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24 - 27 May 2024
24 - 27
May
2024
May
2024
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(From the Bridge if it does not know your location)
Jump to: Friday Saturday Sunday Monday
Events on Friday 24th May 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Time | What | With | Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20:00 - 22:30 Riverbank | Bal An evening of dance music ranging from exquisite mazurkas to joyful bourrées. (A) | ![]() | Weekend tickets Only | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20:00 - 23:45 Sports Hall | Welcome Ceilidh Start your festival in style with the fabulous Fee Lock and the Relentless ceilidh band! (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Event tickets Only (£15) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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22:35 - 23:30 Riverbank | Balfolk Session & Dance A post-bal afterparty! Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes. (A) |
Events on Saturday 25th May 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Time | What | With | Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
09:30 - 11:00 Riverbank | Basics and Beyond Contra dance workshop for beginners and refreshers, covering all you need to know to get you contra dancing. (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
09:30 - 11:00 Sports Hall | Pat Shaw Dances Pat Shaw wrote many wonderful dances (and tunes), mainly Playford-style - some quite complicated. He wanted people to dance them well, not just scramble through them - and so does Colin! (G) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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11:15 - 12:45 Riverbank | Connection in Partner Dance Focusing on connection and communication in dance.Expect some fun exercises exploring lead/follow technique.The principles are relevant to any partnered dance.The music will have a balfolk flavour.(A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:15 - 12:40 Sports Hall | The Sound of Music Explore how we interact with the band: their harmonies, drive, who’s playing, how each express the tune; the tune’s pulse, phrase, variety, mood, how it conveys movement;what the band gets from us.(G) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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13:00 - 13:40 Riverbank | Callers’ Round An opportunity for callers to meet up and exchange notes, hosted by Mark Elvins. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14:00 - 15:30 Riverbank | Balfolk Basics An introduction to (or reminder of) some of the most common couple, chain and circle dances so you're ready to throw yourself into the bal this evening. All levels welcome. (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14:00 - 15:30 Sports Hall | Making the Most of the Space Some dances just work so much better with plenty of space and lots of dancers. Grids, interactive sets and dances that need a lot of room up and down the hall. (G) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15:45 - 17:15 Riverbank | Balfolk Dances: 2 and 3 Time Bourrées High-energy dances from France, with lots of opportunity for variations and improvisation. All levels welcome. (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15:45 - 17:15 Sports Hall | Kentucky Running Set Mike will concentrate on square-dance figures, aiming to teach eight individual figures, two for each couple, plus chorus figures. No previous experience needed, but be prepared laugh a lot. (G) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17:30 - 19:25 Sports Hall | Zesty Contra Lively contra dances with a strong sense of connection and fun. Bring your enthusiasm and stamina - be prepared to dance! (G) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19:30 - 20:25 Riverbank | Balfolk Session & Dance A warm up for the main bal! Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes. (A) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20:00 - 24:00 Sports Hall | Ceilidh Join us for a lively ceilidh event with caller Nick Walden and the Melrose Ceilidh Quintet, promising an unforgettable evening of dancing and laughter! (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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20:30 - 22:45 Riverbank | Bal An evening of dance music ranging from exquisite mazurkas to joyful bourrées. (A) | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22:50 - 24:00 Riverbank | Balfolk Session & Dance A post-bal afterparty! Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes. (A) |
Events on Sunday 26th May 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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09:30 - 11:00 Riverbank | Calling for Contras and Squares If you have done some calling of any genre but would like to find out more about calling contras and squares then come along for some teaching tips and discussion with Lynne and Rachel. | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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09:30 - 11:00 Sports Hall | How Many People Can You Dance With in One American Contra Workshop? Nicola will get you dancing with as many people as possible, with mixers, multiple progression contras and even interaction between different sets. (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:15 - 12:45 Riverbank | Connection in Contra Dancing is joyful when we connect with our fellow dancers! We'll practise helping and connecting with others, and experiment with spice and flourishes for everybody to play with safely. (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:15 - 12:40 Sports Hall | Squares and Contras Without a Walkthrough Five or ten minutes explanation and from then on it's solid dancing. For dancers who know their figures, can react quickly and not panic if things go wrong, and will turn up on time! (G) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13:00 - 13:40 Riverbank | Callers’ Round An opportunity for callers to meet up and exchange notes, hosted by Rhodri Davies. