Barn Dances, Country Dances & Ceilidhs
Paul Hurst
Smashwords Edition
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Introduction
Starting as a musician in the late 70’s, my own experience has been mainly with bands playing for barn dances, ceilidhs and themed events in the south east of England, but with trips round the country and on the Continent plus the odd stint on radio, TV and at festivals. I’ve covered some ideas and thoughts in case this would be suitable for your event but please do feel free to contact me directly with any other queries you have, details at the end. Although there are formal, specialist events for experienced dancers of a particular style, this ebook refers to the more normal event that anyone can enjoy.
Other free downloads about entertainment are available from either of the locations below:
http://www.medieval-jesters.com/downloads.html
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Barndance2Banquet
Chapter 1: What’s the difference between a barn dance, a ceilidh and a country dance?
That rather depends on who you ask! A dedicated London folkie may have a very different idea of what a ceilidh is than a resident of the Orkneys. To some, a barn dance is a chance to dig out the check shirts and cowboy hats, and go ‘yee hah’ a lot. For others, misty eyed visions of Thomas Hardy, rural English barns and Laura Ashley prints come to mind.
Ceilidh, country dance, barn dance, 'hop'. All names used to describe events ranging from gentle dances for those challenged by age or physical condition, to the frantic 'bop' where experienced dancers merrily fling themselves (and each other) around the floor with nary a thought for personal injury.
As well as the different interpretations, dances and tunes can be shared between countries and cultures. Whilst knowing that ‘Marching through Georgia’ was not perhaps the most popular tune in the southern states of the USA, the absolute silence after I had finished playing the tune in a Cork pub did suggest however that the tune was not entirely unknown to our cousins in Eire. I had been unaware of a Northern Irish variant which included the catchy lyrics ‘We're up to our knees in Fenian blood: Surrender or you'll die. Oops. So don’t be surprised if a tune or a dance crops up in more than one style of dance. I’ve heard the same tune described as both Belgian and Italian, the only difference being which part comes first as the ‘A’, and which is the second, ‘B’ part. In that instance, in a pub session, every time one group had thought they had come to the end, the others carried on – for them the tune was only half way through! Than tune went on for a while…
Rather than concentrating on what an event is called, it is probably better to focus on what you want to get out of an evening. There are specialist dance clubs where social dancing is elevated almost to the level of a performance dance, such as Morris, and any errors will earn you a severe frowning at. For me, that’s rather missing the point of social dancing, which should provide an opportunity for a bit of mild exercise, a chance to work up a morally justified thirst and an excuse to rub up against members of the gender of your choice, in a good way.
My personal favourites, and the ones that always seem to go down really well for a normal audience, are the ones that provide a chance for everyone - regardless of age and ability - to have a good time. Dances are chosen to challenge but not baffle, by the time they have sorted out what to do the audience should be well and truly mixed together. This is ideal for events like weddings, where the aim should be to make everything as inclusive as possible. Experience is definitely not a requirement, and many clients have said that half the fun is in getting it wrong.
And by concentrating more on the end result rather than trying to recreate a historical event, it is possible to bring a lot more to the party. Instruments can vary from those found in medieval times such as bagpipes (And not just highland pipes) and hurdy gurdys through to modern keyboards and electric guitars. Anything which the players can get their hands on and which suits their style.
Tunes and dances still come from traditional sources - England, Scotland, Ireland, America and the Continent, but modern additions to the style can be used as well. The only real requirement is that they are fit for purpose. If they work for an audience, they can be used.
Line dancing
I’ll try not to be too biased here, honestly I will. Where social dancing is a very communal affair, based on a lot of mixing and mingling, line dancing involves the dancers performing isolated choreography. A bit like synchronised swimming, but without the water. Brilliant for a bit of light exercise, in any environment where physical contact is shunned or banned, or as a change to dancing round handbags because the blokes won’t get up and join in. Like certain other activities, probably best suited for consenting adults in private. We don’t run line dancing events, by the way.
Chapter 2: How well have they gone down in the past?
Here are a few comments from pact clients – if you want to see more, there are several hundred on the website (details at the end), and in a couple of bulging lever arch files of letters, cards and emails you are welcome to rummage through.
"Everyone remarked on what a good idea it was and what a great time they had. One young couple said it was the best wedding they had been to as they had only been to receptions that have had a disco. Other remarks were ‘Best wedding reception we have been to’, ‘The band was great; barn dancing is such great fun. I was helpless with laughter!’, ‘The barn dance was great’. Once again, thank you so much for making Clair and Mark’s special day that bit extra special."
"Brilliant! We hardly noticed the band setting up – very professional. The performance exceeded all our expectations. The band sounded great + with Malcolm created a vibrant + fun atmosphere which we will never forget. Compliments from guests are still rolling in! You really made our day special. Malcolm did a great job of getting people on the dance floor! Some of our friends who went pale when we mentioned ‘barn dance’ (Sat night clubbers!!!) didn’t leave the dance floor all night – well, just for a pint of Harveys to get their energy back!! We would have no hesitation booking with you again. Just got to find a reason for a party! We will recommend you to anyone we know who’s after a barn dance."
