Rosemary Hunt, Henry Morgenstein & Orion's Ring
“Mostly English” will be an opportunity to enjoy a 4-night break from Monday evening to Friday morning in the company of Rosemary, Henry & Jacqui and Orion’s Ring. There will be a wide variety of workshops. In addition to the central theme of Playford style dances from both sides of the Pond, we will offer Irish sets, Contra, Music & Craft activities.
Rosemary loves to dance as well as call. She has a varied repertoire and has become well-known, having called at Chippenham, Sidmouth, Lichfield & Eastbourne Festivals, and at other events throughout the country. In recent years she has taken to writing a few dances for special occasions, some are published and are danced across the Pond as well as here in the U.K.
Henry has spent most of his dancing life in the U.S.A. For a long time he called only Contra Dances (London Barn Dance, Eastbourne Festival). Recently he began calling English Country Dances with an emphasis on contemporary dances written by Americans (Roodman, Holz, Skowronski, Beer).
Steve & Genni will be joined by Jacqui on flute, a trio that has often worked together to produce a lovely sound, a pleasure to dance to.
We welcome you from 4 p.m. on the Monday and there is time to settle and absorb the peace and quiet at Halsway before supper. The first evening dance will be a relaxed social “Get-acquainted” evening – a chance to renew old friendships & make new friends.
After breakfast every day Henry & Rosemary will each lead a workshop. For both of them the tune is as important as the flow of the dance. Rosemary’s choice will include some with a Playford feel and others that offer more of a challenge to the brain – without being overly complicated. Pleasure in the dance should not be lost. Henry will lead two workshops looking at dances by modern composers in America (many with a definite Playford feel) and one on America’s favourite Playford dances during the last half century.
After lunch, Steve will be happy to lead a music workshop or two. Jacqui will give folks the opportunity to learn some Irish Sets, and if there is a demand for it Henry will offer an afternoon of Contra Dances. There will also be a chance to participate in some craft activities led by Rosemary & Genni. Or you can take afternoons as Free Time.
Each evening Henry & Rosemary will share the calling and will include something Old & something New from both sides of the Pond. One evening will be devoted to Playford Dances, and if you wish to dress up for the occasion, please do.
Dances and Callers from both sides of the Pond will make this an unusual week, one well worth attending.
Contact: rosemary.hunt @ uwclub,net 01202 814858
Halsway Manor
National Centre for Traditional Music, Dance & Song
This delightful, mainly Tudor, manor house nestles in the western folds of the Quantock Hills with magnificent views across Exmoor. In 1086 Halsway was recorded in the Domesday Book as a farmstead and since then has accumulated history and a wealth of atmosphere. In 1965 the Manor was purchased by members of the English Folk Dance and Song Society to form the Haslway Manor Society and since then has been the country’s only residential folk music centre providing beds for up to 62 people.
Accommodation is in single, double and family rooms – some with en-suite facilities in the Mews.
As you enter the barrel-vaulted hall with its welcoming log fire you will immediately recognise an ideal venue for your break at any time of the year. Individual residents, couples or crowds are always welcome but do book early to avoid disappointment. Visitors are welcome to view material in Halsway’s Margaret Grant Memorial Library for research purposes.
The Somerset countryside around provides unique opportunities for walking, riding, fossil hunting on the legendary beaches of East Quantoxhead and has attracted potters, painters and every other kind of craft person to set up business over the years.
Website: www.halswaymanor.org.uk
Email: office @ halswaymanor,org,uk
Manor phone: 01984 618274TRAVELLING TO HALSWAY
All the details you could want are on Halsway Manor's website here: http://www.halswaymanor.co.uk/travelto/travel.html
