Village Dancing With A Twist

Hazel and Chris Metherell have introduced to the village dances with a twist. They have extensive knowledge of dances from different times and places. Le Quelie, May 2016, established what has turned out to be a popular pattern, high on participation and fun. A ceilidh style event, but with French folk music and dancing. We put together a scratch band - any instruments welcome, and had a couple of practices with Chris to get to know the tunes and the style. On the evening, people brought along their gallic picnics - lots of wine, cheese and olives. Some unearthed berets and stripy tops, and danced with gusto under Hazel’s guidance.

Covid put a stop to the dances. But we're finally getting going again. See Upcoming Events at the bottom of this page.

Regency Ball

As 2017 was the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, why not a Regency Ball? This was more challenging musically, but provided an exciting opportunity for less experienced instrumentalists to rehearse pieces and for those with more years of notes under their fingers to have some fun with good tunes. Two dance workshops were included in the ticket price and were well attended.

March 18th, 2017 was the great day, and saw the Village Hall transformed into the Assembly Rooms, chandeliers and all. Many explored recipes of the period and produced stunning hampers, and most came in costumes, hired, made or held together with safety pins.

In 2018 we shook out our costumes and got cooking again to take the Regency Ball to Alnwick – the Northumberland Hall. We're soon going to be deciding what to do in 2019. Maybe another Quelie? If you have any thoughts, get in touch.

12th Night Tudor Revels

For two years now we've marked the end of the Christmas season with a 12th Night party in Tudor style. The evening doubles as a birthday party for Felton Music.

Overseen by the Lord or Lady of Misrule, selected by a test of skill and cunning (in 2018 it was Musical Chairs) there's a mummers' play, sword dancing, music to listen to and dancing to join in with. Dressing up is optional.

Everyone is so busy in the lead up to Christmas that music rehearsals are left until the start of the new year. That's quite exciting and enlivens days when choirs and bands don't tend to meet. We've explored music from the early 16th century in England and beyond. Lovely stuff!

Anyone who wants to join in, singing and / or playing is very welcome. Watch the website for information from about November when the team begins to be recruited. Should we do it again in 2020? If we do it looks like Saturday 4th or Sunday 5th of January.

UPCOMING EVENTS

On February 8 2025 we’re going to have a Playford Ball. John Playford was a musician and bookseller in 17th century London. In 1651 he published a book of dance instructions and tunes called “The English Dancing Master”. This proved really popular, and was followed by lots of further editions up to nearly 1730. We’ll take our tunes and ideas for dances from the book. You’ll have 60 years to choose your costume (do dress up!) and picnic possibilities from. Our period runs from the Commonwealth through Charles II, James II, William and Mary, Anne right up to the first two Georges. Lots of scope.

There’ll be a bit of entertainment too while you get your breath back. Save the date!