Lincoln Irish Dancers: Annual Ceili Dance

Guest post about Lincoln Irish Dancers by Terri Heckman

The Lincoln Irish Dancers (LID) 19th Annual Spring Ceili will take place Sunday, March 12, from 6:30pm-9pm at the Auld Pavilion, 1650 Memorial Dr. in Antelope Park, in the heart of Lincoln. Anyone can participate in a free basic steps introductory class from 5:30pm-6pm.

The ceili will celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day season. They are also celebrating LID’s 20th anniversary of providing traditional Irish dance lessons and show performances in Nebraska. Ceili (KAY-lee) in the Irish language simply means ‘gathering or party.” Villagers would get together in a home or pub to play music and dance. Past dance callers who were from Ireland have told LID members that their dance reminds them of the authentic Ceilis they attended while growing up.

LID also offers an assortment of free baked goods for hungry dancers, and there’s even a raffle of Irish items. All kids under 12 get a free gift. All dances are taught by a professional caller, Catherine Sherer Bishop, hailing from Mississippi, who has been dance certified at the University of Limerick. No prior dance experience is necessary. All ages, abilities and singles are welcome.

If you don’t care to dance, then sit back and enjoy the local band, Paddywhack, which provides the lively toe-tapping Irish music. The band members played for LID at its first-ever performance in 1997. How fitting they return for LID’s 20th anniversary.

Tickets available at the door and cost $10 for adults, $7 for seniors/students 12 and up, $5 students age 5-11, and it is free for children under 5. There is a $30 maximum charge for families.

LID members mark a somber milestone in 2017. Group founder and teacher, LuAnne Anderson died January 20th. Anderson, along with husband Brad, provided leadership and inspiration for the group. Later LuAnne’s health made it impossible for her to participate. Her life and contributions are to be celebrated as part of the 20th anniversary.