Sunday 1 August 2010

So far this year. May 2010

At the beginning of the month I called at Hawk Green club, and for a  Stockton Heath club member's Ruby Wedding party.

The late Spring Bank Holiday weekend was Chester folk festival. Danced to Time Bandits (excellent, as ever), and Boldwood (not heard them before, really enjoyed them). Joined in some music sessions. Heard Isambarde,  and the Young 'Uns. Called a family ceilidh with the Time Bandits and organised a callers workshop with Dave Ball and Alan Casey providing suitable music to fit the dances.

So far this year. Jun / July 2010

It's been a busy couple of months.
I've called for Adlington and Stockton Heath Dance clubs twice each.
Bickerton school were planning an Exchange of Cultures week as they welcomed a group of pupils from Ukraine. I went in to school several times with musicians from Halfe Pannikin to teach each class a dance to perform at the Celebration of Cultures evening. I also called with Halfe Pannikin at a ceilidh where pupils, parents and visitors danced together.
Steve and Maz from White Knuckle Ride were musicians for Jean's birthday party in a Bebbington garden. It only rained once. And the dancers came back enthusiastically as soon as the worst was over.
Another birthday party for Julie in Eccleston village hall with The Family Band .
Cheshire Dance had organised a Family Health project, combining dance activity with health advice in a residential weekend. Marilyn, who leads Black Cat  barn dance and ceilidh band as well as Halfe Pannikin, came with me to give a taste of Ceilidh dancing.

We still had time to dance, garden and celebrate family birthdays, a half-birthday, and a wedding anniversary. And I could have called 3 or 4 more if they hadn't all been on the same night.

Great night last night

I had a last minute booking with a band I've never worked with before.

Highlights.

Sophy fronting the band in her wedding dress to play Masons Apron on the whistle. Spontaneous dancing erupted.

Children dancing to the band in between the 'called dances'. One young lad will obviously grow up to be a dancer, his pursuit of the coloured disco lights across the floor was very rhythmic, though he was not sure whether to walk or crawl. I loved his big grin.

Moody Food Ceili Band played some excellent sets. Irish music to set the feet tapping. A vigorous arrangement of Blaydon Races. 'Waiting for the Federals' in the American set, caught my ear.

The guests got up and filled the dance floor, which always sends me home smiling.

 Pictures on Moody Food's blog