Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Canada East Music Hall of Fame 2018 Inductees

On Saturday 13 October 2018 in Hamilton was the Canada East Region AGM. After all meetings were done, there was a dinner-ceremony to award the CCE Canada East Region Musical Hall of Fame inductees, the Quinn Family. After the ceremony, there was a ceili and much dancing.

The Quinn Family 

(Desmond Quinn, Bonnie White, Geraldine Quinn-MacWilliams, Emily Quinn, Matthew Quinn, Kira MacWilliams, Riely MacWilliams and Connor MacWilliams)

                     

The award was presented by the outgoing CCE Canada East Region, Ena O'Brian and His Excellency Jim Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland in Canada, in Hamilton on 13 October 2018.

Desmond Quinn, born in Belfast, Ireland. He grew up playing guitar, vocals and whistles. He and his first wife moved to Saskatoon in the mid 1970s and brought up their children (Geraldine, Emily and Matthew) with the same passion for music that he received growing up.  In 1981 with his wife and other Irish expats founded the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Saskatoon branch.

By 1989 Desmond and his children moved to Hamilton and founded the first Irish session at the Lionhead Pub, and weekly ran successfully to a packed house for twelve years. Years later he was recipient of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Canada East Regional Service Award for his dedication to the promotion of Irish culture in Hamilton.

Bonnie White, grew up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, immersed in both Scottish and Irish music and traditions, competing in highland dancing and playing in ceilidhs. She was one of the founding members of “The Scotia Highland Dancers” troupe that toured in Canada and the British Isles during the 1980s. She plays guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and does vocals.

Along friends, which included Geraldine Quinn, formed a Celtic Band in 2006; her interest in learning the timing of Irish jigs and reels that let to Desmond becoming her mentor and later her husband and joined the weekly sessions at the Lionhead Pub.

Around 2008, the sessions moved to the Irish Canadian Club and the Hamilton Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the Hamilton Irish Arts, had been founded and Desmond, Bonnie and the family became members. In May 2011 the Hamilton Irish Arts weekly music sessions moved to the Corktown Pub. That same year Bonnie was inducted into the Antigonish (Nova Scotia) Highland Society’s Hall of Fame for her dedication to her Scottish heritage.

Geraldine Quinn-MacWilliams, born in Belfast, Ireland and moved with her parents to Saskatoon. She took Irish step dance with her mother as instructor, performing in festivals and concerts and competed in western Canada where she received awards. By age 11 she picked up the piano accordion and focused on Irish traditional music. When she and her family moved to Hamilton, her brother Matthew took up the fiddle so they both competed in North America in Irish traditional music, winning awards and qualified for the All-Ireland Fleadh.

Emily Quinn, she began playing traditional tin whistle at the age of 10, and then piano. She attended the Ontario Conservatory to improve her piano playing where she performed and competed. By age 14, began playing the piano accordion. Currently studies Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa.

Matthew Quinn, began playing music at age eight with the tin whistle and then by age 10 moved to classical violin. He has won the Greater Hamilton Royal Conservatory Music Festival Grade 8 competition, placed 1^stin the 2017 and 2018 Provincial Musical Festival with the Hamilton East Chamber Ensemble. In the summer 2018 he enrolled in the Scoil Éigse at Fleadh Cheoil in Drogheda. 

Kira MacWilliams(Geraldine’s daughter), began competing in Irish dancing at the age of seven, achieving Preliminary Championship and winning numerous awards before she decided to focus on music. She played piano since she was seven and then changed to violin at 11; currently working on her Royal Conservatory levels.

Riely MacWilliams(Geraldine’s daughter), she began singing when she was five years-old and won several competitions including the Greater Hamilton Music Festival and the Rotary Burlington Festival. In traditional Irish singing she won 1^stplace in the O’Donnell Feis, Roseland Feis and Forest City Feis. Also by age 12 she began to play guitar and now participates in the weekly sessions. 

Connor MacWilliams(Geraldine’s son), started playing the violin when he was five  years-old and he is working on his Royal Conservatory levels. He has won awards in the Hamilton Music Festival and Kiwanis Music Festival. He has participated in the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh Cheoild, Tir na Nóg. He also participates in ceili dances.

The Quinn Family performs after the induction to the Musical Hall of Fame

Ceili dancing

Ena O'Brien and Jim Magee

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.

Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann 2015 Spring Tulip Ball

The Ottawa Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, once again have the pleaseure to invite you to attend the  

2015 Spring Tulip Ball

Unfortunately the event had to be cancelled.

The Spring Tulip Ball, besides being a fundraiser for CCÉ Youth, is a terrific opportunity for young people and formerly young people to get together, dress up (attire is semiformal to formal) and celebrate the arrival of Spring, tulips and just being alive. 

