As in past years, Wellyfest has loads of opportunities for you to get your toes tapping and your arms flailing!

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.

SATURDAY

Balfolk Workshop 1: “Intro to Balfolk” with Balfolk Wellington

Saturday 9:30am, Fletcher Hall

Balfolk has a wide variety of group and partner dances. Whether it’s a cercle, waltz, mazurka, chain, or set dance, there are many ways to have heaps of fun. Balfolk dances have simple structures but also many layers that can lend themselves well to variations or even improvisation. Join us to learn some of the basics and discover some of the most popular Balfolk dances. 

Irish Set Dancing, with Helen Stonehouse and the Round The House Ceili band

Saturday 10:00am, 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.

White Rose Rapper with Elizabeth Allen

Saturday 3:30pm, 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 wow the audience.  In this workshop we will cover some of the simpler figures including the distinctive star shaped ‘lock’.  Bring yourselves and sensible footwear and give it a go

SUNDAY

Balfolk Workshop 2: “A world of endless possibilities: Bourrées” with Balfolk Wellington

Sunday 9:30am, Fletcher Hall

Bourrées come from central regions of France and are still one of the most popular dances you’ll encounter in a Bal Folk. While it all starts with a simple step danced to double or triple-time music, there are almost endless variations of this dance. Whether it’s in a cercle, in line, in pairs or set of 4 or 6, bourree dancers move and twirl around each other with playfulness and synchronicity without ever touching. Philippa Boy and her hurdy-gurdy, emblematic instrument at the heart of bourrées, will accompany us with traditional tunes so we can explore this world of endless possibilities.

Ceilidh Plus with Helen Stonehouse and the Round The House Ceili Band

Sunday 11:15am, Fletcher Hall

Ceilidh Plus is 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 we may sample longways dances, American style dances, Playford style, and some more recent creations.

Morris Dancing Workshop with Wellington’s Britannic Bedlam Morris Gentlemen

Sunday 1:00pm, Fletcher Hall

Britannic Bedlam Morris has been dancing in the streets, and pubs, of Wellington since 1984. Initially performing traditional dances from the village of Headington Quarry, the side has developed some new dances in the same style, and has also included singing dances from the village of Adderbury. Old English aerobics at its best with bells, sticks, and hankies – and a damn good time!