Testimonies

Classes

RE: February 2010

Your ceili class is full of a great bunch of people. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that everyone was so kind and welcoming to my aunt Sally. Not that I would expect otherwise because they are just good people at heart. But she means the world to me so it is really nice to be able to bring her to class and know she is in a group that is full of support and positive spirit. Which, to bring my point around full circle, is due in no small part to you as teacher. You set the tone and create an environment that is just a lot of fun to be in. Thank you Sam
~ Carin

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Re: ceili, Tir Eoghain, Samhain 2009

Thanks Sam! We all had a great time. It was wonderful to have a night of dancing after a VERY long week. My friend Thora and I are both new elementary teachers, and seem to constantly be swamped with work, so we need to let loose and have fun when we can find the energy. Thanks for putting on such a great night of dance, and I hope we can ceili again soon!

~ Olivia Farrell

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From David Frederick in reference to his lovely brides birthday celebration at the First Friday Ceili in Tualatin:

“Long ago, Sam Keator was a young, strapping Irish lad, flowing with golden locks, wandering lost in the countryside. He rounded a hill and came upon a troup of Tuatha De Danann, dancing a sunny set of jigs and reels to herald in the coming of spring. “Dance with us!” they cried, pulling him into the set, and he spun with them, faster and faster, back and forth, over and under, until the hillsides disappeared, the heather and the moor, and there was nothing left beyond them but the clear blue sky.

At first Sam just smiled and moved his feet, letting the fairfolk lead him along & tell him what to do. As he danced, however, for hours, then days, weeks, and then years, he began to learn the patterns of the dance. He learned the steps of the seasons, “The Haymaker’s Jig” and the “Sweets of May.” He learned even to imitate the movements of the ocean — “The Waves of Torrey” — and the flicker of flame –”The Bonfire.” In time he himself became a dancing master, an instructor in the ways of social dance, worthy of certification by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha — the Irish Dancing Commision of Dublin, Ireland.

When the fairies finally released Sam from their circle, hundreds of years had passed. He is no longer a young Irish lad — though he is still strapping. Yes, he still straps. His long, golden locks have turned a brilliant white — evidence, no doubt of the touch of the De Danann upon him. Still, he dearly loves the dance, and he teaches it up and down the north Pacific coastline to all who are willing to try.

Please join Jenn Frederick at one of Sam’s dances as she celebrates her own 29th birthday. The pre-dance lesson starts at 7:00; we’ll gather at the Frederick duplex at 5:30 for treats, and we’ll leave at 6:30 sharp, if you would like to carpool. If not, meet us at 7:00 at the Winona Grange #271, 8340 SW Seneca St. in Tualatin for an evening of Irish blarney and magical dances, straight from Eireann’s mythological past to you.”
April 3rd Ceili 2009

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Hi Sam (and Anne),
I love your class, but unfortunately I moved back to Maryland on September 29th. I should be back in December and January for about three weeks, so hopefully I can come back to the classes then and also make a ceili as well. Thank you so much. You are a great teacher.
You made it really fun. I hope you had fun in Ireland. Please continue to send me emails. I enjoyed looking at the photos from the last ceili!

Sincerely,
Anne Marie Moneta 2008 October 10

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…And I don’t know what you ever heard when the changing of the PCS boards was going on, but everyone who wanted to come on expected that you, of all people, would want to stay on. (Because you were so involved…) But now that we see how the board works, it seems pretty evident to me that you were doing a ton of the work–maybe you got fed up with doing all of it. (Well, and now your own space is ready to go.) There are now committees trying to share the work loads, and really, PCS would do well to form member committees and spread much more of the work around.

Anyway, hope you all had fun today,
Nancy Jarrell 2008 January 26

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Sam, let me say that the amount of energy you’ve put into the Ceili is phenomonal. You’ve brought more people to the ceili than anyone in the past. You are a good spokesman for the ceili and a good caller. Your ceilis are fun, fast paced and lively. (I even suspend my aversion to your version of set dances as soon the music starts) …because the music is so good.

Phil Meehan, 2006/August 16

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Hi Sam,
Just wanted to tell you how much Yahdi enjoyed the Monday night class. She had a great time and was so pleased she was allowed to be in the 16 hand reel as I had told her about the larger group dances before. When I came home from work on Tuesday I found her in the living room working on her sevens and threes. She wants to be ready for class next time she visits!

Thanks again for leading such a great class.
See you on Monday.
Kerryann

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Great job at the ceili last night, Sam! You have truly found your calling (I know it’s a pun, but it’s true).

You have a charisma and a talent for this – and we’re all richer for it.

So glad you crossed that street and decided to learn a jig to relieve stress!

Hi to Annie,
Linda Miller

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Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 9:32 AM
To: Sam Keator
Subject: Re: Thanks and Happy Birthday again

Hey Sam:
It was an incredible weekend. I am still shaking me head that those three, Johnny, Hanz and Cary were playing for my birthday – unbelievable. I listen to Johnny’s CDs all the time. Thanks for doing your usual outstanding job calling and making everyone feel comfortable. Tell Anne thanks for joining the celebration. I had so much fun – including dancing with my own (sister) Annie.

Jack Kenny

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