Céili Dance List and Schedule, 10 February 2018

Ottawa Irish Arts 

Elaíona Gaelacha Ottabha

Céili Dance List and Schedule, 10 February 2018

(Remember, you do not need to know how to dance nor need to have a dancing partner. Everyone is welcome!)

Click on a dance title for videos to see how it is danced.

7:00 - 7:30PM      Workshop
                               Join us in the first half hour of the evening for a short 
                               tutorial on steps, holds, and terminology that will have 
                               you dancing your way through the evening with  
                               confidence. Gay Gordon (March) to finish.

7:30 - 8:00PM       Aiofe's Three Step (March)

                             North Kerry (Set dance)
                                  Figure 1: Wheel and turn
                                  Figure 2: House and slide
                                  Figure 3: Slide and change                              
8:00 - 8:30PM       Entertainment and 1st Intermission
                             Ottawa Irish Arts Dance Class
                               Caitlin Crockard’s Monday night adult class will perform 

                               skilfully choreographed pieces during the intermission. 8:30 - 9:30PM        Haymaker's Jig (Jig)
                        
                              North Kerry (Set dance)
                                  Figure 4: Wheel and turn
                                  Figure 5: Hornpipe body                                                    
9:30 - 10:00         2nd Intermission 
                             Join us for a cup of tea and freshly baked Irish Soda bread. 
                             Be sure to have your admission ticket handy for the Door 
                             Prize draw. There will be a 50/50 Draw.

10:00 - 10:30PM  Walls of Limerick (Reel) (dance instruction starts at 0:35 min) 

                            Clare Lancers (Set Dance)
                            Each figure starts with a two-handed lead around, 
                            turning the lady under to swing.
                            Each figure ends with a full around-the-house.
                                  Figure 1: Square the House
                                  Figure 2: House and Turn the Lady
                                  Figure 3: Big Wheels and Big Christmas Tree
                                  Figure 4: Small Wheels and Small Christmas Tree
                                  Figure 5: Long Chain and Line Ups

Note: As the final dance of the evening, the Clare Lancers will not be called. Given that this dance is not called and that all figures will, as it is traditional, be danced consecutively, more experienced dancers will be invited to form a set and show off their steps, but as always, all dancers are welcome to the floor.


Here are some helpful dance guidelines:Irish Set (and Ceili) Dance Etiquette
Check our dance page for more information on the dances called at our céilis.

January 2018 Céili Dance List and Schedule

Ottawa Irish Arts 

Elaíona Gaelacha Ottabha

Céili Dance List and Schedule, 20 January 2018

(Remember, you do not need to know how to dance nor need to have a dancing partner. Everyone is welcome!)

Click on a dance title for videos to see how it is danced.

7:00 - 7:30PM      Workshop
                               Join us for the first half hour of the evening for a short 
                               tutorial on steps, holds, and terminology that will have you 
                               dancing your way through the evening with confidence.

7:30 - 8:00PM       Gay Gordon (March)

                             Leaba Shíoda (Set Dance)
                                  Figure 1: Show Each Lady
                                  Figure 2: High Gates
                                  Figure 3: Little Christmas Tree

8:00 - 8:30PM       Entertainment and 1st Intermission
                             Scottish Country Dancers (RSCDS Ottawa)
                             Scottish country dancing consists of reels, jigs, hornpipes,      
                             minuets, and uniquely Scottish strathspeys. The Ottawa    
                             branch was founded in 1966, and some of its dancers will be 
                             joining us in the evening to demonstrate a few dances.

8:30 - 9:30PM       Siege of Ennis (Jig)
                        
                             Leaba Shíoda (Set Dance)
                                  Figure 4: Show Each Man
                                  Figure 5: Diagonals
                                  Figure 6: Body and Change
                           
                             Haymaker's Jig (Jig)

9:30 - 10:00         2nd Intermission 
                             Join us for a cup of tea and freshly baked Irish Soda bread. 
                             There will be a 50/50 Draw.

10:00 - 10:30PM  Aiofe's Three Step (March)

                            Clare Lancers (Set Dance)
                            Each figure starts with a two-handed lead around, 
                            turning the lady under to swing.
                            Each figure ends with a full around-the-house.
                                  Figure 1: Square the House
                                  Figure 2: House and Turn the Lady
                                  Figure 3: Big Wheels and Big Christmas Tree
                                  Figure 4: Small Wheels and Small Christmas Tree
                                  Figure 5: Long Chain and Line Ups

Note: As the final dance of the evening, the Clare Lancers will not be called. Given that this dance is not called and that all figures will, as it is traditional, be danced consecutively, more experienced dancers will be invited to form a set and show off their steps, but as always, all dancers are welcome to the floor.


