The Joy of Sets

The Joy of Sets in Greater Boston

2011-12-09T06:58:00.001-05:00

T he Joy of Sets is a blog just for Irish Set Dancing in the greater Boston and the broader New England area that includes information on classes, events, venues, and the traditional Irish music that makes the dancing so lively and fun.

Welcome to those who are new to set dancing! There are many classes in various locations around New England to learn the many fun sets that are danced in Ireland and around the world. There are a few basic simple steps used in dancing the sets; these are combined in various dances in a way that gives each set its unique style. When it's time for the new dancer to "branch out" and dance at other locations in the community, there are many classes and dance sessions just about every night of the week to expand your repertoire and your social network.

Set dancers are encouraged to share information about set dancing with other greater Boston set dancers and notify the community about upcoming events. Check the list of special workshops, ceillis, and other events for times and places.

Beginner Irish Set Dancing Classes at Harrington's

2011-07-18T15:30:00.000-04:00

Try something new this summer with an Irish set dancing class at Harrington's Pub in Wakefield (MA). Here's the updated summer class schedule. Every Monday night at 7:30, Frank & Eileen teach a new set. See details here.

This is a perfect opportunity for beginners to learn the basic steps and most common sets danced year-round upstairs at Harrington's every Wednesday at 7:30 and indeed in the Greater Boston area where you can find a set dance or lesson just about every day of the week.

See the write-up in the Wakefield Patch.

Harrington's Set Dancers in Set Dancing News

2010-08-29T12:19:00.003-04:00

Bill Lynch's current issue of Set Dancing News ran a photo-spread of the Harrington's Pub set dancing workshop with Patrick O'Dea that was held July 21. [magazine subscription form here in PDF format]

Patrick taught the Loch Neigh set (music notes and dance notes source).

The Lough Neagh is the largest lake in Ireland; it is 8 miles long by 15 miles wide, according to this YouTube vido of the lake Lough Neagh. It is located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland

The Joy of Sets article by Bill Lynch

The Caledonian Set

2010-07-25T11:47:00.000-04:00

The Caledonian Set

Study Notes for The Caledonian Set:
Caledonean Study Notes [Set Dancing News]
Caledonean Study Notes [San Francisco's Cooley-Keegan Branch CCE]

The Caledonian Set Figures (short descriptions):
[6 figures: all reels except 4th jig; 6th hornpipe]
Figure 1 -House Across [or, home-house-home] (Reels)
Figure 2 - House Around (Reels)
Figure 3 - Home & Across (Reels)
Figure 4 - House Opposite (Jigs)
Figure 5 - House All the Ladies (Reels)*
Figure 6 - Hornpipe

Caledonian Set Videos: First Two Figures of The Caledonian Set Irish Dancing At Milltown Malbay 2006
First Figure on You Tube
First & Second Figure of the Caledonian Set Midwinter Set Dance Weekend 2009, Caledonian 1 & 2
Second Figure on You Tube - (see 1st & 2nd above)
Second and Third Figure of the Caledonian danced at Harrington's in Wakefield (on this website)
Third Figure on You Tube
Third and Fourth Set of the Caledonian Midwinter Set Dance Weekend 2009, Caledonian 3 & 4
Fourth Figure of the Caledonian
Fifth Figure of the Caledonian
Fifth & Sixth Figures of the Caledonan Midwinter Set Dance Weekend 2009, Caledonian 3 & 4
Sixth Figure of the Caledonian

Caledonean Reel Footwork:
"The Clare style reel step is used for all reel figures and the 'down' jig step for the Fourth Figure." (Set Dancing News)
Ladies Caledonion Reel Battering Pattern for Set Dancers (links) used in the advance retire or dance in place
Ladies Caledonean Footwork Video [and a one, and a one, and a one then two] by YouTube - MaryMcKibbon
Gents "This footwork pattern repeats over n over for the entire Caledonian set dance. Its stepped off during swings, dance at homes, house around, etc." Hoilands http://www.hoilands.com/
Gents Caledonean Footwork Video [and a one, and a one, and a one then two] by YouTube - MaryMcKibbon
* "Often when dancing the Fifth Figure, all dancers will advance and retire rather than just the dancing couples, and both ladies and the non-dancing gents will turn in place as the dancing gents change partners" (Set Dancing News)

Photos of Maine Set Dancing Workshop with Tony Ryan April 2008

2010-07-25T10:51:00.002-04:00

See related post:The Antrim Square Set

The Antrim Square Set

2010-07-25T10:44:00.003-04:00

The first time I danced The Antrim Square Set was at the Irish Set Dancing weekend in Yarmouth, Maine (related post), hosted by Cathy & Bill Gavin in April 20008. Tony Ryan was the workshop teacher for the weekend and he introduced The Antrim Square to the area; it had already been big in Ireland. Here are the set dancing notes to the Antrim Square set, a short description of each figure, and links to YouTube videos of the figures being danced.

Set Dancing teachers demonstrate The Antrim Square at the Tony Ryan workshop in Maine. Dancing from left: Pat & Barry Callahan (Rhode Island), Cathy & Bill Gavin (Maine), Tony Ryan (Ireland - white shirt) and Ger Cooney-Browne (Massachusetts), and unknown-to-me (sorry) [more photos here]

Antrim Square Set

Study Notes:
Antrim Square Study Notes - Newcastle Irish Set Dancers
Antrim Square Study Notes - Larry Taylor
some common abbreviations in set dancing notation (see short notes below)

Antrim Square Videos:

Figure 1 - Instruction by Padraig & Roisin McEneany at Cape May / Rehoboth October 2008 by ceili308
Figure 1 - Danced Padraig & Roisin McEneany at Cape May / Rehoboth October 2008 by ceili308
Figure 1 - Vienna, Austria, workshop with Patrick O'Dean by Cuchullain10
Figure 1 & 2 Patrick O'Dea teaches Antrim Square in Seattle February 2009 by MaryMcKibbon
Figure 2 - Instruction by Padraig & Roisin McEneany at Cape May / Rehoboth October 2008 by ceili308
Figure 2 - Danced Padraig & Roisin McEneany at Cape May / Rehoboth October 2008 by ceili308
Figure 3 - Instruction by Padraig & Roisin McEneany at Cape May / Rehoboth October 2008 by ceili308
Figure 3 - Danced Padraig & Roisin McEneany at Cape May / Rehoboth October 2008 by ceili308
Figure 3 led by Patrick O'Dea in Seattle February 2009 by MaryMcKibbon

Tractor Square Dance - The tractors are dancing! The beginning of this figure is identical to the "Big Square" in the Antrim

Short Notes:

Fig 1 (reel) Ladies Star , Gents Star, Advance-Right Square
All: LAR in sweetheart hold, pivot back & Swing.
Tops: Ladies Star (r-l), Gents Star (r-l). TCs House & Ballyvourney-style square (advance-right 1-2, 123, backup to opp & 1/2 house to home).
All: Big Square (tops advance / sides retire), reverse & Swing.
Sides: Ladies Star, Gents Star , Sides House & BV-style sq.
All: Big Square (sides advance / tops retire), reverse & Swing; House.

