Reflections by Xiaoxuan Zhong
Participating in the first-ever Ceilidh Plus was a vibrant and enriching experience that included traditional Scottish Ceilidh dancing, Chinese square dancing and American line dancing.
From the moment I stepped onto the dance floor, I felt an energetic and enthusiastic atmosphere. The lively Ceilidh music set the tone for the event, creating a dynamic environment where participants of all dance levels could easily connect with one another. The Chinese square dance aka Guangchang Wu segment was also very invigorating with an emphasis on the collective and team movement. The traditional square dance steps were enjoyable and highlighted the importance of synchronization and cooperation. Witnessing people from different countries participate, I felt a deep sense of unity that transcended language and cultural boundaries. The American line dance portion was another highlight. The movements provided a different rhythm and flow, and the repetition of the steps helped participants build confidence. I noticed that by the end, many people were left wanting more.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Ceilidh Plus activity was its promotion of cultural exchange. Through these dances, participants gained greater insight into the cultures of three countries across three continents, enriching our understanding and appreciation of each dance form. Additionally, the event featured numerous interactive segments that not only facilitated cultural exchange and friendship among different nations but also promoted dialogue and social interaction among participants. I found myself chatting with others about their backgrounds and dance experiences, deepening our connections beyond the activity, itself. It was heart-warming to see how dance, as a universal language, can bridge cultural divides and foster friendships.
In conclusion, with a room for improvement, the first-ever Ceilidh Plus event was a resounding success, creating an unforgettable experience for participants and in serving as an excellent opportunity for engagement and cultural exploration.
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Reflections by Zhounan He
At the Ceilidh Plus dance event on 2 November 2024 at Edinburgh’s King’s Hall, I had the chance to experience three distinct types of dance: Ceilidh, Chinese square dancing and American line dancing. Each dance brought a unique cultural flavour and a sense of community, making the whole experience very enjoyable.
First we all danced Ceilidh, which created a warm and lively atmosphere. The upbeat music and the interactive nature of the dance brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Even those who were new to Ceilidh could join in without much difficulty, as we all held hands, spun around, and moved together to the rhythm. The group dynamics made this dance particularly joyful and engaging.
Next we tried Chinese square dancing, which featured beautiful fans as props, adding an elegant touch to the performance. The fans contributed a lot to the dance’s aesthetic, showcasing the graceful yet energetic side of Chinese traditional culture. This dance was also an excellent way to promote Chinese culture, attracting a lot of interest from the audience. However, the dance moves were a bit challenging, especially for beginners. Those standing at the back struggled to see the demonstration in the front, which made learning more difficult. Some of the people around me even mentioned that they couldn’t keep up with the steps and eventually stopped dancing.
Finally, there was American line dancing, which was fun and easy to learn. The dance had simple, repetitive steps, allowing everyone to quickly catch on and enjoy the music. The lively and relaxed atmosphere made it accessible to people of all ages and dance experience levels, bringing everyone together in a casual, friendly way.
Overall, the Ceilidh Plus event allowed me to experience different cultural dance forms, each with its own beauty and cultural background. Each dance left a memorable impression and made for an enjoyable and enriching experience.
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These reflections were written by Xiaoxuan Zhong and Zhounan He and edited by Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland Curator Iliyana Nedkova.
Xiaoxuan Zhong and Zhounan He are the two dance artists-in-residence on a curatorial placement at the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland from October to December 2024 as part of their MSc studies in Dance Science and Education at Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. Their residency is part of our ongoing agreement with this major academic partner which dates back to 2018. More about our partnership growing from strength to strength here. 
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