Here are some helpful dance guidelines:Irish Set (and Ceili) Dance Etiquette
Check our dance page for more information on the dances called at our céilis.

Notes from the CCÉ Ottawa Chair, January 2015

Happy New Year everyone!! I wish you all a bright, happy and healthy 2015. 

Language and dance classes are underway. Attendance to the Irish classes was middling on the Monday evening when we resumed classes, but there are two new students in the beginner class. Joan, Barry, and Tomas are back teaching their respective classes. Unfortunately, Oscar Mou cannot teach the beginner classes this semester as he has a course conflict at OttawaU. I want to take this opportunity to officially thank Oscar for teaching the Beginner group all last fall and doing such a great job. The students have said to me that they really enjoyed his classes.  

We have had a special request by one of the regular ceil attendees to assist him in surprising his girlfriend with a proposal of marriage at our January ceili. I have indicated that we would be delighted to help out. I suggested that we adapt the bonfire dance so that as many people are on the dance floor and in a circle. I think this is an exciting event to have take place at our ceili. (update: the proposal was accepted!!)

I have contacted the ‘activities coordinator’ for the English Intensive Program at OttawaU and have proposed our ceilis to them. I have also suggested our Monday night dance classes as well. We are still working on the details for the Monday night classes.


Respectfully submitted, Cathaoirleach

Halloween Céilí

THIS MONTH: DRESS UP IN YOUR FAVOURITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME!

When: Saturday 26th of October, 8:00-11:00 pm

Where: Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Avenue

Members – $10,
Non-Members – $15,
Students – $5,
Children under 12 years of age – free


Do you love great company, great music and a fun time dancing? If you answered "yes" to any of the above you MUST join us for our October ceili. Come on out to a fun night of relaxed entertainment in a friendly environment and learn the steps of our ancestors. It is a great no-pressure environment in which you can enjoy the evening without dealing with drunks, learn some new dance steps (even if you have two left feet), and listen to some of the best live music in town!

Come and join us. We will love to see you there! 

Irish (set, sean-nós, and solo) dancing and Irish language classes

Every September we resume our weekly groups of classes on Monday nights:

6:00-7:00 pm Beginner Irish

6:00-7:00 pm Advanced Beginner Irish

7:00-8:30 pm Intermediate Irish

7:00-8:30 pm Advanced Irish

6:30-8:00 pm Set Dancing / Sean-nós dancing

8:00-9:30 pm Solo Dancing

Monday night classes began on September 9 and run until December 16 and resume on January 6 2014 and run until May 26. 

All events are held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 2L6 unless otherwise indicated.

More information on Irish language and Set Dancing / Sean-nós dancing: Sheila Scott

More information on Solo Dancing: Caitlin Crockard 

If you want to know more about Set Dancing, check these stories: http://ottawacomhaltas.blogspot.ca/2012/12/what-is-irish-set-dancing.html

http://ottawacomhaltas.blogspot.ca/2013/01/set-irish-dance-terms.html

Come and join us. We will love to see you there! 

Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada: Tamworth and Dún Laoghaire (Ontario) 2013

In case that you missed it, the last weekend of June (28-30 June) was the 2013 Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada as part of the Gaeltacht Thuaisceart An Oileáin Úir that was held both in Tamworth and at the Days Inn and Conference Centre in Kingston (Dún Laoghaire), Ontario. For detailed information check: http://www.oireachtas.ca/forbhreathnu-bea.shtml 

Tamworth. Photo courtesy C. Hamm

During the three-day event, the most exciting is the one held on the Saturday, at the Tamworth site. There is where all the competitions are held; competitions are grouped as follows: 

Speaking: Oration, Story Telling, Poetry Recitation, Pair Dialogue 

Writing: Poetry, Prose, Learning Books and Aids 

Singing: Sean Nós Singing, Singing in Irish (not Sean Nós), Individual, Choir, Lúibíní 

Music: Harp, Uilleann Pipes, Céilí Bands 

Dancing: Sean Nós, Set Dancing 

Several CCE Ottawa members actively participated at the Oireachtas, in music, speaking, Sean Nós dancing, Singing, and Set Dancing. At the end of a Saturday where the rain held off for the most part of the day (began to rain as the participants were heading off to the Banquet in Kingston!), the Ottawa group fared quite well. 