Fig 2 (jig) Crossovers & Basket
All: LAR in sweetheart hold, pivot back & Swing.
Tops: Ladies cross, gents cross, ladies cross back (& move into the center) gents cross back (& move into the center), Basket (swing-4) & Swing.
All: Big Square (tops advance / sides retire), reverse & swing.
Sides: Ladies cross, gents cross, basket & swing.
All: Big Square (sides advance / tops retire), reverse & Swing; House.

Fig 3 (polka) Slide & Change; Swing Corners, Swing Partners
All: LAR in sweetheart hold, pivot back & Swing.
Tops: Slide & Change, Swing Corners, All Swing Partners.
All: Big Square (tops advance / sides retire), reverse & swing.
Sides: Slide & Change, Swing Corners, All Swing Partners.
All: Big Square (sides advance / tops retire), reverse & Swing; House.

Patrick O'Dea in Boston at Harrington's

2010-07-21T09:05:00.000-04:00

Patrick O'Dea, one of Ireland's foremost Irish dance masters, will make a stop on his brief US tour at Harrington's in Wakefield this Wednesday, June 21st. O'Dea will teach a few set dances at a workshop in the function room upstairs at Harrington's, starting at 7:30. The charge for the workshop and light refreshments is $12.

Patrick O'Dea teaching his "old style" Irish step dancing
at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton July 2008

Patrick was born in County Clare, Ireland, grew up outside of London, and now lives in Roscommon, Ireland. He's recognized as a modern-day Irish dancing master because of his encyclopedic knowledge of traditional steps and his unbroken lineage to the dance masters of the 1700s.

Venue: Harrington's Food & Spirits, 17 Water Street, Wakefield, MA
Website: http://www.harringtonspub.com

East Galway Set Battering Footwork

2010-07-19T18:15:00.001-04:00

Patrick O'Dea was in Seattle for a workshop in February 2010 and taught Irish set dancing battering footwork for the East Galway Set. [links to Mary McKibbin's YouTube video]

It's not easy to apply the complicated and bedazzling footwork into a set, especially when it is new. In this video, the dancers are learning the 5th Figure of the East Galway Set also taught by Pat O'Dea.

The notes for the East Galway Set can be found on Set Dancing News. Bill Lynch's glossy Set Dancing News magazine is filled with stories and photos of events and set dancing information.]

The Plain Clare Set

2010-07-19T18:08:00.007-04:00

Tonight we are teaching The Plain Clare Set to Beginners at Harrington's

Plain Clare Set Study Notes:
also known as The Plain Set, The Plain Clare Set, or simply, The Clare Set
Plain Clare Study Notes [Set Dancing News]
The Plain Set Study Notes [San Francisci's Cooley-Keegan Branch CCE]
The Plain Set [Brooks Academy on setdance.com]

The Figures for The Plain Clare Set (brief descriptions):
[6 figures: all reels except jig fifth figure]
Figure 1 - Pass Through, Ladies Chain, Half Lead Around - Turn Under (reel)
Figure 2 - Ladies Turn While Crossing Over (reel)
Figure 3 - Chase the Ladies - turn once right hands & twice with left hands (reel)
Figure 4 - Wheelbarrow - Hold Hands & Turn the Ladies Out & Under (reel)
Figure 5 - The Gallop - Alternating - (Gallop-Chain-Swing) Top Ladies Start Gallop & Chain (jig)
Figure 6 - Ladies In (Shake Your Skirts) / Ladies Move On (reel)

Plain Clare Set Videos:
First Figure Plain Clare by clarebannerman - excellent set dancing led by Aiden Vaughan
First Figure Plain Clare at Miltown Malbay 2008 by martialmailet
First Figure Plain Clare "Tulla Céili Band & Clare Set Dancers ♪♫" posted by clarebannerman

Second Figure Plain Clare Private Spring Ceili in Southern Maryland by lesliemac56

Third Figure Plain Clare Private Spring Ceili in Southern Maryland by lesliemac56

Fourth Figure Plain Clare danced in the Square at Kilrush (Co Clare, Ireland) in August 2004 by lazyhound

Fifth Figure Plain Clare danced by the Copenhagen Set Dancers 2007 by lenemads
Fifth & Sixth Figures Plain Clare danced in the Square at Kilrush (Co Clare, Ireland) in 2004 by lazyhound

Sixth Figure Plain Clare (see 5th & 6th above)

Update: I added links to the "study notes" and short descriptions of the figures above to the links to YouTube videos originally on this post. I welcome your comments or additional links about this set.

Johnny Reidy Ceili Band

2010-07-06T20:24:00.003-04:00

Talking With Your Eyes

Killarney area set dancers head for the Grand Hotel on Wednesday nights to dance to the music of the Johnny Reidy Ceili Band (Bebo website). The band is "up-tempo" as you can see in these set dancing videos from West Cork on Ceilimor.net and this video of the band playing at a festival in Tralee. I was impressed by the Irish dancers when I was there last February and shot this video of them dancing to "Talking With Your Eyes" sung by Johhny Reidy (on the Irish Thymes blog). Enjoy!

Benefit Session at The Burren with Set Dancing

2010-06-08T14:11:00.001-04:00

Some of Boston's best traditional Irish musicians will be playing a benefit at The Burren authentic Irish music pub / restaurant in Davis Square, Somerville on Sunday June 13th from 4PM to 1AM. The trad session goes from 4 to 9 featuring Helena Delaney, Peter Malloy (catch Helena and Peter Thursdays in the Burren's Front Room), Jimmy Noonan, and many more; this is followed at 9:30 by the Johnny Come Lately's.

The fundraiser event is for the Maunsell family, Seamus Maunsell, a friend and valued employee of The Burren and Hannah Maunsell, his 8 year old daughter, her mum Jen Maunsell, brother Seamus Jr. and sister Micheala.

If you're a set dancer, Ger Cooney will be leading a set or two around 5 o'clock. What an opportunity to dance to the live music of these great musicians!

Set Dancing at The Burren in the Back Room

Set Dancing at Vaughan's Barn in Kilfenora

2010-03-20T21:43:00.001-04:00

Set Dancing at Vaughan's Barn, Kelfenora, Ireland February 2010

On a recent trip to Ireland, I made my way far to the West of Ireland for a night of set dancing with friends at Vaughan's Barn in Kilfenora before heading back home. Yes, it was worth it. Here's a little video of a set with Mr. John Vaughan himself in the set closest to us dancing to the music of the Four Courts Ceili Band.

