How much space do we need for a ceilidh or barn dance?

Let’s think in terms of dancers……..forgetting the band

This can vary somewhat,depending on whether it’s a circle dance,square set,longways sets etc.As a rough rule of thumb,work on about 1 sq. yard per dancer.But experienced dancers love to strut their stuff and might need a bit more space! But the ‘sq. yard per dancer’ should work.

Then,add in whatever space you may need for seating/tables within the room.

Then,add in the space required to site the band – which often means

3 musicians + caller = 6 sq. yards approx (say 10’0” x 6’0”)

5 musicians + caller = 10 sq yards approx (say 16’0” x 6’0”)

Or even more if there is a drummer or keyboards in your band.

Of course,if there is a stage……..that’s ideal and the band ‘problem’ is solved.But a stage is,by no means,essential and the majority of venues have no stage !

Then,add in the circulation area required around the bar area if the bar is sited in the same room as the dancing (and,hopefully,it is !!)

Don’t forget – not everybody there will dance every dance.Work on the basis that,for most dances,about 30/40% of guests (at parties,wedding receptions and similar) may dance at any given time.We are big believers in ‘cramming ‘em in’ – meaning……..it’s better to have LESS than the ideal space rather than TOO MUCH !! It’s just a bit of ‘kidology’ at work ! You can always kick a few chairs out of the way to make extra space………and as a caller,I prefer to tell latecomers that they’ve missed their chance to join in ‘cos there’s no room for them.They will make sure that they’re up like a shot for the next dance !

Consider the other side of the coin – you’ve booked a huge hall………when,with 60 dancers on the floor,the space available looks about a third full………(what sort of message are you sending out to those watching in the wings ???)