www.ceilidhkids.com
Thinking of booking a CeilidhKids Party?
Congratulations! Or Happy Birthday! Here are a few things you might like to bear in mind.
People attend a party because they want to celebrate the occasion.
They don’t necessarily come because they want to dance. So although you might think a ceilidh is a jolly way to celebrate, make sure your guests do so too before you invite them…
Please don’t invite the whole class, unless you’re sure that the whole class thinks that dancing would be a nice way to spend the afternoon. Contrary to popular belief, I can’t MAKE people want to dance. I wish I could!
What age is best for a CeilidhKids children’s party?
Usually ages 4 and upwards. 3 year olds are very sweet, and sometimes they’re fine, but they often have 2 year old friends who just don’t cope.
If you’re old enough to go to school, you can dance with your friend. If you’re not old enough to go to school, you’ll need a grownup’s hand to hold (or an older boy or girl). But one grown up can dance with two children. So any under-fives will need an adult partner, which means extra parents will need to stay and get involved at preschool parties. Even parties aimed at older children will benefit from having a few adults joining in too, especially if there are wee brothers and sisters. Joint parties work well, so why not team up with another family?
If you’re old enough to go to school, you can dance with your friend. If you’re not old enough to go to school, you’ll need a grownup’s hand to hold (or an older boy or girl). But one grown up can dance with two children. So any under-
What children’s party packages are on offer?
I will come with my PA system, CDs and radio microphone and organise either dancing, or dancing and games. It’s up to you and your child.
However it’s still your party.
You book the venue, do the food, decide the theme if there is to be one, do the party bags and write the invitations, so you will still very much own the event.
However it’s still your party.
You book the venue, do the food, decide the theme if there is to be one, do the party bags and write the invitations, so you will still very much own the event.
People arrive expecting to dance so after five minutes’ milling, we start with that. Around 45 minutes’ to an hour’s dancing is good, with a wee juice break mid-way.
Then they are all hungry for their party tea
- that’s your department!
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I can disappear at this point, or stick around and do some games after tea if you wish. I do non-competitive, ‘everyone joining in and nobody being out’ types of games to disco music. If I’m doing the whole party, I stick to an hour and a half. If I’m just doing the dancing and you’re doing the rest, you can go on as long as you like…
Tips for success
You need a large area and a critical mass of everyone dancing at once, even if it’s only just for 20 minutes. So if you want people to dance, keep other distractions (balloons, toys, facepainting) to a minimum and just focus on the dancing. They can do the other things afterwards. It can be nice to have a wee quiet colouring corner for the shy ones though. And please DON’T put the food out until you want people to eat it…
When and where shall we run our event?
Somewhere with loads of space - people usually underestimate how much room is needed. I can give you some suggestions for good venues in Edinburgh. Church halls, school halls and community centres are all good. Weekend or Friday afternoons are good times for parties.