What’s the ideal shape of a room for a ceilidh or barn dance or hoedown ?

The ideal is rectangular shape,without columns or similar obstructions,with a stage at one end for the band,with a bar at the end opposite to the band,space for seating and/or tables along the long sides of the rectangle,with fire exits and a sprung timber floor,decent acoustic qualities (and,preferably,no silly sound limiter !....especially if they are set at silly levels !)…….Which all means ?? …..that…… Most village halls are often the best locations for a ceilidh or barn dance.

Let’s examine all this a bit more.

Shape of the room………rectangular or,at least,square.Many of the dances can be ‘longways sets’ as we call them – meaning long lines of dancers in two lines,each dancer facing their dancing partner.In a rectangular room,a circle dance can quickly became an ‘oval’ shape without affecting the fun of the dance.The caller and the band can see virtually all the dancers at any given moment (no looking around corners !) And the caller has full view of all the proceedings – there’s nothing happening behind the caller’s back.The caller is usually the M C for the night as well and needs to be aware of more than just the dancing.

Columns/obstructions – best avoided for dancing purposes…..not to mention somebody smacking their head,unwittingly,against one of these beasts (even if they are covered in mirrors,and you look so beautiful tonight !)

Stage for the band – whilst a stage is not essential,if the band is positioned above the dancers it gives that ‘focal point’ like a fireplace in a living room.And,with the right lighting,the band’s visual presence adds to the atmosphere.

Fire/escape exits – in fact,any exits.Not trying to spread doom and gloom.But we must be practical.There will be the occasions when such exits become a vital means of escape/exit/entrance in the event of the unforeseen accident/injury and it is very important that adequate openings are available to emergency services/medics or people clearly in need of immediate fresh respiration.We are not suggesting that ceilidhs or barn dances will kill you off ! But – and this applies equally to any event where many people are gathered – consideration must be given to easily accessible exits/entrances.We’ve all heard the stories that could never happen to us !