"The performance on the night was faultless. Everything went very smoothly and the bride and bridegroom had a fantastic evening! Many guests commented on what an excellent band."
"The sound of the band was exactly what I had imagined (Scottish ceilidh). The caller was superb – friendly, outgoing and very good at coaxing people up onto the dance floor without being bossy and annoying!"
"Enjoyed the walk thro’ the rooms at the beginning to encourage people to join in. Loved the mix of dances. A very memorable evening and a high-light to the wedding. Thanks again Paul – it really was a lovely way to finish off the day – apart from the church service it was the best part of the day."
"Excellent – a very good band with a caller who kept the impetus going throughout the evening …. You really made the evening. Additionally (unlike a ‘disco’) people could actually hold a conversation."
"... great atmosphere created by the music and dancing. The band was brilliant and the caller kept it all fun for the guests. You managed to involve everybody. There was a real sense of everyone being happy and relaxed.
As far as we were concerned – it was just perfect! Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed themselves. The whole thing encapsulated the mood of the day. We’ll never forget it."
Chapter 3: Why Should I Want One?
Simply to have a memorable and fun-filled event you and your guests can talk about for years to come. They are for the young and old alike, for the fit and not so fit. Not only is it becoming a special event in itself to have live music, the progressional nature of many dances makes them a wonderful way to mix people together. You can hold one even with a group of total strangers - they will soon become acquainted! Unlike a 'disco', there is no need to worry about who you are seen dancing with - Auntie Maud and Cousin Zob, the Managing Director and the Cleaner at a corporate event; all can end up as partners at some point. No one need feel excluded; almost anyone can join in.
Recently, we’ve been frequently asked to run a set of dancing early on at a wedding or party as a warm up act before the ‘covers’ band or disco take over. This can solve the problem of breaking the ice right at the start of the evening. At a wedding in Brighton, the chap videoing the evening said that he had never, ever seen the floor fill so quickly. As two of our musicians are also DJs as well, we can often cover the whole evening. Using many of the same bits of the sound system avoids either the stage looking like something from a rock concert, or having to cope with a major operation half way through to get out one set of gear whilst simultaneously moving in, setting up and sound checking another. Often saves money as well, and the hand over is both very flexible and smooth. And musicians do seem to make better DJs than non musicians.
Chapter 4: What Will I Need?
A suitable venue
Anything from a village hall to stately home will do nicely. In the past we've played in the above as well as in pubs, barns, restaurants, castles, kitchens, car parks, working farms, town squares (French and English), on ships, in ships, on, in and under the English Channel and once even on a bridge over the M25 (don't ask!). If weather permits, an outside dance can be great fun so long as there is cover for the electrics and the instruments in case of rain (musicians are mainly drip-dry). If there are problems or issues regarding access or security, do please remember to tell the band, and also to advise security!
Power
If a sound system is required then the band will need access to a standard power point - something to bear in mind for outside events. Usually, the lighting and catering will require far more power than the band. If you are sorting this all out for yourself, please do delegate someone who knows what they are doing to sort out this. At a village fete, an electric urn (about 3kw) plugged into a fully wound, light duty extension drum with predictable results. Whoever is responsible for your power should be able to understand why this would be a problem.
A competent band will check the power before setting up. A test plug is hardly expensive, and common sense is free. To date I can remember finding problems at one village hall, one garage in a garden, one pub, two marquees and three schools(!).
An audience
Best to tell them about the dancing in advance if this is part of a larger event, like a wedding. Guests may want to bring suitable footwear and clothing to change into if dressed up for a more formal part of the proceedings. If you are having a particular theme, and want your guests to dress accordingly, it may not be enough just to tell them of this in advance. A more pragmatic approach could be needed. Prizes for the best costumes often get good results, and a pile of cheap straw hats plus a few background decorations can help – try here for a few examples: http://www.peeks.co.uk
If there will be any special or different about your event, do please tell the band in advance. We’ve played for several events involving quite a few of the participants in wheelchairs. Not a problem, but better to know in advance so we can brush up on a suitable repertoire of dances.
Similarly, please tell the band if there is anything else that could be relevant for your audience. We’ve been asked to be aware of quite a wide range of special circumstances, ranging from a recent death in the family (‘don’t call up the parents for a dance’, to very specific requirements for religious events. If your event is a fund-raiser, here are some ideas that may be of help: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/47974
A caller
Your event will be led by a 'caller' - a central figure to teach and guide the dancers along as necessary. Finding a good caller is the secret for a great evening. They will select the right dances according to the general abilities and wants of the audience and encourage people along without patronising them.