Irish Dancing at Your Wedding

2009-10-24T12:49:00.004-04:00

A wedding is a great time to celebrate your heritage and what better way to entertain your Irish guests than with an Irish dance. You could, for instance, like this bride, surprise your husband and amaze your guests with an Irish jig you've secretly practiced.

Or you could hire a professional dance troupe, like Celtic Storm, to perform during your wedding reception. How about the bride kicking off freestyle Irish dancing with the guests, the wedding party, and the groom joining in - that looks like a lot of fun to me. You're lucky if you've got a talented Irish dancer in the family, like this bride's brother, willing to do an Irish dance on your special day.

The whole family joined together in what looks like an Irish set dance (or an 8-hand reel) in this video. That's very impressive and they've done a great job. You can hear in the background a guest commenting, "This is my favorite part of the whole wedding."

Here the bride and groom join the traditional Irish dance troupe (girls with curls). This video clip had me laughing out loud at the non-dancer groom's efforts (What a good sport!) and the groomsmen as they are obviously having a great time, and that's the way it should be.

Even if it's just you and your new spouse doing your first dance together, like this couple dancing to a bagpipe tune, you can honor your Irish heritage with a two-hand reel or a highland fling. But then, why not respectfully dance down the aisle like this wedding party - it's not Irish, but you get the idea.

Even if there is nothing in particular scripted into the event, with an Irish tune playing, the guests will surely want to give it a try and have some fun.

So, if there's a wedding being planned in your family, these videos provide some great ideas to express your individuality and honor your culture. But you don't have to wait for a wedding to incorporate Irish dancing into an event. Get inspired and, most of all, have fun!

Clare Lancers Set With Sean-Nos Style

2009-10-23T19:25:00.001-04:00

The Clare Lancers is a fun traditional Irish Set Dance. with a variety of moves. This YouTube video clip of the 3rd & 5th figures of the Clare Lancers, "Maldon Meehan's Irish Dance Show "An Damhsa": Clare Lancers Set Dance," is especially well done and what footwork!

The video is a clip from a show presented in Portland, Oregon, in September 2008. I recognize the names of two of the dancers in the video from my brief foray into Sean-Nos Irish Step Dancing, Alicia Guinn and Maldon Meehan, who are dance teachers, as well.

There are some links to videos and study notes for the Clare Lancers on the Irish set dancing social network, irishsetdancing.ning.com along with notes for other sets in the Notes tab.

Gathering Momentum

2009-10-04T22:45:00.004-04:00

"The Gathering" flyers are ready. If you've been set dancing in the Boston area for any number of years, you're bound to hear about The Gathering in Killarney in February. Ger Cooney-Browne, who teaches set dancing at The Burren in Somerville, organizes the hotel and bus arrangements for most of the Americans making the trip from the northeast. Download a flyer and find more about information and articles on this traditional Irish music and dance extravaganza on the Joy of Sets website. There are set dancing workshops, sean-nos dancing workshops, ceilis, concerts, and a whole lot more.

Saturday morning set dancing workshop with Pat Murphy at the INEC - February 2009

Alicia Guinn's Beginner Sean-nós Dance Workshop

2009-08-23T09:22:00.000-04:00

I brought along a couple of visiting family members to Alicia Guinn's Beginner Sean-nós Irish Step Dancing workshop in Milton, Massachusetts, yesterday - they were good sports to accompany me and had never done Irish dancing before. Alicia teaches in the Seattle, Washington area. By the end of the 1 1/2 hour lesson, they had mastered the not-so-easy heel lift and were looking mighty fine as they danced to the concertina music provided by George Keith.

Alicia (left) at Sean-nós workshop August 2009

It was a great class. We started off with just slow-walking in time to the music and built on that rhythmic step, adding the heel-lift - "lift 1-2-3, and 1-2-3," then adding the heel-taps to this basic step- "lift and-1-and-2-and-3, lift and-1-and-2-and-3" (or "lift a-1 a-2 a-3" the "a" being the heel tapping or dragging on the floor; it's a quick and light movement). We added the hop-back step - "hop-1 hop-2 hop-1-2-3" - and variations on the basic steps.

After a summer break, I'm eager to start my second year of classes with Kieran Jordan in the new Green Street studio location in Cambridge (MA). Not only is it a great low-impact aerobic workout, but it is wonderful to be able to tap out a reel or a jig any time, anywhere, to give the spirits a lift. I personally find it invigorating to tap it out in the ladies room at work for a bit before heading back to my sedentary desk job.

Irish Dancing in Florida

2009-08-20T07:57:00.003-04:00

It's August and I'm still dancing. Summer is a less rigorously scheduled time when most dance classes take a break and here in Boston, at least, the regular Sunday set dances to live Irish music run from September to May, roughly. But Irish festivals, special Irish dance cruises, workshops, and a few year round set dancing groups keep the music going and the feet battering.

I was happy to read about the Irish dancing activities in Gainesville, Florida. The Inisheer Irish Dance Company sponsored "The Long Hot Summer Irish Ceili Dance and Workshops" in July - read the article in the Gainesville Sun - consisting of an Irish step-dance workshop and a subsequent ceili and set dance workshop, followed by an evening ceili dance accompanied by excellent area musicians, with guest instructor Liam Eagan of West Palm Beach leading the social dances and Piper Call leading a workshop on Sean nos ("old style") Irish step dance. [The article, by the way, does a great job of defining the various types of Irish dancing: step dancing, sean-nos dancing, set dancing and ceili dancing.]

Harrington's Beginner Class - Nora Helps Out (Reading Advocate photo)

It has long been a wish of mine to some day be a "snow-bird" but the one thing I would miss if I headed south in winter would be the Irish dancing - in season, September to May, you could dance every night of the week around Boston and several groups remain active all summer - so I'm glad to know that there are pockets of it alive and "kicking" in Florida. It's funny, though; as part of a plan to ensure that I would be able to dance no matter where in the world I go, I have started to teach set dancing to beginners so I can bring the Irish dancing with me.

Beginner Set Dancing at Harrington's

2009-07-27T08:41:00.003-04:00

Frank and I have started teaching a beginner Irish set dancing class at Harrington's pub in Wakefield (MA, USA). We dance there upstairs on Wednesdays and have noticed there was an interest in the set dancing by some of the pub-goers but a lack of experience kept many from joining in. With a general lull in the set dancing classes for the summertime, we announced an eight-week series of classes at the pub on Monday nights. We were pleasantly surprised to find so many from the surrounding communities show up for the first night of classes.

We worked on the footwork and steps for The Connmara Reel Set [links to instructions and videos] and managed to get through the set, with a little help from our friends PJ, Peggy, and Maureen. Thanks, guys!

Tonight we're on to The North Kerry Set to demonstrate more set dancing footwork and dance moves like the polka, hornpipe, "show the lady," and the "four ladies chain." Having been a teacher in one of my prior lives, I understand the importance of a lesson plan and, as always, I am reminded that the best way to learn something well is to teach it. Looking forward to lesson two tonight.

