Bluegrass Ceili Academy

Apr222016 by Megan MNo Comments

Join the Lexington Irish dance community this Sunday

[caption id="attachment_321" align="alignright" width="750"] Join the Lexington Irish dance community April 24 at ArtsPlace[/caption] Bluegrass Ceili Academy is the newest member of the Lexington Irish dance community and we couldn't be more excited about participating in this Sunday's Centennial Ceili at ArtsPlace. This year, 2016, is the 100th anniversary of Ireland's Easter Rising. In February this year, the Irish dancing commission in Dublin, An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, asked its member schools to come together and host local dance events in their communities. "We envisage a grand non-competitive, no costume céilí taking place worldwide, preferably on April 24th involving as many people as possible: dancers, families and friends," CLRG asked. In the Lexington Irish dance scene, two schools are affiliated with CLRG -- the Kentucky McTeggart Irish Dancers, who have been…

Apr152016 by Megan MNo Comments

Lexington Irish dance schools invite you to dance with us!

Local Events

For the first time, you can join all three Lexington Irish dance schools for an afternoon of music, dance performances and teaching. Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Kentucky McTeggart Irish Dancers and the Lexington Irish Dancers are joining together to commemorate the #1916Rising, a celebration of 100 years of Irish independence. This year, Ireland commemorates the centenary of the Easter Rising of 1916 when the new Ireland was born. Communities worldwide are coming together April 24, 2016, to celebrate the anniversary #1916Rising with music and dance. Join Lexington Irish dance schools on April 24 We invite you to join our celebration. Bring your dancing shoes to ArtsPlace on Sunday, April 24 from 3 - 5 p.m. This is a community ceili — we’ll be teaching and demonstrating dances, but we want you to participate. Music will be provided by…

Apr142016 by Megan MNo Comments

Learning Irish dance in a bar. It’s better than you think!

Instruction

When you're learning Irish dance, finding the right class environment is important. If you're new to it, maybe you'd like an environment that's laid back, not stressful and just a little bit fun. That's certainly the environment some first time Irish dance students found in downtown Lexington at the Spiders Well at McCarthy's Irish bar. [caption id="attachment_302" align="alignleft" width="450"] The Spiders Well at McCarthy's Irish Bar in Lexington, Kentucky.[/caption] The Spiders Well is a side bar that isn't used on some weeknights. It has great wood floors for dancing and, when the table and chairs are moved to the side, plenty of room to learn and dance a few steps. Three weeks ago, Bluegrass Ceili Academy approached the owner of McCarthy's about using the Spiders Well to teach a…

Mar312016 by Megan MNo Comments

Irish dance classes at the Spiders Well

Instruction

Show up for the steps, then stay for a pint! Join Bluegrass Ceili Academy for a FREE Irish dance class* at the Spiders Well at McCarthy's Irish Bar. Never danced before? New to Irish dance? Not a problem! We'll start with the basics. Irish ceili (pronounced kay-lee) dancing is the traditional group dancing native to Ireland. The dances we teach -- and the dances you'll learn -- are those generations-old dances handed down through the years. Our first monthly Irish dance class at the Spiders Well is Wednesday, April 13 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. McCarthy's is located downtown at 171 South Upper Street, Lexington. The Spiders Well is through the door along the right wall towards the back of the bar. Be sure to sign up for our emails to…

Mar162016 by Megan MNo Comments

7 things you should know about Irish ceili dancing

Ceili Dancing

You see the word "ceili" in our name and wonder "What is that? How do you say it? Can I even do that?" Yes you can! Here are answers to some of the questions you may have about ceili dancing and just how fun and easy it can be. 1. It’s easier to pronounce than it looks! In Irish, the word “ceili” is pronounced the same way my niece spells her name, Kaylee! Spelling it might be tricky if you hear it before you see the spelling, but since it’s “I before E, except after C” then you’re good here, too. C-E-I-L-I Irish ceili dancing is the traditional group dancing native to Ireland, first taught by tradition and then, in 1939, put into writing by the Irish dancing commission. The…

Mar32016 by Megan MNo Comments

Join us for Central Kentucky’s Centennial Ceili!

Ceili Dancing, Local Events

Join Central Kentucky's Irish dance schools for our Centennial Céilí, a celebration of Irish dance and music here in the heart of the Bluegrass. This free community event is Sunday afternoon, April 24, from 3 - 5 p.m. at ArtsPlace in Lexington. Bluegrass Ceili Academy is joining with the Bluegrass Irish Society, the Kentucky McTeggart Irish Dancers, the Lexington Irish Dancers and others in the local Irish community to commemorate the 1916 Rising - the 100th anniversary of Irish independence - with a community dance and music celebration. Visit our Centennial Céilí page for all the details!

Mar22016 by Megan MNo Comments

Learn to Irish dance!

Instruction

Bluegrass Ceili Academy is now offering Irish dance instruction for individuals, small groups and current dance students wanting to give it a try. If you've thought about trying something new to you, now is the time to do so. Book a workshop now! If you’re interested in booking a workshop or individual or small group Irish dance lessons in the Lexington or Central Kentucky area, please click here to complete our workshop registration form online. (Opens a Google Form in a new window.)