The traditional form of Celt music is called Ceilidh (pronounced "Kay-lay", emphasis on 1st syllable). The name is from the Gaelic word meaning a visit and originally meant just that (and still does in Gaelic). It can also mean a house party, a concert or more usually an evening of informal Scottish traditional dancing to informal music and perhaps having a wee nip or two!
Ceilidh dancing is considered by many Scots and Irish as the most traditional dancing. The basic dances are all fairly easy to master and comprise mostly round-the-room and set dances. The emphasis is firmly on having fun and being sociable. Key ingredients of a good ceilidh include enthusiasm, a good band, and usually - but not essentially - drink.
Ceilidh dancing is taught to kids across the country so most Scots grow up with it, which is no doubt why it's a regular feature of weddings and other social gatherings, such as Burns Suppers. In the past few years Scotland have witnessed an explosion in the ceilidh's popularity as a weekend entertainment and have seen a number of ceilidh clubs emerge. In fact even in the south of England a number of Ceilidh are held regularly.
