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Stratford Folk Dance Group
| Stratford Folk Dance Group meets weekly on Monday evenings from September to May for anyone to enjoy the fun and socializing found in folk dancing. The emphasis is on enjoyment and very little learning is involved. There is no need to memorize any dances as they are all walked through before each dance and then prompted throughout the dance by the group's caller. There are no special steps to learn as nearly all the dances use a "dance walk" - basically walking in time with the music. No previous experience of dancing is required and novices are welcome to join the group at any time. It is an activity for all adult ages and is a very pleasant way of taking mild regular exercise and meeting new friends.
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The Group
The Group is led by Dee Chapman who does most of the dance calling; she is a well known caller for folk dancing events all over the country. Dancing is to live music provided by experienced musicians who take turns playing mainly in groups of two or three. Many run their own folk dance bands and are well known across the scene nationally.
The evenings start at 8.00 and finish at 10.00 with a drinks break (tea, coffee, etc) about 9.00. Dancers volunteer to take turns boiling the kettles and making the tea. You are not required to dance every dance, just join in or sit out as you wish as the caller announces the next dance.
There is no formal membership or or annual subscription, just a charge of £2.50 per person each evening. The Group is affiliated to the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
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The Dances
The dances are mainly English or American in origin from the 17th century to the present day and are generally for sets of couples. Though a majority attend as couples a number come without a partner and pair up with others from dance to dance. It is quite ok for a woman to take a man's part. Many dances are for any number of couples, others for a particular number such as three or four couples, these latter including square dances. The caller takes care to balance the evening's programme so no one has to sit out too long.
A jargon is used in the calls - terms like do-si-do, promenade, ladies chain, etc. This are just a form of shorthand and most newcomers would pick the terms up in a couple of evenings.
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| Dates for 2008 are:-
September 8, 15, 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 10, 17, 24
December 1, 8, 15
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Dates for 2009 are:-
January 12, 19, 26
February 2, 9, 16, 23
March 2, 16, 30
April 6, 20, 27
May 11, 18
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Directions
The Group meets at Luddington Village Hall about a mile and a half outside Stratford upon Avon in a south westerly direction. From Stratford center take the B439 towards Bidford on Avon; before leaving the town turn left for the Race Course and Luddington. Go past the Race Course entrance and follow the road to Luddington. Shortly after reaching Luddington you will find the modern village hall on the right. It has a car park in front. If this becomes full then park on the road. The road continues through Luddington for another mile or so to rejoin the B439 closer to Bidford so you may approach from the reverse direction if traveling from the west.
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Contact
For more information about Stratford Folk Dance Group ring
Dee Chapman 01789 268536
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Last Updated: 10/7/2008
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