Ceilidhs

"A leading light amongst the new generation of callers"

- Roger Smith; Random, and the Randomband Agency

" [Cat's] bubbly personality and folk knowledge instils confidence in even the shyest of dancers"

- The Gloworms

"Cat's natural intuition for music and dance makes her a joy to work with"

- Band member

Click here to find out where Cat will be calling this year

Cat is equally confident calling for experienced ceilidh dancers or complete beginners. She has a lifetime's experience of folk dancing to draw from, and her confidence and infectious enthusiasm quickly entices people on to the dance floor. Cat calls with a variety of bands to suit all musical tastes and budgets! She has called with ceilidh bands such as Hekety, The Committee Band, Stömp, Tickled Pink and the Climax Ceilidh Band. Cat has called at many of the major ceilidh series, including Knees Up Cecil Sharp, Reeling in Ealing, and Meltdown Ceilidhs, as well as CeilidhAid (a one-off event in aid of the Tsunami Relief fund, alongside Eliza Carthy and the Oysterband) and Broadstairs, Sidmouth and Towersey festivals.

Cat calls regularly with the ceilidh band The Gloworms. This threesome of fiddle, piano accordion and banjo is one of the finest English ceilidh bands around, and are quickly becoming the must-have band of the English ceilidh scene! If you want extremely danceable music, bucket-loads of talent and bundles of energy then The Gloworms are the band for you!

To learn more about the Gloworms visit their website www.gloworms.org.uk

To book Cat and the Gloworms, or to make an enquiry about booking, email gloworms@catkelly.co.uk

Cat is based in Oxfordshire and will travel up to 90 minutes for a booking. If your area is not covered please get in touch anyway, as Cat may be able to recommend someone more local to you.

So what exactly is an English Ceilidh anyway?

English ceilidh is a term used to describe a certain style of traditional dance (not to be confused with Irish or Scottish 'ceili'). It is basically another name for barndancing or country dancing. Some people might argue that there are subtle differences, most obviously the style of music and dance - ceilidh's tend towards more simple dances with the focus on the energy and enjoyment you get from jumping up and down to fantastic music! English ceilidh bands will usually play very rhythmic, energetic music, which makes you want to dance until your feet fall off. The dances at an English ceilidh are all danced with a partner (at least one..!) and usually in 'sets' or groups of couples. The caller (the bossy one with the microphone) will explain the dances, which are walked through before dancing. Ceilidhs are a great social experience - they are very inclusive and tremendous fun!

Ceilidhs are a great asset to any social function - birthdays, weddings, festivals, PTA events etc. All you need is a floor, a band and caller, and some people who want to dance! Because they're so inclusive anyone can join in, from grannies to toddlers, and everyone will enjoy themselves.

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