Ellen MacIsaac’s Celtic Choir, took the first place (Gold medal) on the Choir competition, the Ottawa Céilí Band took the first price in their category, Ellen MacIsaac took the 2nd place (Silver medal) in the Corn Mhic ConCharraige competition, the Sean Nós competition for those who have already won the open Sean Nós competition. Emilie Funston took 3rd place on Sean Nós dancing, Patrick Scott took the 1st Annual Bob Ely award for Poetry Recitation, and the CCE Ottawa Set Dancers took the first place on Set Dancing.

Ellen Singing and Medals. Photo courtesy of Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada

Pat Scott reciting. Photo courtesy C. Hamm

Pat Scott receiving the Bob Ely Award. Photo courtesy of Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada

Ottawa Céilí Band. Photo courtesy C. Hamm

CCE Ottawa Set Dancers. Photo courtesy C. Hamm

Two of our dancers, Emilie Funston and Melanie Courtemanche with their winning medals! Photo courtesy of Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada

Congratulations to everyone who competed, regardless of the result!

North America's Premier Irish Gaelic Festival: Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada - 28-30 June 2013

OIREACHTAS GAEILGE CHEANADA
NORTH AMERICA'S PREMIER IRISH GAELIC FESTIVAL
Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada is the only festival outside of Ireland featuring the performing arts of the Gaeltacht, and conducted through the medium of the Irish Language.

Dates: Friday 28 – Sunday 30 June 2013
Location: The North American Gaeltacht, Tamworth/Erinsville Ontario

http://www.oireachtas.ca/Ionaid-bea.shtml
http://www.anghaeltacht.ca/GAELTACHT/gaeltacht_index.htm
Registration:
http://www.oireachtas.ca/claru-bea.shtml

Featuring Performances and Competitions in:
Speaking
Drama
Singing
Writing
Dancing
Instrumental Music
Special Guests/Gaeltacht Personalities:
Máirín Uí Chéide
Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha
Loretta Ní Churraighín
Mícheál Newell
Meaití Jó Shéamuis
Lábhras Sonaí Choilm Learaí
Ray Mac Manais
John P. Kelly

The Irish Language brings families together. Our Language. Our Future.

===================

GAEILGE

OIREACHTAS GAEILGE CHEANADA
ARD-FHÉILE GHAEILGE MHEIRICEÁ THUAIDH

Is é Oireachtas Gaeilge Cheanada an t-aon fhéile amháin taobh amuigh d'Éirinn a thaispeánann taibh-ealaíona na Gaeltachta, trí meán na Gaeilge.

Dátaí: Dé hAoine 28 – Dé Domhnaigh 30 Meitheamh 2013
Láthair: Gaeltacht Thuaisceart an Oileáin Úir, Tamworth/Erinsville Ontairió
http://www.oireachtas.ca/Ionaid-gael.shtml
http://www.anghaeltacht.ca/GAEILGE/gaeilge_An_Baile.htm

Clárú:
http://www.oireachtas.ca/claru-gae.shtml

Le Taibhithe i:
Labhairt
Dráma
Amhránaíocht
Scríbhneoireacht
Damhsa
Ceol Uirlise
Aíonna Speisialta / Pearsantachtaí Gaeltachta:
Máirín Uí Chéide
Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha
Loretta Ní Churraighín
Mícheál Newell
Meaití Jó Shéamuis
Lábhras Sonaí Choilm Learaí
Ray Mac Manais
John P. Kelly

Teannann an Ghaeilge teaghlaigh le chéile. Ár dTeanga. Ár dTodhchaí.

Irish Set Dancing and Health

For many of us Irish set dancing is enjoyed as an inexpensive and mild cardio workout, with the added social benefits of having a lot of fun, seeing current friends, and making new friends. However, trying to enlist new enthusiasts to join us in dancing can be difficult. Irish dancing goes through different phases of popularity, with peaks and lows, that are common everywhere. But new research shows that perhaps we can add another benefit to Irish dancing.

Earlier this month there was a very interesting article on the BBC news service where the benefits of dancing were explored. The article, Parkinson's patients test Irish set dancing benefits, mentions an international study that focuses on determining if dancing alleviates some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In the Irish Times there is a video clip where you can see some Parkinson's patients dancing an open-air Connemara Set on Inishmore (scroll down the Irish Times article for the video).

Now the research team wants to investigate the efficacy of set dancing on Alzheimer’s Disease. In contrast with Parkinson's disease patients, there likely would be a need for a large number of volunteers to help with the patients.

What we know for sure is that Irish set dancing is a fun social activity, and for that it is worth the effort. If in addition to that benefit Irish set dancing helps patients with degrading physical and, or, mental capacities, that is truly a great outcome.

