking for Irish dance classes in Lexington, beginner classes are offered in both the fall and spring sessions. All…

The Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Lexington’s award-winning community Irish dance school, will offer a free Irish percussive dance workshop Saturday, July 12, at Artworks at the Tates Creek Ballroom, 1400 Gainesway Drive. The workshop will include instruction in sean-nós style Irish dancing, ceili dancing and traditional hard-shoe set dancing. Megan Moloney, director and founder of Bluegrass Ceili Academy, said the workshop provides an excellent opportunity for individuals of all levels to engage with traditional Irish percussive dance. "We are so excited to have our Academy partner, Mary Beth Taylor from Dublin, Ireland, return once again to Lexington to teach with us," Moloney added.  This year's Irish percussive dance workshop is designed for dancers of all ages, styles and skill levels, even if you’ve never taken Irish dance previously. Participants are asked…

Bluegrass Ceili Academy is the winner of the 2024 CommunityVotes Lexington-Fayette dance lessons category. The selection recognizes the academy’s contributions to the local arts scene and its dedication to sharing the joy of Irish dance. CommunityVotes is a platform dedicated to recognizing outstanding businesses and services within local communities, providing a space where community members can acknowledge the positive impact of local businesses. “This year’s campaign saw an impressive 1,853 businesses and individuals nominated, with thousands of votes cast by community members. Only the top nominees in each category proceeded to the voting round,” the announcement from CommunityVotes said. The CommunityVotes award is particularly significant as it is driven by community participation. The award reflects the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by those who nominated and voted. “As Lexington’s community-based Irish…

Bluegrass Ceili Academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of fostering a vibrant community through Irish dancing in Lexington. From its humble beginnings with free community classes at McCarthy's Irish Bar, the academy has grown into a leading program for Irish dance in the region, enriching Lexington’s cultural landscape. “As Bluegrass Ceili Academy celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, we want to thank our amazing dance community. To past students, thank you for building our foundation. To current students, thank you for your energy and dedication. And to future students, we can't wait to welcome you," said academy founder and director Megan Moloney. "For 10 years, we’ve proudly served as Lexington's community-based Irish dance school, and we are devoted to sharing our love of Irish dance…

Looking for a fun and energetic way to kick off the new year? Want to try something new and exciting? Then step into the world of Irish dance with Bluegrass Ceili Academy's FREE January session! We're offering a fantastic opportunity to experience the joy of Irish dance before our regular spring session begins in February. This is the perfect chance to give it a try with no commitment and see if you love it. We think you will! What to Expect Our January session provides a taste of what our regular classes are like. You'll learn some basic steps, experience the energy of Irish dance, and meet our welcoming community of dancers. Whether you're a complete beginner with no prior dance experience or have some background in other dance styles,…

Bluegrass Ceili Academy's award-winning adults have once again brought attention to adult Irish dancing in Lexington, being featured on the new webpage from the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America. The page showcases of the energy, grace and talent of adult Irish dancers across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and we're thrilled that our own dancers are featured among this impressive group! Their inclusion is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of our adult students right here in the heart of the Bluegrass. We're incredibly proud of their accomplishments and the positive impact they've had on not only our dance community, but Lexington and Central Kentucky as a whole. Join Bluegrass Ceili: Adult Irish dancing in Lexington Irish dance is a vibrant and dynamic art form that…

Discover the joy of Irish dance with Bluegrass Ceili Academy! Our classes are fun, affordable and perfect for all ages and skill levels. We're dedicated to sharing the joy of Irish dance with the entire community. Whether you're a child taking your first steps into the world of dance or an adult looking to rediscover your passion, we have a class for you, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and grow together. And now, for the top 10 reasons to dance with Bluegrass Ceili Academy: Unleash your inner dancer: No experience needed to embrace the joy of Irish dance. Our Lexington Irish dance classes cater to all levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned steppers. Get fit and have a blast: Burn calories, tone muscles and boost…

https://youtu.be/YjRQ6pQ2QeY Dancers of all ages perform at the 2024 Bluegrass Ceili Academy spring recital. Our dance featured our beginners, youth and adults coming together to dance our Ceili Mor choreography, which highlighted our family ceilis and youth dancers. The lively spirit of Irish dance – the rhythmic steps, the infectious music, the joy of connecting with friends and family – has captivated hearts for generations. At Bluegrass Ceili, we understand! Maybe you've been inspired by a performance, or perhaps the idea of learning to dance has always sparked a little excitement. Read on to learn how you can be a part of our dance family here in Central Kentucky. A welcoming dance floor for everyone Bluegrass Ceili Academy is built around sharing the love of Irish dance with families and our…