Dance Festival

Entry to the dance festival is free as part of the free festival, dance groups dance for free as a contribution to the festival. 

New for 2010 is the introduction of the Market Square; an open-air dance square next to the cafe in the Traders' Field -plenty of stick bashing, hanky waving and music. 

Dance groups booked so far

Grupo Fiesta Flamenca, The Arab Dance Co Belly Dancers, Cam Valley Morris, Owlswick Morris, Applejacks, Grimspound Morris, Sean Eireann McMahon Irish Dancers, Priddy School Country Dancers.

Last year The Belly Dancers and Cam Valley Morris provided us with a fairly unique display of belly morris fusion dance - really very unique -  it went down rather well so hopefully we'll see some more wacky collaborations this year!

OWLSWICK MORRIS

Owlswick Morris was formed way back in the mists of time (1982), meeting originally at the Shoulder of Mutton pub  in Owlswick, Bucks, (now sadly defunct, the pub- not the village).  The side took its kit colours - brown, yellow and orange - from those of the pub’s brewery, Fuller’s. Their base these days is the village of Twyford near Buckingham (yes it has a pub).

They are a proudly cosmopolitan side, with members from Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northants, and even more far flung locations including France! It’s a mixed side, men, women and other denominations are all welcome. We are very family-friendly and non-dancing partners, children, grandchildren and occasional pets (see our mascot) are welcome at all thier events including our weekends away, socials and dance-outs.

GRIMSPOUND MORRIS

Grimspound are named from the Neolithic site on Dartmoor and they dance a rugged Welsh border Morris style which includes breaking members fingers occasionally!

The historic blackened faces are a disguise; they used to use charcoal in the old days.  The disguise is to try to keep identities secret from ones employer (they earned money dancing). It is also possible that, given the English style of fighting with staves, dancers did not want those over the border to know who was practising and really good at it! 

They dance mainly in Devon and they dance about 10  or 11 dances all stick type some old and some new. Their website is also worth a visit: www.grimspound.org.uk  

THE ARAB DANCE CO.

Fans of Jacqueline Jamal's The Arab Dance Co. know them for their unique take on the rich traditions of Arab dance.  Serving up a riotous feast of movement, colour, humour with a good slice of middle eastern life, they enchant and delight every time. Based on a quarter of a century's learning of authentic dance traditions, costuming, and jewellery, they add a twist of contemporary zest to deliver a fresh show every time!

Pull up your ringside seats for a ride on a magic carpet around Egypt, ancient and new, which will delight the senses and take you on a memorable journey, from which many never return........Don’t miss their workshop on Saturday afternoon!

CAM VALLEY MORRIS MEN

Cam Valley Morris Men were formed in 1981 by dancers who had already gained experience with other dance sides.   Their aim was to dance Cotswold Morris in its traditional form for the enjoyment of both themselves and the public.  Cam Valley kit is based on that of traditional Cotswold teams from whom their dances are collected.  The green of their crossed baldricks and rosettes represent the Valley and the blue the waters of the Cam in Somerset.

The style of dancing is vigorous and in particular enjoys enthusiastic sticking - a habit which results in an abundance of firewood!

SEAN EIREANN McMAHON IRISH DANCERS

The Sean Eireann McMahon of Irish Dance was set up in 1992 and is run by Rosemary Ellis and Gordon McMahon.  They have over 50 years experience between them.

Over a number of years the school has produced champion dancers who have won the highest honours in the World Championships, All Ireland, Great Britain, All Scotland, British National and North America in both solo events and the team events Figure & Ceili.  A number of pupils who have grown up with the school, have subsequently left and have gone on to appear in the Lord of the Dance, Riverdance, Magic of the Dance, Spirit of the Dance and Gaelforce. 

SOL Y SOMBRA FLAMENCO

Grupo Fiesta Flamenca is an association of Flamenco performers, dancers guitarists and a singer who perform widely throughout the South-west and Wales. Presenting authentic an colourful Flamenco in a wide range of events and venues.

The group has appeared at: The Playhouse Weston-Super-Mare, The Music and Dance Throughout the World Festivals, The Tredegar House Folk Festival, Newport,  Fandango Showcases in Bristol, Cafe Piano in Wells, La Tasca in Bristol and The Undercroft of St Mary Redcliffe'

APPLEJACKS

Applejacks are an Appalachian clogging team based in the west of England – around Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire. We choreograph our own group dances and perform with Old Time musicians who play foot stomping traditional fiddle tunes and songs.

We find the music infectious, the rhythms exciting and team dancing sociable and fun; above all we aim for performances that are colourful and lively to watch.