Comhaltas
Cad é • Who We Are
Is gluaiseacht náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta é Comhaltas, a chuireann deiseanna ar fáil do dhaoine de gach aois agus cúlra, ach go háirithe daoine óga, sult a bhaint as agus páirt a ghlacadh i dtraidisiúin na hÉireann.
Tá baint lárnach againn le breis is 70 bliain i gcaomhnú agus i gcur chun cinn ár dtraidisiúin -ceol, amhránaíocht agus rince na hÉireann, chomh maith leis an nGaeilge. Is gluaiseacht chultúrtha neamhbhrabúis sinn le gréasán craobhacha fairsing ar fud na hÉireann agus thar 22 tír ar fud an domhain.
Why start a Comhaltas branch?
Branches are the heart of Comhaltas, and starting your own branch can have a very positive impact on your community. Here’s why you should start one:
Values
Preserve local Irish culture
By starting a branch, you become a custodian of Irish traditions in your local area, ensuring that they are passed down to future generations. This helps maintain a sense of identity and belonging within your community of Irish cultural enthusiasts.
Cultural education
Your branch can offer classes and workshops in traditional Irish music, dance and language. These can provide a platform for people of all ages to learn, share, and appreciate the richness of Irish culture.
Community building
Comhaltas branches are fantastic community hubs, bringing together people who share a common interest in Irish culture. This fosters a strong sense of belonging and friendship.
Local performing opportunities
Your branch can organise concerts, sessions, and cultural events where local talent can showcase their skills. These performances not only entertain the community but also provide opportunities for local artists to gain recognition and appreciation.
Youth engagement
Engaging young people in Comhaltas activities helps them connect with their heritage in a meaningful way. It offers a social outlet based around teamwork, and encourages them to explore their creativity through music and dance.
Cultural tourism
If your community has a rich Irish heritage, a Comhaltas branch can attract tourists interested in experiencing authentic Irish traditions. This can boost local businesses and create economic opportunities.
Connecting the world
There are Comhaltas branches in over 20 countries worldwide. Having your own ensures that wherever you travel, there will be a branch and social circle waiting for you.
Healthy and inclusive activities
Comhaltas promotes active and healthy lifestyles through music and dance. It’s an inclusive organisation that welcomes people of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages to participate, whether that be through regular classes, specialised workshops or Irish sessions in a casual, fun setting.
Sense of pride
Finally, starting a Comhaltas branch can instil a sense of pride in your community. You’ll be part of a worldwide network dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish culture, contributing to a larger cultural tapestry.
The Power of Music
Music has a unique ability to communicate emotions, tell stories, and foster a sense of belonging. Within Comhaltas it is the heartbeat that unites us all, binding generations of the past, present and future.
Cognitive enhancement
Engaging with music has been linked to strong cognitive benefits, particularly in children and the elderly. Learning to play an instrument or participating in music-related activities can help stimulate the brain, improve memory, and increase attention span.
Exposure to music during childhood in particular has been linked to improved language skills and mathematical abilities.
Emotional well-being
Music has a powerful impact on emotions. Listening to or learning to play music can evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being, which is particularly crucial for maintaining mental health in older individuals.
Did you know: A study published in “Frontiers in Human Neuroscience” found that listening to music releases dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, which contributes to positive emotions and mood improvement. It also has the power to lower our cortisol levels, aka the “stress” hormone!
Social connection
Group music activities promote teamwork and cooperation. Children learn to listen to others, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively, developing essential social skills.
Social interaction through music also reduces feelings of isolation and promotes a sense of belonging within a community, which is particularly vital for the mental and emotional health of the elderly.
Physical benefits
Learning to play certain instruments involves physical coordination and dexterity. This can be an enjoyable way to maintain and improve motor skills, while providing a gentle form of exercise for older individuals.
Did you know: According to a study published in the “Journal of Behavioural Medicine,” music has been associated with positive physiological responses such as lower heart rate and blood pressure
Journal of Behavioural Medicine
Creativity and self-expression
Music encourages creativity and self-expression. Whether through composing, improvising, or interpreting pieces, children and adults alike have the opportunity to express themselves in unique ways, building confidence and fostering a sense of individuality.