Irish Set and Céilí Dance Classes - Fall Season

The Greater Washington Céilí Club’s fall classes introduce participants to Irish set and céilí dancing in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. No partner or previous dance experience is required, and solo dancers can be matched with partners. Set dancing draws comparisons to American square dancing, while céilí dances are often progressive like contra dances; lessons may include reels, jigs, slides, polkas, and hornpipes.

Instructor Ann Marie Breheny is described as warm and clear, with small groups that allow instruction to adapt to participants’ needs. Students may attend the beginner “basics” session, the continuing-dancer session, or both for one fee. Comfortable clothing and smooth-soled shoes are recommended; flip-flops and sandals are discouraged. Water is available.

When: Thursdays, September 17 through December 10, 2026.

Showtimes: Basics instruction runs from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by continuing or more-experienced instruction from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. There is often about a 10-minute transition between sessions for optional specialized-step instruction.

Schedule: The page lists September 17 and 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29; November 5, 12, 19, and 26; and December 3 and 10, all from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. It also states that there is no class on Thanksgiving, which falls on November 26.

Tickets: The fall season costs $60 for 12 weeks, covering either or both sessions. The first class is free. Registration and payment are handled at class, with cash, check, and credit accepted. Participants may join after the season begins, but the fee is not prorated.

Instructor: Ann Marie Breheny.

Mini-Céilís: About once a month, a mini-céilí may replace the continuing-dance instruction. These informal practice dances run from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. with live music, and all dances are called. They are open to nonstudents as well as registered participants; attendees are asked to make a $5–$10 cash donation for the musicians, and snacks are shared. A mini-céilí may occasionally be scheduled as the evening’s opening activity.

Ages: No age restriction is stated.

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

Accessibility: No accessibility information is available for this event.

Registration: Register and pay in person at class. More information is available from the Greater Washington Céilí Club at gwccdanceclasses@gmail.com or through its dance-classes website.

Cancellation note: Cancelled classes are not rescheduled.