Christmas Rírá Céilí – A Sensory-Friendly Dance & Sound Experience

Christmas Rírá Céilí – A Sensory-Friendly Dance & Sound Experience

Join Maria from Mind Body Breath healing for a joyful, heart-opening Christmas Rírá Céilí — a sensory-friendly celebration designed especially for Day Service users across Cavan.

Taking place at The Backyard Arts & Cultural Centre on Thursday, 18th December from 12:00–2:00pm, this two-hour event blends gentle movement, guided dance, aromatherapy and sound healing in a supportive, fun and calming environment.

What to Expect

• Soft lighting and aromatic oils to create a grounding atmosphere
• Guided movement and optional free dance to uplifting music
• A soothing sound healing relaxation to close
• Chill-out spaces for anyone who needs time away from the main group
• Snacks, treats and drinks
• An inclusive, welcoming space where everyone can move, rest, dance and express themselves in their own way

This event is designed to meet individuals exactly where they are — supporting emotional expression, sensory regulation, joy, connection and community.

About Maria

Maria is the founder of Mind Body Breath Healing and Rírá Céilí | Sacred Ruckus, Cavan’s ecstatic dance and movement community. Her work focuses on creating immersive, heart-centred experiences using music, somatic movement, breath, sound and guided relaxation.

Over the past six months, Maria has had the pleasure of working closely with Cavan Autism Centre, delivering sessions that support sensory regulation, emotional expression, body-mind connection and confidence through movement and sound.

As a SOMA Breathwork facilitator, sound healer and yoga teacher, Maria blends movement, rhythm, breath and sound in a way that helps individuals feel safe, grounded and free — inviting participants into a state of presence, joy and flow.

Her approach reminds each person that they already carry all they need within — the body, the breath and the heart are powerful tools of regulation, expression and healing.

Accessibility

• The venue is fully disability accessible
• Free onsite parking
• Participants are encouraged to move at their own pace, rest whenever needed and enjoy the event in a way that feels good for them

🎶 The Science Behind Sound Healing for Neurodivergent Minds

Sound healing and music-based therapeutic practices are increasingly recognised for their profound benefits, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD and sensory processing differences.

Research shows that sound and music can:

✨ Support emotional regulation and reduce anxiety
Rhythm and sound can soothe the nervous system, helping reduce overwhelm, calm heightened states and create a sense of emotional safety.

✨ Improve sensory processing and body regulation
The vibrations, tones and repetitive rhythms used in sound healing support regulation of the autonomic nervous system — helping participants settle, ground and feel more at ease in their bodies.

✨ Enhance expression and communication
Music and sound provide non-verbal pathways for expression, supporting connection, creativity and emotional release, even when words are difficult.

✨ Activate neuroplasticity and brain integration
Sound engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously — including those involved in emotion, memory, auditory processing and motor function — supporting new neural pathways and cognitive balance.

In essence, sound healing creates a safe, non-pressured environment where participants can relax, regulate, connect and feel fully welcomed exactly as they are. Combined with movement, breath and sensory mindfulness, it offers a powerful tool for emotional and nervous system support — allowing individuals to move, rest, express and experience joy in their own way.