Boston Set Dancers Drafted for New Irish Play

2009-06-20T12:07:00.007-04:00

The Irish-American community around Boston is eagerly awaiting the new Irish play by Ireland's Tommy Marren of Mid-West Radio based in County Mayo, The Banshee of Crokey Hill. Irish set dancers were happy to co-operate when asked to participate in the kitchen hooley scenes in this 3-act play.

Dancers from Sally Harney's Comhaltas Watertown group and Frank Keane's Harrington's group in Wakefield will dress in West of Ireland '70's attire to welcome the neighbors' son returning to Ireland after being away in Manchester, England, as the drama unfolds around them.

Boston's Larry Reynolds (video with Larry joined by concert flute player Mike Rafferty and button accordionist Tara Lynch, originally from Corofin, Co. Clare. ) and friends provide the traditional Irish tunes for the kitchen session. The play also features the renowned Brian Cunningham (take a sneak peek at this amazing video), Sean-Nos dancer from Connemara.

"There is an exceptional ‘hooley’ scene that includes a breath-taking display of brush-dancing (an old Irish dance done with a sweeping brush!) by Brian Cunningham from Connemara in County Galway and traditional musician that will warm the hearts of the audience!"

The Banshee of Crockey Hill will be presented Friday & Saturday, June 26th & 27th at 8PM and Sunday, June 28th, at 3PM at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA (directions).

Post Script: Link to some "Banshee" photos and a video on the Irish Set Dancing social network:

Photo Album: Backstage Photos of The Banshee of Crokey Hill - Boston Performance

Photo Album: "Off Broadway" Photos of The Banshee of Crokey Hill - Broadway in Arlington MA

Video: Boston Sean-Nos Dancer Hughie's Stage Debut at Sunday Performance

A Little Rain Falls on Siege of Ennis

2009-05-18T18:11:00.005-04:00

It rained in Ennis (surprise) but it didn't seem to dampen the spirits much for the Special Olympics fundraiser. Around 6,000 people turned out to dance The Siege of Ennis. Watch the video.

Here's how the dance is done professionally; it's nice, but it's much more fun with a big crowd of people.

These are the study notes with detailed instrctions on how to dance it: "Two couples line up facing two couples in lines of four ..."

It's a ceili dance but is often danced as well by set dancers.

My First "Gathering" in Killarney

2009-03-14T11:18:00.008-04:00

After five years of set dancing, I figured I should be able to keep up with the dancing at The Gathering in Killarney, so I gave it a try. There was a group going from Boston and a couple of Harrington's dancers looking for roommates, so I booked my flight in October for the February 2009 event at the first sight of Aer Lingus's winter sale. We eventually settled on accommodations at the Gleneagle River Apartments (see travel tips for The Gathering) , which were excellent.

The fun began on Wednesday night. A group of us headed into town to dance to the Johhny Reidy Ceili Band at the Grand Hotel. The tempo was brisk. The night was fun. The small crowd of likely regulars was welcoming. The Gathering organizers sponsored an optional ceili and pub session in a nearby town.

The activity was non-stop after that, starting with the school outreach program Thursday morning (a rewarding experience) and enhanced by a couple of independent excursions on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Set dancing ceilis on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon and sean-nos and set dancing workshops on Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning filled in most of my schedule, but there were music concerts and pub sessions that I didn't want to miss - so I got very little sleep from then on. It was truly amazing.

Sunday afternoon' set dance workshop was on the Melleray Lancers Set (video posted on IrishSetDancing.ning.com by Peter Jackson) - see set dancing notes - also known as the Waterford Lancers, from County Waterford, Ireland.

Our unofficial mini-group guide (see Frank's account of his Gathering experience) took us to a night of set dancing with the regulars at Vaughn's Barn in Kilfenora on Sunday night. In contrast to the hordes of people at The Gathering, this was very homey - the floor was full of set dancers dancing to the fabulous Four Courts Ceili Band.

All in all the trip was a nice blend of local charm, friendly faces, and Irish music and dance extravaganza.

Follow-up note May 2009: Vaughan's Pub now has its own website at http://www.vaughanspub.ie/
View a great video of set dancing at Vaughan's Pub on YouTube.

Killarney, The Gathering 2009

2009-02-25T14:14:00.017-05:00

Just returned from the 2009 Gathering. Of the three years I have attended, this was the best yet. Dancing started in Killarney on Wednesday to the fast paced pokers from the Johnnie Reidy Band. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqwCKuMF_sw

This was followed by the annual trip to the schools as part of the community outreach program on Thursday.This year was different in that we had 8 set dancers, 6 musicians, ( four of them from France) and one French Sean Nos style dancer with blazing feet.

Thursday afternoon we were treated to a tour of the Black Valley by a friend who grew up in Dingle

Thursday's Ceili music was provided by Micheal Sexton and Pat Walsh.

Friday during the day, we drove to Cobh in Cork to visit some relatives as well as tour the port where the "Coffin Ships" departed during the famine

Friday night we had the Brian Boru Ceili Band. As much as we thought the first three bands were terrific, the music provided by the Allow Ceili Band on Saturday was over the top. I think there were twelve instruments, all playing an uptempo style of music. When we did the Clare Lancers figure with the 4 and 4, all 800 dancers were linked arm in arm, a sight I will never forget.

The dance floor was filled with set dancers from 8 to 80, young competition ready dancers with flying feet, old smoothies, and the ever present Kerry Crazies, all having great craic.

Matt Cunningham finished the weekend's set dancing. I can only hope that he plays the same speed when he comes to Watertown in May

Sunday PM we jumped in the car and drove to Doolin, picked up another friend, and then drove to Kilfenora, to set dance to the Four Courts Ceili Band in the Mecca of Set Dancing, Vaughan's Barn.

Set Dancing on the radio

2009-01-29T10:09:00.003-05:00

This week will be a "first" for some Boston area Irish Set Dancers.
We will be dancing on the radio, via Paula Carroll's Kitchen Sessions, which is being broadcast from Winchester Ma.

Trying to tell friends to listen in has been interesting since they usually can not tell us by the sound of our feet battering through some reels. I can imagine telling someone afterwards, "listen that's me. I can tell since I missed a beat."

http://comhaltas.ie/events/detail/kitchen_sessions_in_clare/lang/ga/

Keaney Brothers - Cousins of Vincent's

2009-01-21T11:34:00.003-05:00

Just heard from Vincent that some of his cousins are on YouTube. While they do not do set dancing, their footwork is fabulous The Keany Brothers Irish Step Dancing on YouTube on Diddlyi, a social networking website for Irish Step Dancers.

