Ceilidhs
Whether you’re planning a ceilidh for a community get-together, a wedding or a corporate event, I can help make it fun and memorable.
No two ceilidhs are the same with me. I take time to get to know you and your guests to make sure I plan dances and tunes that are inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for everyone
“It was one of the best ceilidhs we’ve been to, particularly because of your calling. It was really refreshing to have gender neutral calling seem so effortless.”
A couple who booked me for their wedding after seeing me call dances at a queer community ceilidh
Book me for a ceilidh
You can hire me as a musician or a dance caller, or I can put the whole event together for you. You can pick and choose from my services:
- music and dance calling from my ceilidh band The Craws with a huge repertoire of well-loved classes and new dances to suit all dancers
- creating a bespoke band from my network of incredible dance musicians from across the UK
- dance calling
- playing piano or mandolin as part of a band
- suppling a PA system and managing the sound for the event
- running a workshop at the beginning of the event to teach your guests all the moves
- creating bespoke dances that are unique and meaningful to you
“Heather chooses the right dances for the moment and the people dancing, always creating a brilliantly informal atmosphere that can run the gamut from trance-y to exuberant via cosy, chaotic, and celebratory as needed.”
Louise Siddons, dance caller
Contra dances
You can book me as a musician or caller for community contra dances or festivals. I can teach dances from the ground up, or choose more complex choreography to keep seasoned crowds engaged. I particularly love playing as part of a fiddle/piano duo. When the conversation between musicians and dancers locks in there’s nothing more groovy!
I call contra using positional language (meaning there are no role terms) or using larks and robins role terms.
“Heather’s tunes have a drive that demands your feet move. It is always a joy to dance to her playing.”
Simon Harmer, step dancer and researcher
Workshops, festivals and sessions
If you’re organising an event or festival, book me to run a workshop or host a session.
Workshops I have run before:
- Scottish ceilidh dancing (American art tour, Glasgow 2026)
- playing for dances (Edinburgh Contra Dance Weekend, June 2026)
- introduction to calling (Brighton, October 2024 and May 2025)
I can also design bespoke workshops for your event.
Piano and mandolin lessons
Get in touch for one-off lessons or short courses on playing piano or mandolin.
I can help with:
- expanding your repertoire of trad Scottish, Irish and American old-time tunes
- technique for trad or old-time music
- understanding the role of piano or mandolin in a session
- playing for dances
Operational support for festivals and events
If my first love is music, my second is spreadsheets. Between festivals, you’ll find me buried deep in admin, organising all the details to make the next event a success.
As well as running my own events, I currently provide operational support to:
If you’re running your own event, you can book me for:
- workshops
- dances
- admin and operational support