See you on the dance floor!

Saint Patrick's Day Céilí and Dinner -- Next Saturday!!!!

When: Saturday, March 16th, 2013.

Doors open at 05:15 PM
Dinner from 06:00 PM to 08:00PM
Céilí from 08:00PM to midnight 

Where: Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Avenue, Ottawa Ontario K1S 2L5

Tickets:
http://www.stpatsceili.eventbrite.com

Last year's dinner and dance were a sellout and a HUGE success. In fact, last year, we had to turn people away at the door. It will sell out this year, so you should get your tickets as soon as possible.

We will have the same excellent caterer as last year - Franz Gierer - and the menu promises to please, a 3-course Roast Beef Dinner with a vegetarian option is available.

After a first-class, three course complete dinner, with wine available for purchase, there will be an Irish dance (Céilí), with the dances called. No experience or partner is required, and it is loads of fun and helps work the dinner off.

The excellent Comhaltas Céilí Band will provide the music and Sheila Scott will call the dances.

There is a cash bar, a raffle, a 50-50 draw, and a multitude of crafts and items for sale.

At around 11 PM, there will be tea and snacks.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all.


All tickets purchased after January 1st 2013 will be $35. By ordering online now, you get your tickets guaranteed. 

Purchase online at: http://www.stpatsceili.eventbrite.com

For paper tickets and information contact any member of the Comhaltas Executive at:

http://www.ottawacomhaltas.com/contact.php

The Founding of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Ottawa Branch, 1975

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann came into being, in County Westmeath in Ireland. The reason flowed from concern, by some Irish traditional musicians, for the disappearance of Irish music. In 1951 a standing committee of Cumann Ceoltóirí Éireann, “Company of Irish Musicians” was established and morphed into Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in the following year, 1952. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in translation means: “Society of Musicians of Ireland” and is normally referred to as “Comhaltas.”

 

It was created as Non-Political, Non-Sectarian organization open to all interested persons. Its aims are:

To promote traditional Irish music; 

• To revive the playing of both the Harp and the Uilleann Pipes;
• To promote traditional Irish dancing; and,
• To promote the knowledge and the use of Irish language.

From the beginning, because of its nature, it gave traditional musicians an appreciative audience as traditional style was the standard employed. With respect to the organization of Comhaltas, the Branch is the most important unit. Since inauguration, Comhaltas has grown over 400 branches spread across four continents. At this time there are over 60 branches in North America.

 

In the declining days of 1974, two [Irish] musicians from Ottawa: Don Kavanagh and Leo Browne went to Montreal to attend a Comhaltas concert. The following year a Comhaltas concert was staged in the auditorium of the Ottawa Technical High School and the Ottawa Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Band was established.

Today the four aims of Comhaltas are being met by the Ottawa Branch:

 

1. The Branch has its own Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Céilí band and traditional musical instruments are made available to learners [CCE Ottawa Branch members] without charge;

 

2. The Branch currently owns two harps and one set of uilleann pipes. The harps are currently on loan to learners [check upcoming instruments news in the CCE website];

 

3. Traditional set, céilí, sean nós, and solo dancing are taught on a weekly basis; and,

 

4. Five different levels of Irish language classes are held on a weekly basis. The group, Caint is Comhrá, runs various Irish language events in the branch.

 

By Pat Scott

 

Bunaíodh Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann san Iarmhí in Éirinn. Tháinig sé ar an saol mar gheall ar an mbuairt a bhí ar cheolteoirí traidisiúnta áirithe nach raibh ag éirí leis an gceol traidisiúnta i measc mhuintir na hÉireann. Sa bhliain 1951, bunaíodh Cumann Ceolteoirí Éireann agus fobraíodh de réir a chéile é seo go dtí go raibh “Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann” mar atá aithne againn air, sa bhliain 1952.

 

Ba eagraíocht neamh-pholaitiúil, neamh-sheicteach í ón dtús agus cuireadh fáilte roimh chách dá raibh suim acu ann. Ba iad príomhaidhmeanna na heagraíochta ná: 

•  Ceol traidisiúnta na hÉireann a chur chun cinn 
•   Athbheochan na Cláirsí agus na bPíb Uilleann 
•   Damhsa traidisiúnta na hÉireann a chur chun cinn 
•   Eolas agus úsáid na Gaeilge a chothú.

