Set Dancing Classes:
Scroll down for general details about all three nights, or click above for directions and details about a specific night. Partner not required, no need to book, just come along - the majority of people who attend these classes come along on their own, but if you can convince others to join you, so much the better, the more the merrier! Everyone Welcome! Learn/practise the steps, figures & time of the popular sets and enjoy the fun of the ceili. Guaranteed fun! If you are within reach of one of our classes, whether you live permanently in Ireland, or are visiting from abroad, you are very welcome to join us any night that you are available - you will be made very welcome and we guarantee a good night's craic! The class starts "officially" at 8 pm, however, for anyone who wishes to come along a bit early, we generally give a quick summary of what set dancing is all about for about 15 minutes before class starts - this is especially useful for people who are joining us for the first time, but if you can't make it along early, that's not a problem, join us whenever you can: 19:45 - 20:00: general introduction to set dancing 20:00 - 22:00: set dancing class, with a break around 9 pm During the break at 9 pm, for anyone interested, we have a bit of fun with solo steps, sometimes called "Sean Nos" dancing. We'll cover a few solo dancing steps and people who are interested in solo dancing may wish to take these and "make their own of them". Set dancing has become very popular in recent years - it's great fun, good exercise and a great way to meet people. The class caters for both experienced dancers and beginners and you can join in at any stage. It is not necessary to have a partner, but couples may of course dance together if they wish. The class provides detailed instructions on the steps, figures and timing for the popular sets and there is ample opportunity for participants to put into practice what has been learned in class. The main emphasis is on dancing for enjoyment and many of the class participants meet up at ceili and festival events throughout the year. Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome at any time. It is not necessary to book in advance, just come along. Clothing and Shoes:No special clothing is required, just wear whatever you are comfortable in. Although leather-soled shoes are easiest to dance in, your choice of footwear is totally up to you. You don't need special shoes, but if you do decide to invest, make sure not to get "noisy" ones, such as the ones sold for tap dancing, hard-shoe, and other types of solo dance. Whereas solo dancing shoes may have "metalwork" on the heels, toes, and/or soles, set dancing shoes do not require any metal at all on the heels, toes, or sole.Class Outline:The aim of the class is to teach the steps, figures and timing for the popular sets, such that dancers who attend regularly will be able to dance a set, without calling.The content of the class could be roughly broken broken down as follows:
Sets:The aim of the class is to cover the figures, steps and timing for the popular sets which are commonly danced at ceili events throughout Ireland, including:Clare:
Other Dances:While the emphasis is on the popular set dances, other types of Irish dancing will also be covered at some stage during the year, including:Sean Nos Step Dancing
The emphasis is on dancing for enjoyment and many of the class participants meet up regularly at local ceili events and at festivals at home and abroad. Above all else, the primary objective is to have fun! Why not give it a try by coming along any night at 8 pm - you will be very welcome. Leaflet:If you know of someone who you think might be interested in attending the class and you would like to spread the message, perhaps you would print our leaflet and pass it on, or, where allowed, put it on relevant noticeboards.Visiting Ireland:If you are visiting Ireland, you are very welcome to join us, even if it is only for a single night. The class provides a relaxed and friendly environment in which to enjoy the fun of Irish set dancing. The class runs each year from the second week in September until the last week in May the following year.Cameras & Phones:We would prefer if you left your cameras and video at home and, unless you are expecting an urgent call, we'd prefer if you switched off your mobile phone, or put it on silent, during class. Anyone wanting to take a momento photo, please say so and we will invite people who wish to be in the photo to assemble during break time.Dance Music: These are some of our favourite music CDs:
In early July each year, the highlight of the set dancing calendar takes place place in Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point, Co. Clare. The annual Willie Clancy Summer School and Armada Set Dance Week take place in parallel, within a few miles of each other. The Willie Clancy Summer School starts on the first Saturday in July each year and runs for 8-10 days until the end of the following weekend, or longer, until all the musicians and dancers have finally worn themselves out and gone home! Willie Clancy Summer School Start Dates: 2012: Saturday, 7th July 2012 2013: Saturday, 6th July 2013 2014: Saturday, 5th July 2014 The Armada Set Dance Week starts on the Friday night, i.e. the night before each of the above dates. More Information:Well, there isn't really any more information - we've put everything we can think of here on this website, which is up to date as of today, 28th January 2012. But, if you have read everything on this page and you still do not have enough information to make a decision on whether to come along, then we have forgotten something. In this case, please click here to contact us and we will get back to you by email as soon as possible. Please do not telephone the pub, as the Glenside staff have no details about the set dancing classes. If your do not have access to email, please come along any night at 8 pm and we will answer your questions then.Mailing List: If you would like to receive class email messages, such as a reminder when a new term is about to start, or notification if a class has to be cancelled due to bad weather, please enter your email address and click "Join Mailing List" - you can unsubscribe at any time by replying to any message, indicating that you wish to unsubscribe. Links:
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