Our American Contra Dance weeks are tremendously popular and often sell well out in advance so we really do encourage early booking! Our Autumn dance week is led by a great American caller Diane Silver, with music by the fantastic Will Allen, Rowan Pigott and Gareth Kiddier. Dance workshops take place each morning with fun optional outings and activities in the afternoons. There is usually a musicians’ workshop Wednesday tea-time, so bring instruments too. Dances every evening, all in the lovely setting of Halsway Manor!
Who is it for?
Dancers of all levels of experience; newcomers to Contra are welcome (though some related dance experience would be useful), with plenty to challenge more experienced dancers too!
“Friendly and welcoming group of people, plenty of laughs, energetic dancing and really enjoyable sessions in the bar afterwards!” Participant
The Team
Diane Silver – Caller
Diane will transport you to contra dance heaven in no time with her careful attention to dancers’ pace and progress, her ability to think on her feet and her clear, efficient teaching of higher-level dances. Attend even one contra dance session with Diane Silver and you will see why we invited her down!
Musicians
Will Allen is an expert button accordionist, melodeon player and fiddler based in the southeast of England. He has an enormous repertoire of dance tunes from England, Ireland, Scotland and many other western countries. Will also composes his own music and teaches people of all abilities to play and understand traditional music and dance.
Rowan Pigott is a folk fiddler, traditional singer, writer and tune collector who grew up in the foothills of the Burren on the west coast of Ireland, surrounded by traditional music.
Gareth Kiddier is a keyboard wizard and a beloved Halsway regular, playing for many dance events at the manor, and hosting some of our festive getaways.