Ceilidh

Last night some friends and I decided to do something "English" and so participated in a traditional ceilidh (or barn dance). It was held in town at some men's club with tacky wallpaper and drooping Christmas lights, with a giant silver disco ball looking oddly out of place. It was interesting... but fun. They hold these dances monthly, so there were all sorts of people there: locals young and old, students, experienced dancers and those with two left feet, and people who live for this kind of thing and so travel quite a distance to come. There was a live band and a caller who led all sorts of dances in different square, circle, and line formations. The night continued with lots of swinging, promenades, skipping, and sweaty palmed partners. About half way through, a folk dance group put on a brief dance performance for us. Though we were a bit uncertain of what we were getting ourselves into and had no dancing experience of this sort, it turned out to be a fun night. It was definitely quite British!