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14:00 - 15:30 Riverbank | Theatre Games for Playford Dancers Fun games from physical theatre and movement training to improve the co-ordination, style, rhythm, connection and group communication of your dancing. All dancer levels welcome. (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14:00 - 15:30 Sports Hall | Something Borrowed A selection of Squares & Contras that include figures taken from Modern Western Square Dancing. (G) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15:45 - 17:15 Sports Hall | Beyond the Duple Improper Contras and American dances in formations other than two couple sets. Get ready for squares, tempests, zias and more! (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15:45 - 17:00 Swimming Pool | Aqueilidh Ceilidh, but in a swimming pool! Come to join in dances like Drip the Willow, Splashing White Sergeant, Ducky Seven, Bridge of A Flume, Nottingham Sink, The Old Swan Splash, The Cornish Six Hand Eel, The New Mrs Arrowsmith's Armbands, Chlorinated Bridge, Waterfall Waltz, and the Circassian Snorkel... (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17:30 - 19:25 Sports Hall | Zesty Playford Lively Playford dances with a strong sense of connection and fun. Bring your enthusiasm and stamina - be prepared to dance! (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19:45 - 22:45 Riverbank | Techno Contra High-octane contra dance. With music that uses traditional instruments and sounds with live hardware synthesisers, this will be a contra dance like no other this weekend! Warning: flashing lights. (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20:00 - 23:45 Sports Hall | Ceilidh Prepare to dance the night away to the irresistible tunes of Threepenny Bit, guided by Lisa's enthusiastic calling. Make it a Sunday to remember! (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Events on Monday 27th May 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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09:30 - 11:00 Riverbank | The Craft of Calling: Tools for Your Belt The unwritten contract between caller & dancers; earning/spending personal capital; making progress forwards; when & what to prompt and dropping-out; a framework for mistakes to enable rapid progress. | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
09:30 - 11:00 Sports Hall | Reels, Reels and More Reels Exploring different reel formations in different traditions, particularly Scottish and English country dancing. No previous Scottish dance experience required. (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:15 - 12:45 Riverbank | Positional American Squares A ground-breaking workshop of traditional-style American Squares called positionally - no men, women or birds! For those with some experience of American Squares who like a challenge. (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:15 - 12:40 Sports Hall | Space: The Final Frontier Space between things is as important as the things themselves.Space between people, inside/outside the set, dances, footfalls, phrases,notes.We'll attend to this part of becoming a Compleat Dancer.(G) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13:00 - 13:40 Riverbank | Dance Organisers’ Round An opportunity for dance organisers to get together and discuss all things dance organising. Hosted by Jen Cox (Oxfolk/BunkFest/Open Morris/EFDSS) and Jane Curry & Andrew Findlay (London Barndance). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14:00 - 15:30 Riverbank | Intro to Swedish Polska Learn the basics of one of the most popular Scandinavian folkdances. Polska is a flowing, turning dance unlike any other. Accompanied by enchanting music from the distant North. No partner needed. (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14:00 - 15:30 Sports Hall | Afternoon Tea A gentle workshop of flowing dances to end the weekend. (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15:45 - 17:15 Riverbank | Slängpolska for Beginners Come and try Slängpolska, a fun social dance from Sweden characterised by playfulness and improvisation. Accompanied by driving, twisty Scandinavian music. No partner necessary. (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15:45 - 17:15 Sports Hall | Rattling’ the Chains Dances which all have a variation of a chain in their choreography. Chains in different directions, chains from the ‘wrong’ side , and maybe a Teacup chain thrown into the mix. (G) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17:30 - 18:55 Sports Hall | Ultimate (!) Contra Dance Lively contra dances with a strong sense of connection and fun. (A) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19:30 - 20:10 Riverbank | Balfolk/Scandi Session & Dance A warm up for the Balfolk & Scandi Dance! Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes. (A) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19:30 - 23:00 Sports Hall | Ceilidh Celebrate the last hurrah of the festival with Simon Care's All Stars and caller Tom Kitching, promising a vibrant ceilidh experience filled with energetic music and lively dancing! (P) | ![]() | ![]() | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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20:15 - 22:30 Riverbank | Balfolk & Scandi Dance A Grand Tour of Balfolk and Scandi dances. (A) | ![]() | Weekend or Day tickets Only |