The Music we use

All of our Saturday 'public' dances have well-known 'national' dance bands.

On Monday 'club evenings' we mostly use recorded music but every few weeks we have live music which adds to the enjoyment considerably.

The examples here demonstrate three contrasting styles of dances. Listen to the mp3 samples.

Jamaica - A dance first published around 1670 is for 4-couples in 'longways' formation. It is an example of the 'elegant' dances that are often danced in modern 'Playford Balls'
Many modern dances are written using American Reels which tend to be faster and, some might say, with more life. They are often 'Contras' or in 'Becket' formation.
Some dances are in waltz-time and a good example is Lavenders Blue. Staplers have performed this dance on many occasions in our lavender and straw coloured costumes. It is a three-couple, circular set formation and it ends with all six dancers facing out to acknowledge the audience.

Next Saturday Dance

Carol Hewson
with the
Forest Band

2 October 2010
7.30 to 11.00

'British Schools' Benefit

Colin Hume
with
Jump the Vortex

7 November 2010
2.00 to 5.00

Rhodri Davies
with
Skylark

4 December 2010
7.30 to 11.00

Venue for all dances
St Ippolyts Parish Hall
Hitchin SG4 7RB
Click for map

Come and Join us ::: and stay young at heart