Ón gcéad chéim, thug Comhaltas deis do cheolteoirí traidisiúnta lucht éisteachta buíoch a aimsiú, mar gur cleachtadh an stíl traidisiúnta. Maidir le heagrú Chomhaltas, is é an bráinse croílár na heagraíochta. Ó bhunaíodh é, scaipeadh Comhaltas ar fud an domhain, agus tá ceithre chéad bráinse de le fáil ar cheithre mhórthír. Faoi láthair, faightear 60 bráinse i Meiriceá Thuaidh amháin.

 

Ag deireadh 1974, chuaigh beirt cheolteoirí Éireannach, a bhí ag cur fúthú in Ottawa, go Montréal chun freastal ar cheolchoirm Chomhaltas. An bhliain ina diaidh sin, cuireadh ceolchoirm ar siúl i halla de Ottawa Technical High School agus tháinig grúpa ceoil Chomhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann, Ottawa, le chéile don chéad uair.

 

Inniu, tá ceithre aidhm Chomhaltas á mbaint amach ag an mbráinse:

1. Tá grúpa ceoil dá gcuid féin ag an mbráinse acu, agus cuirtear uirlisí traidisiúnta na hÉireann ar fáil do bhaill Chomhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann, gan praghas ar bith le híoc acu.

2. Tá dhá chláirseach agus píb uilleann ag an mbráinse. Faoi láthair, tá na cláirsigh ar iasacht ag baill an bhráinse. (Féach ar uirlisí ar fáil ar shuíomh idirlín Chomhaltas le tuilleadh eolais a fháil)

3. Múintear damhsa traidisiúnta, sean-nós, seit agus céilithe ó sheachtain go seachtain

4. Múintear an Ghaeilge do chúig rang, de chumas éagsúla. Cuireann an grúpa Gaeilge, Caint is Comhrá, ócáidí ar siúl le linn na bliana chun an teanga a cheiliúradh.

 

Le Pádraig Scot agus Eoin Ó Catháin

The 10 "Commandments" of Irish Set (and Ceili) Dance Etiquette

This is the companion piece of two previously posted Irish Dancing  items: What is Irish Set Dancing? and Set Irish Dance terms.


Main Rule: HAVE FUN!

Guidelines:

• Irish Set dancing is vigorous, you can get tired quickly and people often sweat! 
• As a matter of courtesy it is customary not to accept a request to dance after you have refused someone else. 
• We recommend that two beginners not dance together the first few dances. Improvement comes more quickly by dancing with experienced partners. 
• Same gender dance partners are not uncommon, especially if there is an unequal number of each gender. It takes experience, however, to switch roles. 
• Eye contact is wonderful and helps avoid dizziness especially during swings. If this makes you uncomfortable simply look at your partner’s face. 

The 10 "Commandments" of Irish Set (and Ceili) Dance Etiquette

Etiquette is there to ensure everyone has a good time in social dance setting.

1. If possible, wear dance shoes, they are safer and restrict injuries, never dance in your socks. Your outfit and accessories should be comfortable, safe and reflect the level of formality of the dance. Large jewellery can be a hazard, catching in a partner’s clothing or causing scratches. Long hair should be tied back to avoid whipping into someone else’s face or eyes. 
2. Set up houses (squares) promptly when the music starts or at the caller’s request. Join the nearest house or line that is forming. If all nearby squares are filled, hold your hand up high so the caller can either guide you to where you are needed or get some other couple to join you.  
3. If time permits, introduce yourself to others in the square. You will not only acquire a reputation for being friendly but you will meet many new and interesting friends. 
4. Listen to the caller and do not talk when the caller is talking or calling. Not only is it rude, but many dancers may need the information offered. If you see a need to direct a fellow dancer, be sure that you are correct, and be gentle in your assistance. 
5. If you are more experienced than others in your set, do help them know where to go with gestures of by offering the correct hand or shoulder. Do use only the simplest of verbal instructions. Don’t shout and don’t push. If possible, let their partners help them. 
6. Think of the best interest of the group and take care not to hurt other dancers' feelings. Do not be too critical of others. 
7. Be considerate of others on the dance floor – exercise good “floor-craft” and leave out fancy moves, high kicks, and spins. Do give extra support to an elderly or weak dancer, even at the expense of your own technique. 
8. There is no acceptable excuse for rough handling of fellow dancers. Roughness is the mark of disrespect, whether by chance or choice and you will do well not to irritate a more experienced dancer. 
9. Always dance to the level of your partner; you are there to ensure their enjoyment, not to embarrass them. Sharing the floor is important - obviously the first thing is to stay out of the way of others and avoid collisions. 
10. Think ahead, be prepared to change directions and patterns and match the speed of others around you. More experienced dancers should give way to novices.