Dance
While there are many similarities in the various dances performed by the seven Celtic cultures, there are also many unique differences. Here is a collection of dance resources so you can see for yourself.
Brittany
Dancing in Brittany is considered a source of joy and that’s why people dance.
Fest-Noz is a festive gathering based on the collective practice of traditional Breton dances, accompanied by singing or instrumental music.
Cornwall
Cornish Dancing filmed on Saturday 6th April 2019 at Sandy Lodge Hotel in Newquay. The tune is called An Awhesyth, translating to ‘The Lark’ in English.
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Below is an example of several different Cornish dance groups performing different dances.
Galicia
(Above) Galician traditional folk dance: Muiñeira de Sarandona
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(Below) Galician traditional folk dance: Muiñeira de Lugo
Scotland
To Cowal, With Love: Specially choreographed dance produced for Cowal’s Virtual Gathering by Rachel McLagan, this video features eight dancers from Scotland, Canada and USA. Each is either the overall winner or first runner up in the 2018 and 2019 Juvenile, Junior and Adult World Highland Dancing Championship.
Ireland
The Gardiner Brothers (Michael and Matthew Gardiner) are world-famous Irish Dancers who have 5 World Titles and over 50 Major titles between them. Michael and Matthew were both born in Denver, Colorado where they began Irish dancing. They moved to Galway in Ireland in 2006 and joined the Hession School of Irish Dance where they now choreograph and teach. Learn more here.
Below, watch this adorable toddler show her dad how to do the steps to one of our favorite Ceili dances “The Three Tunes.” Her Roly Poly is spot-on, especially the stamp!
(And remember, you can learn about Irish Sean-nós Dance at our live Zoom event on October 17. Click here for details)
Isle of Man
Lesh Bree gys Phurt Chiarn, literally ‘with energy to Port Erin,’ starts out simple and becomes quite complete. Eight dancers pay homage to the steam heritage, complete with a train whistle. It’s a very unique dance.
The second dance resembles the Three Legs of the Manx Flag and has six dancers.
And if you want to learn about the history of the costumes, visit this page from the Manx Folk Dance Society.
Wales
From the Welsh Folk Dance Society, an amazing virtual dance video with couples and live music. Visit their website here for more dance performances.
Ready to learn some dances yourself? Visit Welsh Folk Dance Steps, which has dances with dance steps, music, and videos for about 15 dances. Those familiar with the Ceili of the Valley dances may recognize a couple from Tuesday dance class.