Social Country Dancing
- Arrival
- Mon 7 Jul 2025 / 4pm
- Departure
- Fri 11 Jul 2025 / 10am
- Tags
- Mark Elvins dance Ali Messer Meg Griffin Jane Harrison Afternoons free
Pricing
Full board Including accommodation, tuition and meals | |
|---|---|
Single in ensuite room | £460 |
Shared in ensuite room | £420 |
Single in non-ensuite room | £420 |
Shared in non-ensuite room | £380 |
A single bed in a dormitory style room | £340 |
Camping Including tuition and meals | |
Per person | £275 |
Course only Includes tuition and lunch and dinner | |
Non-resident | £255 |
Join us for a midweek country dancing break, in the height of the Somerset summer.
This will be a week of lively dance encompassing all forms of social folk dancing. We will have an opportunity to enjoy American and British contra as well as traditional English, Playford, American squares and some of Mark’s own composition.
There will be dances each evening, workshops in the mornings, while the afternoons will be left free to enable dancers to enjoy the Somerset countryside in all its summer glory. Afternoon trips out will be arranged on an ad hoc basis depending on the weather and demand.
Musicians are encouraged to bring instruments for jam sessions and cloggers experienced or beginners to bring footwear. Callers aspiring or experienced may like to bring their notes or queries for an open mic session.
This course runs alongside the July Violin Making course.
Who is it for?
This week is for anyone who would like to enjoy a country dance, learn a few new moves, dance with others and enjoy the manor and its local landscape.
Whatever your level of experience in dancing, playing or singing, come and enjoy a convivial few days with like-minded people! There is plenty of opportunity for you to come and soak in the atmosphere
Musicians are invited to bring their instruments as there will be opportunities to play together in the bar and jam sessions.
The Team
Mark Elvins is one of the very best contra dance callers in England. He is joined by musicians Ali, Jane and Meg – a group born out of a previous mini-fest organised by Meg.
Ali, Jane and Meg are a trio of highly experienced dance musicians. Meg Winters from Meg ‘n’ Mor, Momentum and host of Alcester Contra Dances is on guitar, Ali Messer on accordion and Jane Harrison, who formerly played in Alterations, rounds off the trio on fiddle. Their repertoire, enriched by all three being expert dancers immersed in folk music from an early age, ranges from 1650s English tunes to modern tunes for Contra dancing.