The beautiful residence of the Irish Ambassador to Canada is a perfect setting for this elegant and enjoyable evening, and we appreciate his making it available. 

 

Soft drinks and water will be available at the bar. Finger foods will also be available.

The award-winning Ottawa Comhaltas Band will provide the music and there will be dancing for those that are interested.

Come and join us for a good Craic, Ceol & Damhsa!

Ceilidh at the Hill - 21 June

This worldwide ceilidh, which starts in New Zealand and concludes in Hawaii 24 hours later, is in celebration of the 20th Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow Scotland in 2014. Lively music and simple instruction will enable participants with no previous dance experience to master and enjoy the dances in no time. No kilts, no swords, no partner, no charge! Come as you are and stay for a good time. A Ceilidh is a party and you are invited!


More details here: http://rscdsottawa.ca/commonwealth%20ceilidh/commonwealth%20ceilidh.html

Come one, come all!
Bring your family and friends.

See you at the ceilidh on the Hill!

Sad Tidings – Don Davidson

Donald Davidson (18 July 1926 – 10 March 2014) was a long time attendee at our monthly ceilis. Don always contributed to our traditional ‘cupán tae’ break by providing a jar of his favorite jam. 

He also loved to dance, the Kerry Set being one of his favorites. Even after a hip replacement, he continued to dance with much gusto and enthusiasm, though the Kerry Set was no longer in his repertoire. He knew many of the traditional ceili and set dances. He often danced with the university students who appreciated the fact that he knew the steps yet were patient and kind with him as he moved a bit more slowly than other dancers. 

All the members of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Ottawa Branch were saddened to hear last Saturday of Don’s passing. Here we lift a cupán tae in your honour, Don, and we hope that you continue to tap your feet and dance jigs and reels wherever you are!

Peace be with you.

Here you can read Don’s obituary and leave notices of condolence.

We have some pictures, of Don enjoying the dances; photos are courtesy of P. Cassidy and P. Avendano.

St. Patrick's Dinner and Céilí - 15 March 2014 - Family-friendly event

Ottawa Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

When: Saturday, March 15th, 2014.

Doors open at 05:30PM

Dinner from 06:00 PM to 08:00PM

Céilí from 08:00PM to 11:30PM 

Where: Blessed Sacrament Church, 194 Fourth Avenue, Ottawa Ontario K1S 2L5.  Additional parking will be available at Corpus Christi Elementary School, 157 Fourth Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 2L5

Tickets: $35, purchase them online at https://stpats2014.eventbrite.ca. Please note that NO tickets will be sold at the door!

This is an authentic Irish, family-friendly, no green beer event!

Last year's dinner and dance were a sellout and a HUGE success. In fact, last couple of years, 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, the 3-course dinner will include a vegetarian, and gluten-free options!

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 purchases are $35. By ordering online now, you get your tickets guaranteed. 

Purchase online at: https://stpats2014.eventbrite.ca

For paper tickets and information contact the PRO at: info.ottawacomhaltas@gmail.com

Come and have a good craic! 

Also notice that no classes (dance or Language) will be held on Monday 17 March, all classes resume on 24 March.

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! 

First céilí of the '2013-2014 céilí season'!

It is that time of the year again when we get together to enjoy the first céilí of the season. 

Our first 2013-2014 season céilí is on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 8:00pm. We are at our regular location: Blessed Sacament Parish- Ottawa, 194 Fourth Ave, Ottawa, Ontario.


You do not need to know how to dance nor need to have a dancing partner. Everyone is welcome!

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

Entertainment, raffles, door prizes, and free snacks at the break!

Our céilís are the third Saturday of every month, 8:00-11:30 pm. Monthly céilí dates for the 2013-2014 season:

• September 21, 2013 
• October 26, 2013 
• November 16, 2013 
• December 21, 2013 
• January 18, 2014 
• February 15, 2014 
• March 15 (St Patrick’s Day céilí) 
• April 12, 2014 
• May 17, 2014 

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

Second Annual Tulip Ball 2013

Next Saturday June 8th!

When: June 8th, 2013 at 8:00PM to 11:00PM

Where: At the Residence of the Irish Ambassador, 291 Park Road, Rockliffe, K1M 0E1. 

Tickets: Student/Members $25, Adults $30. 

Purchase tickets online at https://ottawatulipball2013.eventbrite.com/

To welcome the 2013 summer season in style, please join us to the Second Annual Tulip Ball on June 8th,at the Residence of the Irish Ambassador.  Enjoy an entertaining evening, with live music and traditional Irish dancing,  hosted by the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Youth Group. 

Last year's even was sold out, so don't wait until the last minute to get your tickets!!

For more information contact Lisa at 613 620 7031.

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!

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.