The Bluegrass Ceili Blog

How Lexington’s iconic Cerulean Roses found a home on the Irish dance stage

How Lexington’s iconic Cerulean Roses found a home on the Irish dance stage

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Uncategorized
Bluegrass Ceili Academy teams up with local artist Wylie Caudill to weave Kentucky art into Irish dance traditions This past weekend in Lexington, artist Wylie Caudill stood surrounded by onlookers at the Woodland Art Fair, dipping his brush into a brilliant hue of blue. On his canvas, layered flower petals began to form his signature cerulean roses—a pattern that has swept across mural walls, gallery canvases and even Lexington fashion over the past few years. Meanwhile, 300 miles north in Toledo, Ohio, a Bluegrass Ceili Academy dancer was onstage at the Great Lakes Feis. The dance costume? That exact same floral motif—custom printed onto a vest. The collaboration between Caudill and Lexington's community-based Irish dance school started when one of the dancers reached out to the artist after seeing the…
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5 reasons to choose Bluegrass Ceili for Irish dance classes in Lexington

5 reasons to choose Bluegrass Ceili for Irish dance classes in Lexington

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Uncategorized
The lively spirit of Irish dance—the rhythmic footwork, the uplifting music and the warmth of shared tradition—has a unique way of bringing people together. As we look ahead to the 2026–27 class year, Bluegrass Ceili Academy invites new and returning dancers to step onto the floor with us. If you're looking for Irish dance classes in Lexington, there has never been a better time to start! Whether you are a beginner taking your very first steps, a parent looking for classes for their student or an adult rediscovering a passion for dance, our local community school welcomes you. Register for 2026-27 classes (starting Aug. 19) Key dates to mark on your calendar Registration opens: Aug. 19, 2026 (via Lexington Parks & Recreation) Classes begin: First week of October 2026 Here…
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Ceili & Co. partners with Lexington Sporting Club for international festival

Ceili & Co. partners with Lexington Sporting Club for international festival

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With the 2026 World Cup kicking off this month, soccer fever underway in Central Kentucky. This summer, Ceili & Co. is taking its mission of movement and connection straight to the pitch to celebrate the global game. At the invitation of Global Lex, Bluegrass Ceili Academy and Ceili & Co. will be joining Lexington Sporting Club as a featured cultural group at the upcoming LSC International Festival on Saturday, June 20. “As fans across the world tune in to the World Cup group stage, this local festival is the perfect home-turf celebration of the diverse cultures, traditions and heritages that make Central Kentucky a vibrant place to call home,” said Megan Moloney, creative director of Ceili & Company and Bluegrass Ceili founder and director.  Meet the Company at the festival…
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This summer, we’re doing something new: Introducing Ceili & Co.

This summer, we’re doing something new: Introducing Ceili & Co.

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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…
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Irish dance classes in Lexington: Registration open now

Irish dance classes in Lexington: Registration open now

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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…
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Bluegrass Ceili hosts free Irish percussive dance workshop July 12

Bluegrass Ceili hosts free Irish percussive dance workshop July 12

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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…
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Bluegrass Ceili Academy named 2024 CommunityVotes dance category winner

Bluegrass Ceili Academy named 2024 CommunityVotes dance category winner

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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…
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Bluegrass Ceili celebrates 10 years of Irish dancing in Lexington

Bluegrass Ceili celebrates 10 years of Irish dancing in Lexington

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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…
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Step into 2025 with Bluegrass Ceili Academy’s free January session!

Step into 2025 with Bluegrass Ceili Academy’s free January session!

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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,…
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Not just for kids: Discover Adult Irish Dancing in Lexington

Not just for kids: Discover Adult Irish Dancing in Lexington

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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…
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