One of things I love about Irish music, and most Celtic music in general, is it makes me want to get up and dance. After all, it is dance music. Dancing is such a big part of this tradition and learning the dances actually helps in learning the tunes. This weekend, whether you’re a musician or not, you too can learn to dance.
Jackie O’Riley, one of the finest old-style dancers in America today, and her partner, brilliant uilleann piper, Joey Abarta will be here this weekend to offer a morning sean-nós (old-style) Irish dance workshop and an evening performance on April 16.
Here’s the lineup for the day:
Sean-nós Dance Workshop
Sean-nós is one of Ireland’s oldest and most joyful dance forms! Originating in Connemara, it’s an improvised, low-to-the-ground, percussive style. The dancer interprets the music with their feet, and there is room for each dancer to be an individual.
You’ll learn a beginning repertoire of sean-nós ‘timing’ steps and tricks, and begin to look at improvisation. Sean-nós is a fantastic form of Irish dance for learners of all ages – it’s low to the ground, and gentler than traditional step dancing, but with plenty of room for musicality and creativity!
When: Saturday, April 16 from 10:30am-12noon
Where: Four Corners Schoolhouse, 945 Vincent Flatt Road, East Montpelier, VT
Cost: $20 per person
Irish Session
Irish session with Irish poet, Angela Patten.
When: Saturday, April 16 from 2:00-5:00pm
Where: Bagitos, 28 Main Street, Montpelier, VT
Cost: Free
Irish Music Concert
Performance of pipes and dance with Jackie and her partner, Joey Abarta at the Four Corners
When: Saturday, April 16 at 7:30pm
Where: Four Corners Schoolhouse, 945 Vincent Flatt Road, East Montpelier, VT
Cost: $12
To reserve a spot call 802.223.4039 or email benedictandhilari@gmail.com.
Session Obsession 