Beginner Set Dancing at Harrington's

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

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.