Irish Social Dance, Set and Céilí

Irish Social dances are fun, easily learned, and inherently sociable. Even people who have never danced before can pick them up quickly. The dancing is absolutely non-competitive, simply an expression of the joy of the music. No partner required, dancers range in age from 3 to 83, and you don't need to be Irish to enjoy the music and dance of Ireland.

Weekly Dance Practice

Harp of Tara sponsors a year-round weekly Irish Dance practice, both Set and Céilí. All Welcome, all ages, no charge

In the winter months, it's every Wednesday, from 7:30 - 9:30 at 202 Main Street. Driving Directions
In the summer, we're outside, at the Richardson Pavilion, right by the tower, 7:00 - 9:00. It's best to e-mail first for the summer get-togethers

For further information, contact Julie & Stephen at bowesjulie@sympatico.ca.NoSpamm (remove the 'NoSpamm'

Monthly Céilí

Harp of Tara's monthly Céilí is a unique event in the region, providing an opportunity for non-stop dancing to live music, provided by our house band, 'the Wild Geese in the Bog'. The dances are easy and fun, no experience or partner required, all ages.

And musicians are welcome to play along with the band.

The Calendar Listing Page has a complete listing of dates for the Monthly Céilí's,

What is a Céilí?

So you think you might like to come to our Céilí? And you wonder what the it is? Now a lot of you already know, but for the rest of you, here goes. A Céilí (kay-lee) in Ireland many years ago, meant a social, friendly gathering of folks, young and old. It was a participatory type of function, where everyone displayed their special talent. This included music making, (fiddle, box, flute, tin whistle, whatever,) singing, reciting a favourite meaningful poem, telling a story or showing off your steps. It definitely included a little food and a lot of drink.

Here, it is still a social friendly gathering of folks, young and old, but the main musicians are on the stage - though all musicians are welcome to come and play along with the band, and there will be an occasional song or solo from visiting musicians. We dance céilí dances and some country sets. These dances are similar to American square dancing except there is no caller. Céilí and set dances are learned dances comprised of bodies and figures. I compare them to verses and choruses of songs. The body being the chorus and the figure being the verse. The body usually starts the dance and is repeated between the figures.

Now, don't be confused and don't be intimated! Here at the Kingston Céilí, we love to share our joy in this pastime. Therefore, our dance sets always have a mix of easy and more difficult dances, so everybody will have a good time. Our theory is, if you don't dance, you don't have fun; if you don't have fun, you don't come back!

At the Céilí, we serve hot tea and home made soda bread at the first break (food and drink), have juices and plenty of water available. And of course, you are free to bring your own goodies, for yourself or to share

A Short History of Irish Céilí Dancing Cairde Rince Ceili na hEireann