Paula Carroll. back on the road with Kitchen Sessions

2009-01-11T13:25:00.005-05:00

Paula Carroll, Clare FM, takes her world famous "Kitchen Sessions" on the road starting on Jan 11 from Fanore, in North Clare

http://comhaltas.ie/events/detail/kitchen_sessions_in_clare/

The shows are usually repeated on Wednesday nights and available on the following Thursday for Download as a podcast

If you are wondering what this has to do with set dancing, listen carefully to the music. In the background, on some of the songs, you will hear the unmistakable footwork of those County Clare set dancers

Enjoy the series

One of the sessions will be held in Winchester Ma. at Gerry Dunleavey's house. Now we need to figure out how to get an invitation

My picture and the story of the memorial statue

2009-01-06T09:47:00.004-05:00

A number of people have asked me about the memorial statue that I am pictured in.

Blog contributor, Frank Keane, in Killarney

The statue is a memorial to Johnny O'Leary, a legendary Kerry box player. It is the first monument in the area to honor a musician.

One of Johnney's major strengths as a musician was his ability to connect with the listener. Set Dancers came for all over the area just to dance to his music.

The attached article provides some fabulous background on Johnny O’Leary (source: kerryman.ie). Enjoy.

Set Dancing moves to the south, Tennesee to be exact

2009-01-05T10:34:00.001-05:00

Set Dancing moves to the south, Tennesee to be exact, Irish Set Dancing in Tennesssee at the home of the musical heritage center.

Set Dance article from native Swede living in Ireland

2008-12-22T15:35:00.004-05:00

Wonderful description of Set Dancing by a Swedish Native, living in Ireland, describing her first experience with Irish Set Dancing

Celtic Country Line Dancing

2008-12-22T13:24:00.003-05:00

Another Irish style of dancing is creating a whirlwind. There is a new rage taking over for those who want to experience the power of Celtic music but would rather dance in a line dancing format. This video of "line dance country celtic slide" by westerndancer has had over 125,000 hits, just to give you an idea of the popularity.

Article from Wales about The Gathering in Killarney

2008-11-20T11:37:00.004-05:00

This wonderful article from Wales about The Gathering in Killarney captures the spirit and fun that those who are fortunate enough to attend The Gathering, in Killarney, in February, enjoy.

Galway Priest leads the way with Set dancing

2008-10-24T13:07:00.004-04:00

A Galway Priest, Father Martin Glynn is using Irish Set Dancing as a means to bring people together

Stomp-de-dump stomp-de-dump stomp-de-dump stomp!

2008-10-07T13:01:00.009-04:00

I need words when I'm learning a new dance. These are the words I've made up to help me master "the gallop" in Sean-Nós Dancing, a solo form of Irish step dancing. Frank and I and a whole bunch of others have just started lessons with Kieran Jordan, who's teaching a beginner class at the Dance Complex in Cambridge (MA).

Kieran has made this form of Irish dancing popular in the Boston area, as evidenced by the thirty or so dancers who show up for class each week and struggle to make their feet tap out a rhythm in time to a slow reel with some semblance or order. As this is a "free-style" type of dance, there is really no *wrong* way to do it, within some guidelines like "keep your feet low to the ground" and "stay in time with the music," made all the more difficult by trying to remember to stomp first or struggling to switch from leadnig with the right foot to leading with the left. Ah, but wait 'til you see us in a couple of months! Hopefully, the stage-fright jitters will have worn down, as Kieran has us dance a solo before the group at each class. Here's what Sean-Nós dancing looks like as seen at the 2008 ICONS Festival in Canton (MA).

Just a note about how this relates to set dancing: there's a "Clare step" done in Sean-Nós dancing that is often used in the "lead-around" in set dancing. It's a fancy bit of footwork, but I'm still working on the words to it.

Cops reveal Irish dance instructor's disturbing secret

2008-10-02T07:01:00.004-04:00

I found an interesting article in a Minneapolis Minnesota newspaper that tells the story of a long time set dance teacher, his ability to "navigate" women around the floor, and his eventual dustup with the local police. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.startribune.com/local/30073039.html?elr=

Travel to The Gathering in Killarney

2008-09-12T22:59:00.013-04:00

If you're thinking of traveling from the States to The Gathering (the festival website - view 2008 festival information until the website is updated for 2009) in Killarney (Ireland) in February, NOW is the time to book your flight.

Take advantage of Aer Lingus' $199 each way fares from Boston and other US cities by September 19th, 2008. The festival consists of five days of concerts, ceilis, sessions, set-dance and instrument workshops at The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, Ireland. To take advantage of all the festival offerings, book your flight to arrive by Wednesday for an evening session and stay through Sunday night (18th - 22nd).

To download a flyer on The Gathering and find more info, go to Irish Thymes.

West Clare Dance Masters Celebrated

2008-09-11T07:04:00.010-04:00

The contribution to Irish dance and music of two of Ireland’s most celebrated Dance Masters, the late Dan Furey (1909-1993) and James Keane (1918-2000), is celebrated each September with the Dan Furey Weekend in County Clare, Ireland. They are credited with being the saviors of the traditional dances of the Labasheeda area and for establishing dance schools throughout West Clare* in the West of Ireland. Read more on "Remembering Ireland's Dance Masters." [Photo courtesy of DiscoverIreland.com]

*"Holiday Haunts on the West Coast of Clare" by H B H is a travel guide to the resorts of Clare, published in 1891; it is published by the Clare Library and is a fascinating look into the resorts of the past in this area of Ireland. Find more online publications of the Clare Library here.

A hidden jewel in the West of Ireland

2008-08-24T14:58:00.019-04:00

w Page 4

If you were expecting a travel blog, this is not the place. Instead this is about a are radio station, that through it's programming, keeps the tradition alive. The station is Clare FM, based in Ennis, County Clare. Each weeknight they have a two hour show focusing on Traditional Irish Music. Each night there is a different host, each with his/her own style and personality.

For Set Dancers traveling to Ireland, they announce locations,festivals and classes that will occur throughout County Clare.

Last fall, Clare FM did an eight week series, "The Kitchen Sessions", that originated in homes and pubs throughout County Clare.

Paula Carroll did an incredible job in bringing the flavor of a rural home seisun to a worldwide audience.

From the kitchen of Pat & Peggy O'Reilly, Rath, Corofin

Each show featured live music performed by local musicians, set dancing, interviews with the host and hostess, as well as some of the musicians andset dancers.

Clare FM has kept all 8 Kitchen Sessions on line for everyone to enjoy.

My favorite was the Session 7 held at Chris Droney's house in Belle Harbor. Chris is one of the all time great Concertina players and usually plays with the Four Courts Ceili Band.

His whole multi-generational family participated.

Cillian, David and James Droney play with their grandfather Chris

They were able to convince Chris to do a few steps.

(My goal in life is to be able to dance like Chris when I too am

in my Mid 80's)

There were Set Dancers and Sean Nos dancers who added a distinct comfort feeling to the show. Aidan Vaughn, Four Courts Drummer, and a frequent visitor to Boston, and Gussie McMahon, did a Sean Nos duet.

