Irish Set and Céilí Dance Classes - Fall Season

Irish Set and Céilí Dance Classes offer relaxed instruction in traditional Irish social dancing for beginners and experienced dancers alike. Set dancing draws on European quadrilles and resembles American square dancing, while céilí dancing is often progressive, like contra dancing. Dances use reels, jigs, slides, polkas, and hornpipes, with each set typically made up of several choreographed figures.

The Greater Washington Céilí Club’s instructor, Ann Marie Breheny, teaches in a welcoming, clear style and adapts the small-group sessions to participants’ needs. Partners are not required; single dancers are welcome and partners can be provided. Participants may attend one or both sessions for the same seasonal fee.

When: The fall season runs September 17–December 10, 2026, on Thursday evenings.

Showtimes: Basics instruction is scheduled from 7:00–8:00 p.m., followed by the continuing or more-experienced session from 8:00–9:30 p.m. There is often a roughly 10-minute transition between sessions, during which the instructor may work on specialized steps.

Schedule: The page lists October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, November 26, December 3, and December 10, 2026, all from 7:00–9:30 p.m. It also states that there is no class on Thanksgiving. Participants may join after the season begins, but the fee is not prorated, and canceled classes are not rescheduled.

Tickets: $60 for the 12-week season, covering either or both sessions. The first class is free. Registration and payment are accepted at class by cash, check, or credit card.

Mini-céilís: About once a month, the continuing instruction may be replaced by a mini-céilí. These informal practice dances feature live music from 8:00–10:00 p.m., with all dances called, and are open to people who are not registered for the class. Attendees are asked to make a $5–$10 cash contribution for the musicians, and snacks are shared. On some dates, the mini-céilí may be the evening’s primary 8:00–10:00 p.m. activity.

Instructor: Ann Marie Breheny.

Experience: No previous dancing experience is needed, and no partner is required. Participants can attend the beginner basics session, the continuing session, or both.

What to wear: Comfortable clothing and smooth-soled shoes are recommended to make common movements easier. Flip-flops and sandals are discouraged. Water is available.

Venue: Pinecrest Local Park, 301 St. Lawrence Street, Silver Spring, MD 20901.

Presented by: Greater Washington Céilí Club.

Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available for this event.

Contact: gwccdanceclasses@gmail.com.

Website: https://gwcc-online.org/activities/dance-classes