Dance is always a big part of the SFF experience and will be again this year.
We’ve pulled together a great programme of ceilidhs, workshops, shows, morris dancing and more, all delivered outside and with plenty of space so we can all enjoy it safely.
Ceilidhs
Saturday
1130 – 1330 The Gloworms | Caller: Andrew Swaine
1830-1930 DanceCupola | Caller: Mary Panton
Performing as a fourpiece especially for Shrewsbury 2021, Doug Eunson and Sarah Matthews are at the core of DanceCupola, with soaring melodies and rich harmony on melodeons, hurdy gurdy, and fiddle. They are joined by Andy Cooper with powerful bass lines and Ian Wilson on driving mandocello. With a combination of traditional tunes, many self-penned dance melodies and a few mainstream refrains to catch your attention, this band is one to watch out for!
Sunday
1130 – 1300 DanceCupola | Caller: Andrew Swaine
Monday
1130 – 1245 The Gloworms | Caller: Mary Panton
- All on the Purity Village Stage
The Gloworms play thumpy English music with metropolitan sophistication, swing and 100% commitment to dance rhythm. Laurel Swift, Jon Brenner and Colin Cotter create a layered texture of driving rhythms and counter-melodies on fiddle, accordion, banjo and stompbox. The result is a fresh, vibrant sound – cool, subtle music with irresistible dance groove. They were featured on Imagined Village’s first album and their album Running Joak was a Mojo top 10 folk album!
Dance shows
Friday
1800 – 1900 Morris Natyam
A fusion of English Morris and Indian Bharatanatyam dance, which explores the integration and fusion of two traditional dance styles: the English morris dance and the Bharatanatyam of southern India. Working around the central theme of the changing seasons, the dancers first create dances in their own traditional styles and then let the styles mingle – dancing each other’s steps, using each other’s style of music and creating something new out of the convergence – Morris-Natyam.
Saturday
1230 – 1330 Sisters of Elva Hill – an original folk ballet with a score by Lucy Ward and choreography by Deborah Norris (Cuckoo stage)
Adapted from the folk tale Kate Krackernuts, Deborah Norris choreographed a folk ballet that brings together musicians and dancers in a rich narrative tapestry that celebrates the storytelling roots of both art forms. The original score, composed by Lucy Ward, Anna Esselmont and Helga Ragnarsdottír, weaves together traditional British songs and original tunes to underpin a timeless tale of love, magic and triumph over evil.
Sunday
1800 – 1900 Finding Folk – One Woman’s Journey
A solo dance theatre show about a young Lancashire woman’s honest and encouraging tale of overcoming poor mental health in a family environment. Phoebe Ophelia shares personal stories of how she escaped the downfall of her own mental health through folk dance, music and song
Monday
1030 – 1100 Ballet Folk – excerpts from Sisters of Elva Hill
- All on the Purity Village Stage except Saturday
Workshops
Friday
1515 – 1615 Bharatanatyam workshop with Priya Sundar
Saturday
1515 – 1615 Cotswold Jig workshop with Harlequin Morris
Sunday
1615 – 1715 Ballet Folk workshop
Come and learn the folk dance sequence from the Fairy Ball!
The traditions of folk dance are varied and often include formal floor patterns and partner dancing. These are very similar to those of the court dancing from which ballet developed in the 14th century. In the folk tale, at the Fairy Ball the two sisters, Kate and Ann take part in the folk dance with the fairies, under Elva Hill. In this workshop we will teach some basic steps from the ballet vocabulary that is influenced by folk dance, and some repertoire from The Fairy Ball scene.
Monday
1330 – 1430 – Flatfooting with JD & Folk
- These workshops are open to all ages and will be held in The Reef
Morris
Saturday
0930 -1100 Dance displays
Sunday
0930 -1100 Dance displays
1900 – 2000 Morris Party with JD & Folk
Monday
0930 – 1000 Dance displays
1430 – 1500 Dance displays
- All on the Purity Village Stage (all timings approximate/subject to change)
Showground entertainment
Various times
The Old Time Rags travelling show is an original show steeped in music and dance history. Their distinctive brand of high-octane showmanship combines one man band Laurence Marshall with award winning flatfoot dancer/singer Phoebe Ophelia. This immersive show takes audiences back to the era of vaudeville variety and cabaret performing rag time, blues and jazz all with a fun upbeat sound.