(Keiran Jorda n is producing a video based on Aidan's Sean Nos dancing.)

I was fortunate to have met Gussie when I stayed at his Bed and Breakfast in Doolin the last time I was in Ireland.

Chris's brother John runs Set Dancing classes in Glastonbury CT and is a good friend of my aunt.

During the show they had a few call-ins from the Droney clan in Simsbury CT, giving the show an international audience.

If you enjoy great Traditional Music and want to know where to Set Dance in County Clare, Clare FM is the perfect choice.

For those technology buffs, they leave each show on the web for a week.

You can either listen or download to your IPOD.

Pictures provided from the Clare FM website

not set dancing, but great news for set dancers

2008-08-23T12:51:00.004-04:00

Some very exciting news -- read the press release:
Irish band Dervish to bring the spirit of Irish music "sessions" to American airwaves for the first time "Irish Heartbeat with Dervish" weekly public radio program to launch late 2008

The Irish music "session" – regularly connected with the great pubs of Ireland and the wild beauty of the west of Ireland – is now set to take a new path on American airwaves.

Renowned Irish traditional band Dervish will bring the sounds of a spirited Irish session to American public radio audiences through a weekly radio program, "Irish Heartbeat with Dervish." The program goes into production this month at the band's Sligo studios in the West of Ireland.

Hosted by Dervish's charismatic lead singer Cathy Jordan, the program will feature guests from among Ireland and America's top traditional and roots musicians, as well as noted figures from Ireland's literary and wider arts world. Already confirmed are Matt Molloy (of The Chieftains) with John Carty, Moya Brennan of Clannad, The Celtic Tenors, Irish rock band The Saw Doctors, singer Susan McKeown, fiddler
Frankie Gavin (De Dannan), and leading traditional groups Danú and Téada.
Many others are in discussion.

Spellbinding music, exciting collaborations and engaging conversations with guests will all be part of "Irish Heartbeat with Dervish."

Listeners will get a true sense of sitting close in a music session at a pub or party in Ireland—a memorable experience with lively instrumental tunes traded back and forth, moving songs, chat, laughter, and always a great sense of fun, or as the Irish say, "craic" (prounounced crack).

"Irish Heartbeat with Dervish" will launch initially on flagship station WCMU-FM (an NPR-affiliate in Michigan) and its seven-station network later this year, and will be offered to over 800 public radio stations across the country. A Christmas special is in the works,
with plans for a St Patrick's Day show as well as broadcasts from some of Ireland's major festivals and landmarks. The program's website irishheartbeat.ie has just been launched, and will be regularly updated with program and guest information, audio clips, and more.
(For now, information can be found at the band's website, http://www.dervish.ie

Kerry Fleadh ad on Set Dancing causing controvvery

2008-08-11T10:57:00.004-04:00

Uproar in Kerry as fleadh goes 'sets mad'

By Anne Lucey

Wednesday July 16 2008

"We are sets mad down here". There'll be "straight sets, illicit sets, wild sets, casual sets, gay sets, unprotected sets -- whatever turns you on!'

So goes a radio advert for the normally conservative Munster Fleadh Cheoil.

The advertisement has caused uproar in Kerry, where some listeners claim the ad has left them confused.

The advertisement's creator is Nick Ryan, honorary public relations officer for the fleadh. Some 30 years ago he created the 'Just One Cornetto' ice cream jingle, one of the most popular ever.

Now living in Kenmare, Mr Ryan, who plays traditional music locally, said he tried to liven up news of the Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2008.

Amusing

"At the end of the day it was just an amusing way to present a fleadh, rather than just the usual 'diddle-da' advertisement," he said.

John Greene, a presenter with Radio Kerry, says the radio has had "an unmerciful amount" of text messages and calls about the advertisement, but only about half are complaints. Other calls are defending it and seeing it as a bit of a laugh. Radio Kerry is to continue running the ad.

- Anne Lucey

Boston Comhaltas Fundraiser for trip to Ireland to help defray costs of musicians attending Fleadh Cheoil Na hEireann

2008-08-09T17:57:00.010-04:00

A packed house was on hand Friday August 8 at the Canadian American club for the Boston Comhaltas fundraiser to help defray some of the costs for Boston's participants the Fleadh Cheoil Na hEireann being held in later in August at Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
The Boston Comhaltas Music school Ceili band joined with the Boston Comhaltas band in providing exhilarating music throughout the night.
There are three Boston area participants, Caroline, Catherine and Roger who will represent Boston. There were large donations of food and raffle prizes resulting in over $1000 raised for the young musicians.
Caroline and Catherine each performed their specialty, Caroline on the tin whistle and Catherine with a Sean Nos song. They also combined their efforts in duet, where Catherine played the fiddle.
The dance floor was completely full all evening, with a mixture of Set Dances, Ceili Dances and Old Time Waltzes.
Larry, as usual, did a fabulous job as Emcee for the evening.
The proud parents were very appreciative for the amount of effort it took to make this a fantastic success both monetarily and socially.

The Festival of Lughnasadh

2008-08-04T18:52:00.020-04:00

For thousands of years our ancestors have marked the significant moments of the year with seasonal festivals. Lughnasadh (pronounced loon-assah) is a festival of the first fruits of harvest, marking the beginning of the harvest season. In Ireland, it was a time of digging up the first of the potatoes. In the Irish language, the word for the month of August is 'Lunasa', named after the Celtic pagan god Lugh.

(photo from the 1998 movie with Meryl Streep "Dancing at Lughnasa")

The cheerful gatherings in observance of the festival included dancing “to observe and conform with the powerful rhythms of nature and cosmos.” [Celebrate the Solstice.]

Traditionally, small local groups gathered together in a larger cultural unit to celebrate; that provided much of the cohesive force that bound clan to clan. Like the people who have celebrated Lughnasadh through the years, the local groups of set and ceili dancers, musicians, and the Irish community in the Greater Boston and New England area are gathering in August to recall and be part of this traditional festival. The celebration with music, dance and refreshments, takes place at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, Massachusetts, on August 23, 2008, at 7PM.

Organizers Frank Bane, the president of Ceol Trad, and Maureen McNally are working with a number of well-known Irish organizations who are combining efforts to celebrate Lughnasadh: the Irish Cultural Centre of New England, C.A.R.E. The Eire Society of Boston, the Irish Pastoral Centre (IPC Boston: "a parish without boundaries" - see details of bus trip to the Centre), and The Irish Immigration Centre. The Ceol Traidisiunta na h'Eireann band has been asked to help play the music for the ceili. [Catch these musicians playing for a monthly ceili on the third Sunday of the month at the Hibernian Hall in Watertown (MA).] However, with such a diverse group sponsoring the ceili, they welcome others to play with them that evening! Join in the fun and dance the night away to the sounds of live traditional Irish music.

