Society for International Folk Dancing

There is dancing every evening led by Janet Woolbar with Stella Wentworth and Maggie Kaye providing live music, taking you on a journey of discovery around the world teaching wonderfully authentic dances for novices and experienced dancers to enjoy together.  There are dance walk-throughs and calling to suit all. Guided walks are arranged during the day in the wonderful Quantock Hills or along the coast.  Otherwise, there is plenty to visit locally with time to explore on your own. In the grounds there is also a chance to try out Maypole dancing.

“Just returned from a fantastic weekend we packed so much in we loved every minute.  Well organised, great food, afternoons free so plenty of time to go to the coast, round a superb NT property and enjoy the company in the lounge bar.”

You are sure to have an enjoyable experience at the beautiful Jacobean Manor of Halsway.  Just come along and see!

Who is it for?

Dancers of all levels of experience are invited to take this opportunity to widen your dancing experience. Walkthroughs and calling to suit all, including novices. You do not need to be a member of SIFD to book onto the course.

The Team

Janet Woolbar – SIFD Teacher’s Badge & general Teacher’s Diploma.  Over 40 years’ experience in general international, Eastern European, Romanian, Swiss, and Portuguese.

Maggie Kaye – Qualified general teacher and leader of W Midlands SIFD groups since 1996.  Has taught international folk dancing, particularly Balkan, Israeli and Russian, at Lichfield Festival and other events and played violin and lead a variety of bands including the Heart of England Band, Maggie’s Mix at Eastbourne Festival and also run workshops for musicians at SIFD summer schools and elsewhere.

Brenda and Philip Steventon – SIFD Teacher’s Badge. Have led local classes since 1994, and HF Holidays courses from 1999-2019. Run Workshops & Day Courses, Teach Classes & MC Dances for many SIFD groups. Phil plays the clarinet in the SIFD Band.

Stella Wentworth – enjoyed maypole, international folk, and barn dancing at school; Scottish dancing at university; and playing accordion & dancing with Whitethorn Morris.  Stella was invited to play in the SIFD Band after meeting Wilf Horrocks at Halsway Manor in 1984.  Joined the Oxford International Folk Dance Group and also plays in the Headington Quarry Folk Dance Club’s Band and St Andrew’s Assembly Players.

Lena Bond – is an experienced walk leader and has been a walking guide for HF Holidays for over 25 years.  Lena enjoys sharing her love of nature in all its forms, including local flora and fauna, along with geology, history and anything else that catches her eye along the way!

This partnership event is organised by the Society for International Folk Dancing, with an experienced caller leading the dancing to both recorded and live music.

The Society for International Folk Dancing are a UK-based, voluntary, non-profit-making, non-political association that aims to encourage people to learn and enjoy Folk Dances from many countries. There are many groups and classes all over Britain – almost all can be joined by people of any age with no previous experience, and singles are as welcome as couples. New dancers do not need to be members of the Society, although membership will naturally confer benefits. Details are available on the SIFD website.