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NEW DANCERS
If you would like to try dancing come along to one of our practice nights where we can always start you on a simple dance. You will also find out how friendly and informal we are.
Frequently asked questions
Is it difficult to learn the dances?
The simplest dances are learnt quite easily. Once you start you find you pick up new ones more quickly. Dances consist of a series of figures, often with one repeating as a chorus. Dances are learnt figure by figure. During a dance the squire "calls" the next figure as a prompt so you do not need to remember the whole sequence. See some of our dances on the Dances and Music page.
What commitment is needed?
Most dancers attend most practices and most dance outs, but all attendance is voluntary. Each practice evening has a meeting break where future practices and events are agreed. We have around 30 practice evenings a year, 8-10pm, usually every Thursday evening except the first of the month during school term time. On Thursday evenings during the summer we may dance at pubs instead. We try to organise dance outs well in advance. See our Schedule page for the latest programme.
How fit do you have to be?
We don't require great stamina. Dancers rotate between dances, and some dances need fewer dancers than others, so people can take a rest.
I am worried about making a mistake in a dance in public...
Eveyone has done it. You choose what events to dance out at and which dances to take part in so you can start by only dancing what you are confident with, and before a smaller audience. Most errors are easily recovered!
What shoes and clothing do I need?
We practice in anything suitable. When dancing out we wear black trousers, gold polo shirts, gold belts and rag jackets. On cooler days we wear red fleeces. The shirts, belts and fleeces are obtained by us for consistent appearance and are inexpensive. Rag jackets are made as required. Clogs are custom made and cost £80-£100. Novice dancers often use borrowed jackets and black shoes/trainers for their first dance outs, getting the full kit later.
Is it hard to dance in clogs?
We do not "clog dance". Our dances are simple combinations of steps, hops, skips and "rants" (a combination of step hop tap). When you are ready to buy clogs we recommend Phil Howard, a custom clogmaker, and advise on sock and insole combinations for comfort and cushioning. Once in clogs you will enjoy making a noise!
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