Whip out some dancing shoes and get ready to whirl around a dance floor at the fantastic event that is
A fun evening full of laughter, dancing and new friends.
The evening is chock-full with many dances for pairs, such as the Canadian Barn Dance or St Bernard’s Waltz, as well as group reels such as The Flying Scotsman and the Eightsome Reel. With both caller, Ken Gourlay, and a live band, dancers are welcomed to the floor regardless of whether they are beginners or experienced ceilidh dancers.
Ceilidhing is traditionally joyful and the atmosphere here is certainly that as people seem to flock onto the dance floor with much laughter. The band are energetic and, apart from a slightly off key bagpipe performance, generally in tune. Gourlay’s instruction as caller is clear and ensures that everyone is comfortable and confident with the routines before starting the dance properly. However, Gourlay has a tendency to be a little too abrupt in his instruction, hushing participants a little too severely for an event that people are attending as an introduction to the dancing or just for fun. This is a shame as being chastised takes the fun out of learning the dances.
The venue caters to the number of people by offering very affordable refreshments and facilities to store jackets. Air conditioning is supposedly on in the hall but it is very hard to tell with the room feeling unbearably hot at times, particularly when ceilidhing may as well be another form of exercise – one would certainly recommend light clothes to be worn!
Yet, despite the heat, this is a fun evening full of laughter, dancing and new friends. Find your way down to Lauriston Hall to stretch your legs and enter into arguably one of the most beloved Scottish activities!
