As a Scottish expat living in London, there are certain times of the year when the pangs of homesickness hit me the hardest. From the anticipation building up to Hogmanay, lingering through January, and reaching its peak on Burns Night, my heart yearns for the familiar tunes of a ceilidh and the lively dances that define my cultural heritage. However, being on the wrong side of Hadrian’s Wall means missing out on these cherished traditions that are woven into the fabric of my Scottish identity.
This year, determined to shake off the dreary monotony of my routine, I set out in search of a ceilidh right here in London. To my delight, I stumbled upon the Ceilidh Club at Cecil Sharp House, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Primrose Hill. From the moment I stepped inside this historic venue, a wave of nostalgia washed over me as I beheld hundreds of people of all ages joyfully dancing to the familiar rhythms that echoed my school days, evoking countless smiles and memories.
A Dance-Filled Childhood
Growing up in Scotland, dance was not just a pastime but an integral part of our cultural upbringing. From the crisp autumn days of October to the festive season in December, Scottish country dancing took center stage in our schools, replacing traditional gym classes. Every step of each routine was meticulously drilled into our young feet, culminating in a grand event at Christmas that sparked the first flickers of adolescent romance, albeit tinged with the occasional awkward encounter.
Recruiting three local friends, all fellow mothers, we eagerly marked our calendars for the upcoming ceilidh on 7th March—a popular event that required early booking. Arriving at Cecil Sharp House on Regent’s Park Road, we came well-prepared with comfortable shoes, water bottles, and minimal belongings, knowing that the key to a successful ceilidh lay in the freedom to move across the dance floor with ease.
Finding Joy in Missteps
Stepping into Kennedy Hall, the expansive dance area within Cecil Sharp House, I was enveloped in the rich history of the venue that had witnessed countless dance steps and musical performances since the 1930s. The infectious energy of the room, infused with decades of shared laughter and camaraderie, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that instantly put everyone at ease.
Led by the charismatic folk band, The Sassenachs, and their lively caller Laurie bedecked in traditional kilt attire, the ceilidh kicked off with a flurry of instructions and good-natured humor. Despite the fact that a significant portion of the attendees, myself included, were novices at Scottish dancing, the shared experience of fumbling through the steps and laughing at our missteps forged instant connections among strangers, transforming the room into a spirited celebration of Scottish hospitality.
As the night progressed, I found myself caught up in the whirl of the dances, feeling the familiar heat of exertion and the rush of adrenaline that transported me back to my carefree days of youth. Pausing for a moment to catch my breath, I struck up a conversation with Dee, a fellow attendee waiting for her friend, and together we braved the dance floor, turning our initial stumbling steps into a triumphant finish that left us beaming with pride.
The room buzzed with a mix of Scottish accents and the occasional kilt-clad figure, adding to the festive ambiance that enveloped us all. Amidst the lively chatter and laughter, I couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversations about a certain charming Scotsman named Adam, whose presence seemed to captivate the attention of more than a few attendees, sparking playful exchanges and excited whispers among the crowd.
With the band playing lively tunes and the caller guiding us through each set with a blend of authority and wit, the second half of the ceilidh unfolded with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. Watching the room come alive with synchronized movements and shared laughter, I marveled at the sight of strangers uniting in a joyous celebration of music and dance, their smiles reflecting the unspoken bond that transcended differences and brought us all together in a moment of pure joy.
As I glanced around the room, my eyes fell upon an elderly gentleman who initially appeared aloof, sitting out a dance with a hint of grumpiness. Yet, within moments, he was on his feet, swept up in the lively dance of a Cumberland swing, his face aglow with a radiant smile that illuminated the room like a beacon of pure happiness.
Julie Hamill, a prolific writer and radio personality, captured the essence of the Ceilidh Club at Cecil Sharp House with her vivid storytelling and infectious enthusiasm. Through her words, readers are transported into the heart of this vibrant cultural experience, where music, dance, and community converge to create lasting memories and forge new friendships.
Photo courtesy of The Sassenachs. Support OnLondon.co.uk and its talented writers for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access to London’s vibrant cultural scene. Join us in celebrating the spirit of togetherness and joy that defines the Ceilidh Club experience, where strangers become friends and memories are made that last a lifetime.
