As always, a bit part of Wellyfest is the DANCE programme! Join in with other dancers or would-be dancers to learn dances of England and Europe, with expert tutors to the tune of live music.

See the workshop programme and opportunities to join in pages for more chances to take part in activities.

In all cases, please avoid wearing gumboots or jandals. (Partners might not appreciate steel toe-caps either!). Dance workshops are held in the Fletcher Hall, which does NOT have a sprung floor. So please do come prepared to wear cushioned soles in the Fletcher Hall for high impact dance. Unless otherwise noted, dances are suitable for all levels of experience and age.

SATURDAY

Balfolk classics and beyond – (beginner – all levels)

Saturday 10:00am, Fletcher Hall

We will teach you some of the most emblematic dances of Balfolk such as Skottische, Chapelloise and Bourrée 2 temps. We will first build your confidence with the basic steps and then explore how to incorporate variations and how to experience playful improvisation with your partner while maintaining synchrony, continuity and structure.

White Rose Rapper – with Elizabeth Allen

Saturday 1:30pm, Fletcher Hall

Rapper sword dancing comes from the pit mines in the north east of England. Five dancers, connected by flexible (and blunt) swords weave in and out of figures for display to the audience. In this workshop we will cover some of the simpler figures including the distinctive starshaped lock. Bring yourselves and sensible footwear and give it a go.

Irish Set Dancing – with Helen Stonehouse

Saturday 3:30pm, Fletcher Hall

Irish Set dances are traditional social dances of Ireland and are the best way to enjoy Irish music. Danced in sets of 8 people in a square formation, each set dance has between 3 and 7 figures. In a workshop we will learn the basic steps needed, and be introduced to some moves and terminology, and then learn a few figures of one Set Dance.

SUNDAY

“Intricate footwork in Balfolk” (intermediate/advanced)

Sunday 9:30am, Fletcher Hall

While lots of Balfolk dances have simple structures, they also have many layers, including some nuances in footwork and sometimes quite intricate sequences. In this workshop, we will introduce you to some dances that are famous for their tricky (yet fun) footwork like Kost archoat and Branle de Noirmoutier from Brittany or Bourrée 3 temps from Central France. If your feet and brain are up for a little challenge, this is the workshop for you.

Ceilidh PLUS! with Helen Stonehouse

Sunday 11:15am, Fletcher Hall

A workshop for all those people who love to Ceilidh and are ready to learn some slightly harder dances of which there are so many to choose from. In this workshop dances may include longways dances, American style dances, Playford style, and some more recent creations.

Morris Dancing

Sunday 1:00pm, Fletcher Hall

Morris dancing is a traditional form of English folk dance, often done for display purposes. There are dances in a variety of styles from around England and in this workshop, we will introduce you to a few of them. The dances are done in ‘sets’ of varying numbers of people (depending on the dance), but no partner is needed so bring yourselves and some sensible footwear and give it a go.

Le P’tit Bal d’Aotearoa – (social dance, all levels)

Sunday 2:45pm, Fletcher Hall

A word play on “Le Grand Bal de l’Europe” in Gennetines which is one the largest balfolk festivals, this small Aotearoa ball will be an opportunity to experience group and partner dances accompanied by wonderful live music from Bernard Wells, Jonathan Berkahn, Simon Burgess, Mark Howell and Philippa Boy. All dances will be called and beginner friendly.