When I attended my first céilí, I did not know what I was doing.
I went in the wrong direction. I couldn’t keep track of the patterns. I counted everything in threes and sevens. I even asked:
“If the music is in eights, why are we counting in threes and sevens?”
But I danced anyway.
That doesn’t mean I wasn’t nervous, anxious or scared. I was.
But I didn’t wait until I understood it all. I learned by joining in, listening to the music, making mistakes and coming back.
As an adult learner, I often think I need to know more before I begin. As a teacher, I know that you don’t need to know anything before you begin.
But the céilí wasn’t where my dancing began.
I began in a class.
The class felt less intimidating than the céilí. There was a teacher to explain what we were doing, time to repeat the movements and a smaller group where I could slowly get to know people.
The class gave me a way into the larger dancing community. It helped me feel more comfortable and gave me the confidence to keep showing up—even when I was nervous.
The teacher had my back.
Fall is my favorite time of year. It is the beginning of something new—and, since I was 15 years old, it has marked the beginning of the dancing season.
The monthly dances started up again, filled with wonderful music and energy. In fact, the céilí last Friday felt like the dances from years ago. A large part of that was the 20 or so Lewis & Clark students who joined us for a field trip.
As we all danced together, I thought back to my own early days. At 15, I thought the college students at the céilí were so much older than I was. I was excited to dance with them, but I was also shy and intimidated.
Dancing—and having a community where I could connect with people—helped me move through that shyness. Before long, I was out on the floor dancing with them.
Last Friday, one week away from turning 51, those Lewis & Clark students looked so young to me. I was excited to dance with them and hoped that someone on that floor might catch the dancing and music bug, just as I did all those years ago.
Fall also marks the beginning of the weekly class season, and this week kicks off the season. There is something for everyone—in person, online and in different Portland neighborhoods.
You don’t need to arrive at a beginning class already knowing how to dance.
You don’t need natural rhythm, special shoes or the confidence to get everything right.
You only need enough curiosity to begin.
Knowing comes later. Confidence comes later. First, you simply step onto the floor.
Fall 2026 classes begin this week, and you are invited to join us:
◈ Tuesday: Introduction to Irish Dance Traditions at PCC Rock Creek
◈ Wednesday: Online Beginning Sean-nós
◈ Wednesday: Online Intermediate Sean-nós
◈ Wednesday: In-Person Beginning Sean-nós
◈ Friday: Irish Set Dancing—Cork & Kerry at PCC Southeast
If you have been waiting until you feel more prepared, this is your invitation to come exactly as you are. We will begin at the beginning and build from there, one step at a time.
No one will be turned away from my classes for lack of funds.
When I was learning, I volunteered and was given many opportunities to dance and participate when I could not afford them. I am more than happy to offer that same opportunity to you.
If you want to dance but the cost is a barrier, please reach out to me. We will remove that barrier together.
Make this the week you begin your dance journey.
Come exactly as you are.
There is a place for you in the dance. We are ready to welcome you, take your hand and step onto the floor together.
This Week
◈ Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026 — Introduction to Irish Dance Traditions
PCC Rock Creek • 10:00–11:00 AM
Explore set dancing, céilí dances, kitchen dances, sean-nós and old-style step dancing. All levels are welcome.
Dances:
Old-style step dance
Céilí dances: Harvest, Siege of Carrick, Siege of Ennis or Haymakers
Kitchen dance: Two-Hand Hornpipe
Sean-nós: reels
Set dance: Claddagh Set
◈ Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026 — Tuesday Céilí at Steeplejack
Steeplejack Union on Hawthorne • 6:30–8:30 PM
Music by Emily Dineen & Preston Howard Wilde
Calling: Maldon Meehan & Phil Meehan
No partner or previous experience needed. All dances will be taught and called.
Dances: Corofin Plain, Inis Oírr, Ballyvourney and Cashel
If time: Connemara
◈ Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026 — Fall Sean-nós Classes Begin
Beginning Sean-nós Jigs — Online
4:00–5:00 PM Pacific
Intermediate Sean-nós Jigs — Online
6:00–7:00 PM Pacific
Beginning Sean-nós Jigs — In Person, Portland
7:00–8:00 PM Pacific
◈ Friday, Sep 25, 2026 — Irish Set Dancing: Cork & Kerry
PCC Southeast • 6:30–8:20 PM
Learn foundational dances and techniques from the Cork and Kerry traditions. All levels are welcome, and no partner is required.
Dances: Televara Set, Borlin Set and West Kerry Set
◈ Saturday, Sep 26, 2026 — Amber & Maldon’s 51st Birthday Céilí
Together, we are 102!
6:00–10:00 PM
Columbia Ecovillage Condominium
4647 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland
Bring a dish to share, instruments, dance shoes, games and yourself.
Street parking only. Please do not use the guest parking inside the complex.
Looking Ahead ◈
◈ Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026 — Tuesday Céilí at Steeplejack
6:30–8:30 PM
Music by Alison Baker with Theresa Baker
Dances: Ballyvourney, Moycullen, Kilfenora Plain and Clare Lancers
If time: Connemara
◈
Until next Monday…
Keep listening.
Keep dancing.
Keep the music alive.
Maldon
