After the successful event held in 2008, this offers another 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. AND a chance to finish the puzzle!

Rosemary's enjoyment of dancing shines through in her calling. Her clarity and extensive repertoire have been on display at dance events and major festivals throughout the country. Some of the dances she has written have become favourites on both sides of the Pond.

Henry has spent most of his life dancing and calling contras in the U.S.A. Recently he has been attracted by modern dances written in the Playford style. His transatlantic life allows him to collect the best that both worlds have to offer.

Steve & Genni (Orion's Ring) will be joined by Jacqui on flutes and harp, 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. Henry's workshops will include dances by modern composers in America, England and the Continent.

After lunch there will be free time to do as you please or participate in some craft activities led by Rosemary & Genni. After tea on Tuesday, Steve will lead a musicians' workshop; on Wednesday Jacqui will teach an Irish set; on Thursday Henry will call some contras.

Each evening Henry & Rosemary will share the calling. One evening will be devoted to a “Fan Ball”. We encourage everyone to dress up and bring a fan!

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 618274

TRAVELLING TO HALSWAY

All the details you could want are on Halsway Manor's website here: http://www.halswaymanor.co.uk/travelto/travel.html