Dancers perform an Irish traditional dance at the 2012 Celidh.



By David Keelaghan



The Irish Association of Korea (IAK) and the St. Andrew's Society of Seoul invite people of all nations in the capital to a Celidh, a celebration of Celtic music and dance, to be held Saturday.

The fun will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in D-Cube City, located in the city's Sindorim district. The two organizations teamed-up to organize the event.

A Ceilidh (pronounced Kaylee) is a community celebration that originates in ancient Ireland and Scotland. The event will offer those who attend a chance to learn about those cultures and a chance to hear traditional Celtic music and learn a number of traditional dances.

There will be a variety of Irish and Scottish dancing and music styles on show. The dances are very easy to learn and the whole occasion is intended to provide people with a chance to experience Celtic culture and have plenty of fun along the way.

Among the planned line-up are Korean step dancers, Tap Pung; Celtic musicians, Bard; a traditional Irish music group, Ceoltoiri Seoul; a Scottish bagpipe player; as well as Scottish country dancing and rock band, Sweet Murphy's Fancy.

Also, there will be a special performance of Sean Nos and broomstick dancing. Sean Nos means "old style" and is a casual style of dance that originates from Connemara on the west coast of Ireland. During each performance there will be an opportunity for audience members to get involved and learn the dance steps.

To finish in style, a party will be held from 8 p.m. that evening in The Wolfhound, an Irish bar in Itaewon. The evening event will be jointly hosted by the IAK and the Seoul Gaels Irish football team. So, get your dancing shoes ready and come join the traditional Celtic festivities.

All are welcome and there is no charge. D-Cube City is located near exit 1 of Sindorim Station.

To get to The Wolfhound in the evening, take exit 4, Itaewon Station, turn right and after 100 meters turn right again.