Some people wear costume or smart dress for the Balls, but that's not obligatory!Andrew Swaine
Saturday 19.30-22.30:
John Playford BallA selection of dances published by John Playford between 1651 and 1681, some benefitting from Andrew's interpretations.
Colin Hume
Saturday 11:30-12:45
Thomas Bray's Country DancesBray was a man of the theatre, and the 20 country dances in his book were designed to be performed during or after plays. The abrupt changes of formation will make you think.
Saturday 14:00-15:15: The Hey
This figure occurs in many forms in English dances, and is more controversial than you may have realised!
Sunday 19.30-22.30: Playford-plus Ball
Dances from The Dancing Master (1651-1728), plus others which Colin considers to be in the “Playford” style — whatever that is!
Monday 11.30-12.45: Playford, known and unknown
Genuine Playford: some well-known, some you've never heard of. Don't be put off by the “Positional” tag — you won't even notice Colin's not saying “men” and “women”.
Helena and Jan
Saturday 14.15-15.00:
Česká besedaThis Quadrille was published in 1863 and quickly became the dance of the Czech National Revival movement, remaining widely popular until the second World War. Composed of a dozen folk dances of the era, it may seem daunting because of its unique array of steps, however it is very satisfying to dance once learnt. In this taster we will attempt to cover one or two of the four parts of Beseda. Learn a Czech dance from Czech dancers!
Kathryn & David Wright
Sunday 14.00-15.15:
Sum DancesDances from Gary Roodman's Calculated Figures collections
Sunday 15.45-17.00: A Cook's Tour
Dances composed or interpreted by Tom Cook
Peter Winn
Sunday 14.00-15.15:
Argentino TangoSunday 15.45-17.00:
Argentino TangoTango is a dance where the steps and the timing of the steps are improvised. The fundament of tango is communication between the couple who are dancing. The dance is a conversation between the couple about the music that they hear and how they feel about dancing with each other. This conversation does not emerge from the mouths of the dancers, but from the interaction of their body movements. Both classes will focus on communication and movement in the Tango Argentino, with the goal of dancing a few simple steps with confidence and freedom. Although the tango is a close dance there will be no expectation for you to dance with body contact with your partner — indeed the class will assume that you will not, although you may if you wish. The classes can be taken in isolation or as a pair, and will complement each other.
Rhodri Davies
Saturday 9:45-11.00:
More O'RoryRory O'More is a classic contra with a characteristic move that has been adopted by many other dances. Try the original and some of the variations.
Ted Morse
Saturday 9:45-11.00:
Mixed WorkshopA mix of dances to start the day in a light-hearted vein.
Monday 11.30-12.45: Longsword or Rapper
Longsword is a dance for six people linked with rigid wooden swords. The workshop will be aimed at beginners. The step is a steady walk and upper body mobility will be required. It will be based loosely on the North Skelton tradition. Audience and substitutes welcome.
Rapper sword is a dance for five people linked with springy steel swords. The workshop will be aimed at beginners. Although stepping is a vital part of the dance and will be touched on, the main emphasis will be on the figures which are danced to a brisk walking step. It will be based on the High Spen tradition. Upper body mobility will be required. Hard shoes make more noise. Audience and substitutes welcome.
If you're interested in one or the other please email Mecki or use the sign-up sheets available at the weekend.
