So we all heard the news on the first Sunday after Christmas Break.
There is no Hearty Party this year! Because of some scheduling issues.
There was a collective sound of groans when this was announced.. but it was a mix of disappointment and relief! Some had been eagerly looking forward to it, others, not so much.
The Deputy Headmaster (I’m not trying to spell his name) then announced that instead of the Hearty Party, later – at the end of February – we’d have a Ceilidh instead! This caused a bit of confusion as a lot of people have no idea what one is. So while I am not Scottish I AM a dancer so I’m here to tell you!
It’s a Scottish Dance party and loads and loads of fun.
First off let’s clear up just how it’s said; it’s pronounced like “kay-lee”. (Y’know, the Hufflepuff?)
Secondly, will you need a date? Nope, because there will be a lot of dancing with other people in groups and pairs. Which we’re going to be taught, as it’s not just any type of dancing that is done at a Ceilidh, but Scottish dancing and reels and other fun group dances!
The dances will all have funny names but are also pretty easy to learn. And they aren’t super fussy so if you forget which way to turn or which hand to use it’s okay! Laugh and giggle! Hopefully we’ll have a live band to play and someone to say which dance we’re doing. Though I’m sure as the party goes on it will revert to a normal dance. But it will be fun no matter what.
Some of the dances may be in a line, some may form patterns in a group and some will be couples doing the same dance next to each other. But it’s not like COUPLES couples, like at the Hearty Party, It can be anyone. Random person, sibling, Best Friend, just another person. No stress of finding a date!
What to wear? Scottish styled clothing is always a hit, such as a kilt, tartan, or a nice velvet dress – but they aren’t overly formal so just wear something comfy for the dancing but still nice looking. Maybe flatter shoes than usual! Like, don’t come in your PJs or other loungewear-like stuff, it’s still a dance, so try to look nice. But it’s not like the Winter-Ball-Formal, semi-formal maybe! Just look nice!