Contact Frank Bane at (617) 926-8847 or by email at FrankMaryB (at) aol.com for more information. Venue Phone number: 781-821-8291.

The Sliabh Fraoch set danced at The Gathering

2008-07-31T20:08:00.003-04:00

A Set Dance Ceili, it wasn't

2008-07-29T15:43:00.013-04:00

Last February, I was at the Micho Russell festival in Doolin, County Clare set dancing to the music of Chris Droney and the Four Courts Ceili Band. At the end of the afternoon, the band leader announced that they would be playing Monday Evening at Vaughn’s Barn in Kifenora, for a special benefit for a priest.

I mentioned to my friend that I would be in Kilfenora on Monday visiting relatives and said that I planned to go to the benefit.

When I arrived at Vaughn’s, I sat near the door to put on my dancing shoes. All of a sudden there was raucous cheering going on outside the main door. You have to understand, that two people would constitute a crowd in Kilfenora at 9PM on a Monday. My curiosity got the better of me and I went to see what all the excitement was. You can imagine my surprise to see hundreds of Priests, Nuns and people in Chinese Kimona’s cheering speaker after speaker, on a makeshift podium, in front of Vaughn’s Pub.

I quickly retreated inside and saw Bill Lynch, the editor of Set Dance News, who was capturing the event with his camera. I asked him about the benefit that was supposed to take place and he told me I was in error, it was not a benefit, it was TedFest 08 , a memorial weekend in honor of the Irish hit TV series “Father Ted”

Just then all hell broke loose, the TedFesters all came at once, inside, forming a parade. Those of us who were there to set dance were in shock. The Ted Festers had their own emcee who announced that we were all there for an "Ecumenaceili" and then proceeded to teach the marchers a few Ceili dances, all in costume, of course. Have you ever seen Priests and Nuns, accompanied by Chinese, dance the Stack of Barley?

The Four Courts Ceili Band did play for the event, but I am willing to bet this was one of the more eclectic events that ever participated in.
The look on Chris Droney’s face was priceless. It looked like he was thinking, "how in God's name did this happen to me and when will it end".

After an hour of watching, we decided that it was best to leave Vaughn’s to the TedFest revelers.

A night to remember, but not for the set dancing.

Tony Ryan Workshop in Maine August 5th

2008-07-28T22:41:00.009-04:00

There was quite a turnout for master Irish set dance teacher Tony Ryan from Galway, Ireland, last April (2008) at the Maine Set Dancing Weekend hosted by Kathy and Bill Gavin (backs to the camera in this photo; Tony in white shirt opposite holding microphone). Tony will be back in Maine at the Yarmouth Community House, 179 East Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine, for an evening set dancing workshop on Tuesday, August 5th at 6:30 PM. The Greater Portland Set Dancers would like to invite any and all, whether experienced or not, to come to the workshop. Contact Cathy Gavin by email at setdncr02 (at) maine.rr.com for more information.

Irish Dance Master Drills Boston Dancers

2008-07-26T17:05:00.016-04:00

The pace was brisk at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton (MA) on Thursday night (7/24/08). Guest dance instructor Patrick O’Dea from Ireland kept the crowds hopping, first the step dancers then the set dancers. Patrick dances and teaches the old style of step dancing, known as sean nos Irish step dancing. “His feet batter in loose shuffles, hops, rocks and drums - complicated and percussive - but graceful, effortless and understated.” [From the Boston Irish Reporter, August 31, 1998 By Kieran Jordan; article archived at Celtic Cafe. I believe the step dance he taught was The Blackbird; as I sat waiting for the set dancing to begin, I watched the dance come together and was inspired into thinking about adding step-dancing lessons to my fall schedule; it looked like so much fun to do.

The set dancers gathered in their groups of eight to learn the Valencia Right and Left [Larry Taylor's Study Notes and Set Dancing News Study Notes]. As explained in “Another Brilliant Weekend by the Windmill” article in Set Dancing News, “this is an easy going set with an unusual ladies chain. Ladies don't touch or chain in the centre they pass each other by and chain with the opposite gent.” The Spanish sounding name had some of the dancers puzzled, but this set is from Valentia Island in the southwest of County Kerry in Ireland. It’s all polkas and the Kerry dancers love their polkas. As the study notes explain, you dance a gliding low-to-floor polka step, with a Ballyvourney-style “double-reverse” or "backup two steps and house" house. It was a fun night and an enjoyable dance that I am sure has gained instant popularity in the Boston area.

The organizers, Jackie and Janine, are shown here with Patrick. [View larger image] Keiran Jordan arranged and promoted the event, and Pat Callahan notified the set dancers on his email list covering Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Together they pulled together the "last minute" step and set dancing workshop with Patrick O'Dea. As you might imagine, word passed quickly among the dancers of the opportunity to learn from a renowned dance teacher.

Tony Ryan, another celebrated Irish dance teacher, will be leading a set dancing workshop in Yarmouth, Maine Saturday, August 2nd 2008 and again the following Tuesday. See the Irish Thymes Google calendar for details.

What a way to spend a hot Saturday in July

2008-07-21T16:21:00.007-04:00

The Blackstone Theatre Celtic Festival

Last Saturday, in 95 degree heat, three sets of dancers had great Craic dancing to the fabulous music provided by the Broad Street Ceili band.

The setting for the festival could not have been any better. The Diamond Hill Park is a hidden jewel located in Cumberland RI. As you enter the park, there is a small lagoon, at the back of the lagoon, a permanent stage. Small hills surround the lagoon forming a natural amphitheater, complete with many trees for shade. On the upper left was an additional stage for music and on the upper right, the dance stage.

Barry Callahan was the designated emcee for the day and did a superb job coordinating all the different events at the dance tent. Set Dancing accompanied Irish Step Dancing, Irish Improvisational dances, Ceili dances and a few other styles I was not familiar with.

There were set dancers from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, dancing the Sliabh Luchra, Kilfenora, Antrim Squares, and other sets throughout the day. Barry shared some history of sets with the audience: all Clare sets have a social figure where everyone changes partners; the fourth figure of Clare sets is always a Show the Lady, etc. These are some facts that I had never heard before. He also changed the way the Sliabh Luchra was danced to reflect the original version.

On my ride down with friends, I offered to donate for gas. Joe suggested that I buy him a Guinness instead. The deal was struck. The Blackstone River Celtic Festival is family friendly and “dry”. I still owe him the Guinness

All in all, it was a great time.

