A world of its own

 

Folk music and dance is a world of its own. Almost an extended family.

There are people you meet every week at clubs, and people you only know by sight who you dance or play with at Folk Festivals.

And sharing your interest on the internet discussion groups widens the circle across the globe. Zoom sessions during lockdown meant dancing or playing along (muted) with others worldwide.

I was lucky to meet one of my internet friends last week. Ann has just moved back to the Wirral where she grew up. I’d heard her lecture on dance history during lockdown, we've discussed dances online, and I discovered that she ‘had Maypole, would travel’ when I had a party request that I couldn’t help with. Last week I found that she is also a talented band leader, an adaptable caller, and more – in her words - 

“I had a rich upbringing with folk dance clubs, morris, pub sessions, calling with ceilidh bands. Teaching jobs:  foreign parts including southern England where folk music took me in two directions: researching historical dance and making music with disabled people. Those became full-time work for the last 20 years. I've loved working with heritage organisations like National Trust, and with care homes and day centres, and plan to re-start all that here. Being back on Merseyside is a wonderful chance to reconnect with fine musicians and dancers round here. “

She is updating her website and can be contacted on thedancingmaster@outlook.com; m phone 07780 799 613.