What is a Ceilidh?

Ceilidhs, barn dances, country dances and hoe downs, are all basically the same thing. Under these different names, they were the social events of the British Isles for hundreds of years.

They are fun-packed evenings of social dancing to live traditional music.

A ceilidh with Shave The Donkey is a great way to celebrate special family occasions such as Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversaries, or for a Charity or Corporate Event. We use traditional dances and music from England, Ireland, Scotland and even the US of A.

Variety of ages?

Our experienced callers will choose a varied selection of dances during the event to reflect the age range, experience and energy levels of your guests. Their aim is to ensure the maximum enjoyment is had by everyone.

So for example, the dances selected for a Ruby wedding anniversary ceilidh where grandparents could be dancing alongside their grandchildren are likely be a very different mix to those chosen for a 21^st birthday celebration.

Two left feet?

No prior dancing experience is needed, indeed most people coming to a ceilidh are novices. Our callers will encourage your guests to get involved by walking and talking them through every dance. And where something is easier demonstrated than explained, the caller will be quickly on the dance floor showing you the way.

"I won’t dance, don’t ask me!"

Unlike discos or ballroom dancing, ceilidh dances provide plenty of opportunities for your guests to mix socially, as dance partners and within dance sets. Ceilidhs are definitely social occasions where even the most reluctant dancer will usually find themselves encouraged onto the dance floor!