Irish Dancing

Did you know there is a whole world of Irish dance beyond Riverdance and little girls wearing bright costumes in dance competitions? People of all ages and nationalities get together and turn toe tapping into happy social dances set to traditional, lively Irish tunes. Céilís (pronounced "kay lees") are Irish dance parties where the musicians and dancers create an amazing shared energy in the dance hall or pub. There are many dances and a variety of moves, formations, and steps so you'll never be bored. Some céilí and set dances are similar to Contra, American square dancing, or English country dancing, but the Irish has a magical style and vibe all its own.

This page offers a list of opportunities to dance in and around the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex and beyond, whether you are a new dancer seeking to learn or an experienced dancer wanting to kick up your heels. Peruse this page for highlights and the Calendar for upcoming events, or sign up to receive notices on our e-mail list. If you hear about an event or classes open for public participation, please send them to us so we can pass the word along. See you at the next céilí!

Upcoming Events

Trinity Hall Céilí -- March 18, April 15, May 20, 2012

Come out and dance on 3rd Sundays at Trinity Hall Dallas (by Mockingbird Station) with the Lone Star Céilí Band from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Free admission. Most dances called. Everyone is welcome!

Psst! Click the photo to see more pics of past pub dancing.

North Texas Irish Festival -- March 2-4 2012

The 30th annual North Texas Irish Festival is coming up in barely a month. Come out for all the dancing performances and in particular for the dance workshop starting at 1pm in the Tower building (it's moved!) and the ceili starting at 7pm. The full festival schedule will be available soon on the main NTIF site.

Click the photo to see more pics of past NTIF dancing.

SCMA Celtic Céilí - 2011/2012 Season

The 2011-2012 season of céilí dancing is here! Join us at the Sammons Center for the Arts in Dallas on 1st Saturday evenings, located close to major freeways for convenient access from around the Metroplex. Do plan your route, because that last mile is tricky. (Check the map.)

Each evening begins with a lesson in Irish set or traditional céilí dancing to help beginners get up to speed and to give experienced dancers an opportunity to focus on footwork and fancy moves. If you want to learn a particular dance or footwork, let us know ahead of time. We'll be happy to include your requests for the class and céilí.

Times: lesson 6:45 - 7:45pm, céilí 8:00 - 10:00pm
Admission: $10 regularly, $8 for SCMA members, $5 for full-time students.
Ice water provided. Visit the céilí page for more details plus a flyer to print and share!

If you're not already a member of the Southwest Celtic Music Association, now would be a great time to join. Check out the membership levels and benefits here.

Running Calendar

For general Irish dance information see the Irish Dance Wiki.

Past Events

SCMA Celtic Céilí - 2010/2011 Season

A new season began in September 2010 in a new venue... the Sammons Center for the Arts in Dallas! Dancers enjoyed plenty of room to move in the airy, 2800 sq ft Meadows Hall. This century-old Dallas landmark hosts many other arts and cultural events and is located close to major freeways for easy access from around the Metroplex.

Why the new venue? The ArtCentre of Plano sold their lovely building and moved to an historic home instead which simply does not have room for dancing. We wish them well in their new space. Along with the new venue, this season added a new one-hour class in Irish set or traditional céilí dancing to help beginners get up to speed and to give experienced dancers an opportunity to focus on footwork and tricky moves.