History of Ceili Dance

The Statutes of Kilkenny, in 1366, prevented the Irish from performing any of their traditions, such as language, dance, and music. Dance declined for a while, but there were some determined people who danced in secret. From the late 17th century, dance and music became a source of entertainment when neighbors got together and danced for fun. Dancers moved into barns during the winter, which many priests said was sin and condemned the practice. This brought about the very first ceili, which was made possible for people to dance indoors. The Ceili is the present day name for versions of the Irish jig and reel.

Ceili dances declined when Set dances became popular, until 1893 when an organization called Conradh na Gaeilge wanted to have the Irish nation based only on Irish traditions. In order to keep up their traditions, they decided they had to get rid of English Set dances and bring back the Ceili. The first Ceili since it declined, was held in 1897 and after Ireland's foundation of state the Ceili became more popular and many associations began to promote ceili dance. A major showpiece for the Ceili was done at the Mansion House, while people ate their supper.

 From the 17^th to the 19^th century there were cultural exchanges of Irish dances and new dances were made by how African Americans interpreted Irish dance. Many dances have been created from the jig. Since before the famine generation, a group of Irish immigrants and descendants have kept up the traditional music, dance, and culture in America. The Columbian Exchange in 1893, provided the earliest public stage for traditional Irish dance in the United States.  In 1970’s the Ceili dance was revived in the United States, increasing the number of people involved in Irish dance. Competitions were created for both Ceili and Set dances when Irish music was revived.