Newcastle Irish Set Dancers
Newcastle Irish Set Dancers conduct classes in Irish Set dancing - the social dancing of the Irish. The group is located in Newcastle, New South Wales (Australia) and is part of the Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club.
Coming Events
Note: No class on the Tuesday immediately following Easter (10 April), or on 1st May.
Regular classes for Newcastle Irish Set Dancers every Tuesday from 7:30-9:30 pm at The Place - Charlestown Community Centre, cnr Frederick & Ferris Sts, Charlestown. We have classes every week from the start of February through to early-mid December (with the exception of the Tuesday immediately following Easter. Downloadable map (PDF) showing how to get to our new venue.
 Tuesdays 7:30-9:30 pm |
** Newcastle Irish Set Dancers. Community Centre in Charlestown Shopping Centre. |
| Saturday, 2 June, 7:30 ‘til late |
** Irish Céilí. Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, NSW. Jimmy Mullarkey Ceilí Band. Cost $15, concession & members $12. For more information http://www.gaelicclub.com.au  Other dates in 2012: Coast Ceili band - 27 October Jimmy Marlarkey Ceili Band - 25 August, 1 December. |
| Sunday, 3 June, 3:00-6:00 pm |
Traditional Irish/Folk Session (generally 1st Sunday of each month) - Lake Macquarie Hotel (opposite Morissett Railway Station). Contact Gabriele or Sharyn M: 0418146555 or M: 0418146554 or E: |
| Friday-Monday 8-11 June |
Bunders Dance Festival, Bundanoon - Contact Bush Traditions for more information. |
| 14-16 September | The Turning Wave Festival, Yass. |
| Friday-Sunday 12-14 October |
** Canberra Set Dance Festival. For more
information Canberra
- Monaro Folk Society Irish Set Dance |
** Note: events with ** on the left are event primarily with Irish Set Dancing. The others have only part (or none) of the event devoted to Irish Set Dancing.
What is Irish Set Dancing?
Irish set dancing is social dancing usually in the form of square "sets" with four couples. This dance is for anyone from young adult up to dancers in the 70's and onward (so long as you have a reasonable level of fitness - the music and footword is reasonably fast). This dance form is generally danced by adults and older children. Younger children (who are far more flexible and energetic usually participate in Irish Step dancing (see below). Each dance has several figures set to traditional Irish tunes such as reels, jigs, polkas or hornpipes.
The footwork ranges from simple stepping to fast battering steps. In set dancing you usually dance with a partner, yet in many figures also dance with one or more other members of the set. Most set dances have a social figure in which each lady dances with each gent and vice versa. Traditionally, set dances were not called, although during classes there will be calling to remind the dancers of the next movement.
To learn more and see some videos of the different types of Irish
dancing visit Set Dancing Australia's website.
