The question that we are asked most often is what is the difference between Barn Dances Ceilidhs and Line Dances. As this agency handles both forms of entertainment we feel we are able to give an unbiased opinion.
Line Dancing is movement mainly by the legs and torso to Country and Western (Country) Music, usually as a Solo But occasionally with a partner.
How does it differ from a Barn Dance or Ceilidh Dancing (Kaylee)?
In almost every respect, Barn Dancing is mainly movements of the arms and body toEnglish, Irish, Scottish or American Jigs, Reels Hornpipes and Polkas.
What is the difference between Barn Dances and Ceilidhs?
Ceilidh (Scottish) or Ceili (Irish) is Literally Gaelic for Song and Dance. Ceilidh Bands areusually considered to be more driving than Barn Dance Bands, and are usually most suited to University Socials and events of that type. The Dances are the same it is the music which is more up-front. We specialise in Scottish and Irish Flavour Evenings.
In Line Dancing the caller joins the dances on the floor and will call, usually with a head setradio mic, and demonstrate at the same time. He/she will usually have a assistant as Line Dancing is usually done facing different directions. Barn Dance callers usually call from the stage.
How many dances can be done in an evening?
This obviously depends on the amount of time available, but six Line Dances is a rule of thumb. At a Barn Dance it is usually about 14+ dances.
Line Dance is usually taught to recorded music. If a Band is available then the dances can put their newly acquired knowledge to good use when the Band starts up. In Barn Dancing the caller can work with recorded music or can call over the top of the Band while they are playing.
Are there any change partner dances?
Not is Line Dancing as it is mostly done as a Solo, but one or two Barn Dances such as theVirginia Reel are included by some Line Dance callers. In Barn Dance all dances require partners and in an evening at least half will be progressive i.e. change partners.
How did Line Dancing become popular?
The first record to break in this country was Achy Breaky Heart in about 1992 wasfollowed up by Cotton Eyed Joe in 1995. These tunes had dances specially written for them and their T.V. exposure gained them a wide audience who wanted to try for themselves. The Country and Western Clubs in the U.K. have been doing Western Line Dancing for 20 years or more. The originals go back to Texas in the U.S.A. where enormous Dance Halls are situated. The men who wanted to drink beer and listen to the Country Music whilst the girls had nothing to do except the occasional two-step with their partner when they could drag him onto the floor. In desperation the girls started to dance around on their own and they made up step patterns developing the dances that we know today.
