Seattle Fiddle Camp

Using dance to teach music

The first Seattle Fiddle Camp brought together fiddlers and violinists age 8-15. Students studied Irish, Scottish, and American Old Time tunes for a week. As a dance teacher, I wanted to help students use movement to improve their understanding of Irish tune types, rhythm, and phrasing. We explored different Irish dance traditions including social and solo dancing with a focus on fun! Campers learned basic sean-nós reel steps, two-hand dances, (Donegal Barn Dance and Leitrim Clap Dance), and a céilí dance (The Waves of Tory.) These dances were specifically chosen to pair with the tunes that students were learning during camp.

Students and families can click the YouTube playlist below to watch and practice dances at home!