Irish Ceili Dances are the Folk Dances of Ireland.  The word "Ceili" means "together".   Ceili dances are performed in a variety of ways.   Men, women and children would gather at each others homes or at the crossroads to discuss local matters.  This would lead to a wee bit of entertainment.  A fiddler or two and sometimes a piper would be present to provide music for singing and dancing.   The folks would form lines, circles, squares, or contras and dance to the lively music of jigs and reels. 

Over the years the Irish, as many immigrant groups, brought  with them their familiar customs and traditions, while far from the homeland, they endeavored to adjust to their new  surroundings. The Irish have made Ceili  popular in many parts of the United States and indeed all over the world.  While this dance form, as in the old world, is mainly for social dancing it has been elevated to competition status in many parts of the world where Irish dancing schools are popular. 

Other questions? beaufortirishfestival@gmx.com