Ceili Dancing

Apr72017 by Megan MNo Comments

Save the dates: Summer Irish dance classes in Lexington for adults, children

Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Ceili Dancing, Instruction, Irish Dance Classes in Lexington

Get your calendars out now and save the dates for free summer Irish dance classes in Lexington for adults and children with Bluegrass Ceili Academy and Artworks at the Carver School! In partnership with Lexington Parks and Recreation, we're hosting four workshops this summer to give you a chance to try Irish dance for FREE to see if you like it. All ages - adults and children - are welcome at each of our four workshops -- each one will focus on something new! And yes, they are FREE! Summer Irish dance classes in Lexington for adults and children Here's what you'll learn at these Irish dance classes in Lexington for adults and children: Monday, June 19 - Introduction to Irish Ceili Dancing - On Monday, June 19, we'll introduce ceili (pronounced kay-lee) dancing…

Jul122016 by Megan MNo Comments

Get your jig on! Join us for Irish dancing in Lexington!

Ceili Dancing, Irish Dance Classes in Lexington

It's "hump day" in the middle of summer and you're looking for something fun to do, right? Why not try a free night of Irish dancing in Lexington with Bluegrass Ceili Academy! We're hosting a night out at the Spiders Well in downtown Lexington -- dinner, shopping, a pint and your chance to "get jiggy" with it. Join us on Wednesday, July 13, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Our friends along Upper Street are making a night of it -- we'll have a special dinner item from NAT's Thai restaurant available (last month it was an awesome curry). Failte Irish Shop is extending their hours to give you a chance to pick up some yummy Irish treats or classic Irish gifts. And since we're right next door to McCarthy's, you'll be…

Jun292016 by Megan MNo Comments

Dance as if EVERYONE is watching: 2016 Irish Dance National Championships

Ceili Dancing

This week in Orlando, Florida, the 2016 Irish dance national championships are taking place, bringing together some of the best Irish dancers from across North America and the world. With so many talented dancers -- soloists and teams -- under one roof there's a lot of energy and inspiration. One of the inspiring quotes you'll often see about dance is this one: Sing like no one is listening. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth. While dancing as if no one is watching gives you a sense of throwing caution to the wind, moving with the music and freedom, I think it's just as important to remind dancers to step out there on stage and dance as if EVERYONE is…

Jun92016 by Megan MNo Comments

We know how to have fun! A night of Irish dancing in Lexington

Ceili Dancing

Wow, what a night! We had a great time this week at McCarthy's Spiders Well as we hosted an evening of free Irish dancing in Lexington, featuring food, shopping, dancing and a pint or two. For those who showed up early, dinner at Nat's was a treat. Nat prepared a special curry for those attending the event. If you follow Bluegrass Ceili Academy on Facebook, you might have caught our sneak peak of it as we broadcast live before the event. Our friends at Failte Irish Imports stayed open late so our dancers could do a little shopping. Failte is a great supporter of Irish dancing in Lexington and we're excited to partner with them on these monthly events. They even provided some great door prizes for those who attended. Getting your jig…

Apr252016 by Megan MNo Comments

Central Kentucky Irish dancers celebrate a centennial

Ceili Dancing, Instruction

It was a day when Central Kentucky Irish dancers came together to celebrate a centennial, 100 years since the 1916 Easter Rising put Ireland on the path to independence. Dancers from four schools joined together for an afternoon of music and dancing. Watch our video! We had a great turnout! From all around Kentucky Irish dancers, friends, family and our local Irish community joined in, including folks from the Bluegrass Ceili Academy, Kentucky McTeggart Irish Dancers, Inc., the Lexington Irish Dancers and the Louisville Irish Dancers. [caption id="attachment_342" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Bluegrass Ceili Academy family turned out for our Centennial Ceili. Check out more photos from the event on Tops in Lexington.[/caption] A big thank you to the band's Liam Fancy and to our sponsors, the Bluegrass Irish Society, Lexington Celtic Association,…

Apr222016 by Megan MNo Comments

Join the Lexington Irish dance community this Sunday

Ceili Dancing, Local Events

[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…

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!