Frequently Asked Questions
and further information

'Grand Chain' at a Metldown above.
'Gallop down' at a Meltdown - far right.

thanks to E. Kingscote @ FolkyFotos for source photo of the 'Circle-left' dancers

How do I pronounce "Ceilidh"?

Say it 'KAY-LEE'
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What is ENGLISH Ceilidh?

English Ceilidh is an energetic form of Barndance or English Country dancing
(the sort of dancing in various set formations that most people have bumped into at a wedding, birthday, PTA, fundraiser or at school sometime in their lives).

The dancing is infectious and great fun.
It's a wonderful way to meet people, mix the generations, get some exercise, laugh a lot and hear some really amazing sounds - LIVE.
The music tends to be faster (and louder!) than your average PTA dance, but the figures can be danced, or walked, as energetically as age, agility and fitness allow.
There'll often be several different 'styles' of dancing within the same set.

With English Ceilidh the emphasis is more on having fun than getting it right or 'historically correct'. And if you do go mega wrong - it's no big deal! (just never quit and leave the other dancers in the set short!)
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Do I have to know what I'm doing before I come to a dance?

It doesn't matter if you've never done it before, and you don't need to go to classes. The Caller walks you through every dance first to explain the moves and prompts during the first few times through. Just listen, watch and follow. Sorted!
You'll probably see more experienced dancers adding extra bits and twirls, you'll be able to do that too, soon.

Most of the dances are as couples in sets — but you don't need to come with a partner, anyone can dance with anyone, nobody minds!
But of course it's more fun if you come along with a friend/s to start off with.
Women can ask men to dance, no problem.
Be warned - much of our 'Yoof' think nothing of dancing with each other - the boys with the boys and the girls with the girls - Cope!!

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What do I wear?

YOU WILL GET HOT!

So - loose comfortable clothing is probably best (this can be energetic stuff)
together with low sensible shoes with grip (stiletto-ing someone in a gallop is SO frowned on and we'd rather you didn't risk breaking a heel / ankle!)
Trainers are fine, even worn with 'smart' clothes -
Party frocks, shorts, sweatbands, kilts and fairy wings are all optional!

Meltdown has the occasional special 'colour dress-code' night - usually black plus a colour. (the Christmas dance is always Blacks'n'reds). Non-compulsory, natch - but adds to the fun.

Only the top-level festival circuit bands & Callers are booked.
Modern English Ceilidh bands use a mix of traditional & recent tunes and influences from Europe and the World ~ reflecting the many influences that have shaped English cultures over the years. There's as much Jazz, Rock & Roots as there is Folk; drumkit, brass and strange instruments are often in the line-up.

Each band has its own particular sound and style and the different Callers also have their favourite repertoire of dances to do, making every Meltdown slightly different.

We always try to have one up-and-coming band and one 'young' band per season.

Bands often travel into Sussex from quite a distance.
We've booked them from Wales and Northumberland - so you'll probably not be hearing them at another gig near you next week!

YouTube clips of English Ceilidh Bands in action
~ thanks to Brian Heywood of Moondance for this great resource.

 Florida 2001

Information from:

For other public English Ceilidh's in the area, see listings at

SEFAN's Regular listings page / ceilidhs and SEFAN's WHAT'S ON webpages

or, nationally @ webfeet