Frank Lee Irish

Day dreaming about February in July

2008-07-17T09:31:00.031-04:00

The Gathering is the perfect spot to be in February. Very little chance of a sunburn, mild weather and “Great Craic”

The Gathering is held annually in Killarney at the Glen Eagle Hotel. The Gathering is an event that features both Irish Set Dancing and Irish Traditional Music. The Set Dancing always starts on Wednesday night with a bus trip to Scartaglen in Sliabh Luchra country . There is more set dancing Thursday at the Glen Eagle and Friday, Saturday evenings and Sunday Afternoon at the Irish National Exhibition Center, next door to the Glen Eagle. The best Ceili bands supply the energetic music

Last year on Wednesday, we decided to change the Wednesday plans to an alternative location, closer to the hotel. A group of us, Nora, Trish, Cynthia, Lou, Martha and Tiag, plus a few dancers from the Burren, did a quick trip to the Grand Hotel in Killarney, for music by the Johnny Reidy Ceili Band. ( If you have never heard Johnny you are missing something, fast and exuberant) Imagine our surprise when we ended up directly in the front of the band. The first set was the Sliabh Fraoch, a set not one person in the group had ever danced or seen before. It was quite a sight, everyone trying to watch over their shoulder to the next group, to see what they were doing, all while the band played a fast paced polka.

Tim Joe and Pat Riordan provided the music on Thursday at the Glen Eagle. On Friday the music was provided by Abbey Ceili Band and on Saturday by the Four Provinces Ceili Band. Sunday, the Allow Ceili band from Cork, a band that won the 2007 All Ireland Ceili Band Competition, was by far and away the most exciting to dance to. The dance floor had roughly 500 dancers for each session, leaving plenty of room for the Kerry Set Dancers to show off their high kicks and jumps, without bumping into any other dancers. The dances were all called by the area’s best teachers, which really helped.

There were Set Dance workshops Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday Morning. The workshops were for all levels, the advanced were taught by Pat Murphy, the beginners by Tim (The Brit) McCarthy, and also a children’s set dance workshop.

If that was not enough there was also a Sean Nos dance workshop for those interested in “Old Style” dancing. Pat Murphy taught the Antrim Squares Set and the Flight of the Earls. Regina and her daughter were in the same set as me for the Saturday classes. Pat called the Antrim Squares at the dance on Saturday night, so it really was worthwhile for us to have attended the workshops.

The concerts were performed by Pauline Scanlon and her Band(Friday), Lúnasa(Saturday) and Máirtín O'Connor, Cathal Hayden and Séamaí O'Dowd(Sunday).Also on stage at the various concerts was Seán Keane of the chieftains with Liam O'Flynn, Zoe Conway and John McIntyre, Jackie Daly, Séamus Creagh and Paul de Grae, Séamus Begley, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Jim Murray ,Jimmy Doyle, Paudie Gleeson and Joe Sullivan, Finbarr Dwyer and Mary Conroy, Paddy Cronin and John Cronin and many others.

We saw a few of the concerts, but many were scheduled at the same time as the Ceili’s

After the Set Dancing and concerts finish, everyone converges on the Glen Eagle. Wherever you could find room, musicians setup an impromptu Seisun. It was a kick to see Regina moving from Seisun to Seisun, lugging her harp. The Seisun’s continued until the wee hours of the morning. The two main pubs were filled to capacity, one had Sean Nos dancers and the other Set Dancers, showing their steps, as well as a combination of amateur musicians and concert performers. The Guiness flowed freely on the weekend nights. Tiag, the Other Tim, Regina and I spent one long night taking in the Guiness, the dancing and the music. (It’s not your average American concert scene with limos and aides. Everyone carries their own instruments: harps, whistles, fiddles, concertinas, accordions etc.)

During the day on Thursday and Friday, Martha, working with John O’Shea, The Gathering’s promoter, organized a group of musicians and dancers for a community outreach program at 12 elementary schools. Nora, Trish, Lou and I were the dancers on Thursday, Cynthia went on Friday. We were accompanied by "Tim O’Shea and Friends" who provided the music. Thursday was one of the highlights of the trip as many of the kids performed for us, while we were in their schools. In fact, there were many who did a more vibrant version of the North Kerry Set than we could do, forcing us to change our choice of dances at the last minute. At one school, one of the dancers did a “broom dance’ that brought the house down. One of the band members, whose name is Jacque, was from Brittany, in France. At each school the kids would shout, “Bonjour Jacque”. To see all smiling Irish faces, dressed in their school uniforms, was priceless. The talent level assures us that Traditional Music and Set Dancing have a long future.

A small world story, even though they live in Killarney, both John and Tim O’Shea attended the same elementary school as me in Massachusetts.

The Gathering dates are February 18-22 2009. If you are planning to attend, there are a few important items you need to be aware of. Bring plenty shirts, they don’t call this “Irish Sweat Dancing”, without good reason. Between sets, the Men’s room looks like a Gym locker room, everyone changing into dry clothes. If you are a Set Dancer, arrive early, all the seats around the floor will be filled ½ hour before the dance starts. If you are going to the concerts, be aware that the times listed are when the “doors open” not the start of the concert, which can occur anytime from 1-1 ½ hours after the doors open.

There are great packages available that include room, breakfast, transportation from/to Shannon, breakfast and all the events, check the www.thegathering.ie .

I can’t wait until “The Gathering 2009”

Frank Lee Irish

The Joy of Sets Blog - Introduction

2008-07-16T13:07:00.005-04:00

The Joy of Sets Blog http://www.thejoyofsets.blogspot.com/ was created July 2008 by your hosts: Joy S. Dancer and Frank Lee Irish.

We use the name “The Joy of Sets” because it really does describe how we feel about set dancing. There is a feeling of joy and exhilaration while set dancing. The jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas and slides require an exertion of energy as in physical exercise, but, in addition to the endorphin high, the sharing of smiles and laughter among the dancers while pounding out the beat to traditional Irish music together is its own reward. The challenge of learning new sets can sometimes be frustrating but, once mastered, there is a great feeling of accomplishment and pride - a quiet but joyous satisfaction.

Why a blog? We want to share our love of set dancing with anyone who is interested. A blog is a quick and easy way to post information, photos, and videos about set dancing.

Our names are not really Joy S. Dancer and Frank Lee Irish, in case you didn’t already suspect that; but it doesn’t really matter who we are. We are set dancers. We are enthusiastic. We speak to, for, and about set dancers, set dances, set dancing, and the lively traditional Irish music that goes hand in hand (and foot in toe-tapping foot) with the dances.

Here’s a quick bow to Bill Lynch in recognition of his Set Dancing News (setdancingnews.net) website, his widely acclaimed magazine, and the wonderful photos and stories he has made available to Irish set dancers all over the world. The Joy of Sets Blog is not affiliated with Set Dancing News nor is it connected to Bill Lynch. We acknowledge Bill’s article “The Joy of Sets” published on his website which was (in his own words) “written to explain set dancing to people who are unfamiliar with it and to encourage them to give it at try. It originally appeared in the newsletter Inside Ireland in February 2004 and in Hornpipe magazine in June 2005.”

Signed: Joy S. Dancer