Choose your caller with care - there are those that change from mild mannered recluse to a mix between Victorian headmaster and drill sergeant from hell once they set foot upon stage! A good caller will make your event, a bad one (and there are a great many of these about) make it memorable for the wrong reasons. My usual callers are both ‘Equity’ actors, who are far more concerned about how the evening is going as a performance, rather than if someone just used the wrong foot. As well as having bags of personality and good strong voices, both use radio microphones so as to be free to move amongst the dancers and help them along, rather than remaining on stage and handing down directions imperiously from on high.
A band
And not just any group of Morris musicians who are happy to play for free beer. For a detailed guide on how to find the best group for you, and weed out the riff-raff, download the free ebook ‘Eight questions to yourself before you book a band’, available here - http://www.medieval-jesters.com/downloads.html
This provides a bit of background about bands, as well as some pretty revealing questions to ask, and the answers to expect. For example, a group with a professional attitude will have third party liability insurance, and all electrical equipment will comply with the Health and Safety, and Electricity at Work regulations. For more details about this, see: http://www.barndance.co.uk/health-and-safety.htm
Chapter 5: How much will it cost?
All the above results in a higher cost, but there are however ways to work to a tighter budget without having to sacrifice safety, peace of mind or quality. Saturday nights in the summer are always heavily in demand, but a move to another a week day in spring will give you far more potential for a bit of haggling. If you are running a charity event, there are some ideas on how to cover the costs here: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/47974
And if you do want a Saturday night in the summer, please remember to book well in advance.
For smaller events a reduced band, even just a caller with recorded music, will cost less and also keep the ratio between musician and dancers balanced. We are often told at weddings that, after the ceremony, we were the best part of the day. Probably one of the cheapest, as well! And, as with most things in life, you pays your money and takes your choice. The cheapest is not always the best.
For details of current examples of prices, please follow this link: http://www.barndance.co.uk/prices.htm
Chapter 6: Hints and tips
Always have a written contract
A contract will ensure that there is no doubt as to what you require, when, for how long and for how much. Ask to see details of insurance, and equipment checks. Also confirm what guarantees (if any) you are being offered, and what will happen if things go wrong, or you are not happy.
In advance
Some bands play mainly at private and corporate events, where it will not be possible for you to see them perform. They should however always be willing and able to provide a demonstration tape. Ask for a live 'demo', rather than something produced in a studio - you want to hear what you'll get in real life!
Please provide any contractors, including your musicians, with full and clear directions and a map if necessary. They'll be more relaxed if able to get straight to you, and won't have the excuse to drop into a pub 'just to get directions' on the way! Provide them with a contact name and number if possible, and take one from them. If there could be a conflict with parking, setting up, stage space or whatever, ask them to sort it out in advance and then let you know what has been agreed.
On the day
Check that your dance floor is safe, without holes or ridges to trip over, and is brushed out if necessary. Don't try to fit in too much in an event, particularly at a wedding where friends and family like to have time to talk with each other. A well-planned timetable will be able to cope with the almost inevitable over-runs. For events in the wilds of the country, think about coping with getting the audience back to their cars in the dark, and getting the cars out if it rains heavily. Have plan ‘B’s ready, just in case.
It’s YOUR event
You are the boss. If you want something, ask for it. 'He / She who pays the piper calls the tune'. Some bands can have their own ideas about what to play, and how to play it.
If you are booking a group directly make sure you both have the same event in mind!
I do hope that at least a few of these ideas are of interest, but am sure that there are many other good tips and bits of advice. Do please pass on any you know, and I’ll include them in later editions! If you want to talk about your event (no obligation) please give me a call or send an email.
For more free eBooks and downloads, please visit
http://www.medieval-jesters.com/downloads.html
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What can we do for you?
What would you like?! Choose from a solo performer to act as the Master of Ceremonies, to a fully all-singing, all-dancing show with songs, games, riddles, magic, tarot readings, fire-eating, juggling, stilt walking, storytelling, audience participation, plays and dancing. We can work happily with other performers and artists to make your event run as smoothly as possible. No ‘pulling of pigtails’ as an old boss used to say!
Unless specified otherwise, all performers have at least two skills, most have many more and we love to look at 'joined-up' options for you, covering everything from the arrival of the first guest to the departure of the last. All performances are covered by our unique full 'no quibble' money back guarantee. We'll do our best to find the right performers for you, not just the first group who are available. Over the years we have weeded out the unreliable, the temperamental and the simply bad. To help you feel confident in booking a band through us we now offer a 100% guarantee - If you are unhappy with a performance, there will be no charge on the day and your deposit will be refunded in full!
We will be happy to discuss what you want, then give advice free of charge. All within budget and on a 'no find - no fee' basis. We can also decorate your venue with flags, bunting and lighting to create a special atmosphere, helping your event get off to a flying start. There is nothing to pay until you decide to book a group, and then a deposit will secure them for your event.
I do hope that at least a few of these ideas are of interest, but am sure that there are many other good tips and bits of advice. Do please pass on any you know, and I’ll include them in later editions! If you want to talk about your event (no obligation) please send an email.