Dance at Cecil Sharp House

Posted on December 27, 2012

The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) has unveiled its new programme of activities at Cecil Sharp House, London. Classes are based on traditional English folk arts, with activities for children, young people, adults and families.

The course in morris dancing, running on Tuesdays from January 8 to April 30, is a mixed ability class based on the lively Cotswold morris tradition, using handkerchiefs and sticks. The Thursday Beginners + class, running from January 10, teaches you the steps and figures for barn dances, English country dancing, American contras and celidhs. Musicians are welcome to join the live band. Family barn dances (pictured) will be held on February 10 and April 21, with a live band and caller. Dancers are specifically chosen to suit children and adults of all ages, though children under five will need to be guided or carried through some of the moves.

Cecil Sharp House also hosts drop-in classes and dance evenings in styles from Appalachian clogging to Argentine tango and folklore. See www.edfss.org or call020 7485 2206 for details.

Photograph: Roswitha Chesher

Zoe Anderson

Zoë was born in Edinburgh, and saw her first dance performances at the Festival there. She is the dance critic of The Independent, and has also written for The Independent on Sunday, The Scotsman and Dancing Times. In 2002, she received her doctorate from the University of York for a thesis on “Nationhood and epic romance: Ariosto, Sidney, Spenser”. She is the author of The Royal Ballet: 75 Years and The Ballet Lover’s Companion.