Dance with zest

An evening of Scottish music on September 26

Take a gentle English barn dance, add some riotous energy and excitement, throw in some pipers and fiddlers and what do you get? A Ceilidh (pronounced Kay Lee) can make your evening fun with unique music and dance - and you won't even have to pick a partner.

Organised by the Dubai Caledonian Society on September 26 at the Dubai Country Club, it is a dance so high-spirited, only the Scottish could dream it up. And yet, it is so uncomplicated and easy to follow that its popularity is increasing not only in the Scottish community, but among other nationalities.

Dancing the Ceilidh involves moving in a repetitive sequence of easy steps in time to the beats of Scottish highland music. A Ceilidh is unique in that it allows participation of many dancers &- from a few dozens to hundreds - at the same time by forming small groups of six to 10 people.

Dancers twirl to the beats that speed up as the dance progresses.

Each dance is a combination of steps known by pleasant titles like 'Dashing White Sergeant' or 'Circassion Circle' and is danced to a piece of music specific for that combination of movements. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment rather than technique or exhibition. Remembering the simple sequence of steps can be a game in itself.

But if your memory is anything like mine, you'll be glad to know that a 'Caller' is always present, who calls out the title and all the instructions for each step of the dance.

Here is an example of an instruction you're likely to hear: 'Hands joined in a circle, all advance for four steps, retire for four steps'.

A Caller begins at the very start of the dance and is always heard clearly above the gorgeous Scottish music. Participants usually wear a kilt, but casual attire with comfortable shoes is also appropriate.

The Dubai Caledonian Society promotes Scottish culture and traditions and has organised a "Welcome Back Ceilidh" every year for the past 11 years.

"All proceeds raised during this and other events during the year, go to both a UAE and a Scottish charity," said Tom Sweeten, long-time member and ex-chieftain.

"Apart from soul-stirring Scottish country music, we will have our resident Scottish piper, Ricky Topp, playing at various times during the evening and also a disco towards the latter part of the evening," he added.

Tickets for this fun-filled evening are priced at Dh75 for members and Dh95 for non-members and will include a buffet dinner. Tickets can be booked by either calling Gordon Alexander at 050-685-4835 or booked in advance at the Dubai Country Club.

Come, join in a bit of Scottish fun and be sure that everyone will say "Ceud Mile Failte", which means A Hundred Thousand Welcomes!