Another intriguing theory I heard in Sidmouth this year about the dearth of international dance troupes:

Before the Iron Curtain fell, East Bloc countries subsidized their dance troupes' tours. Since then they have not done so.

Also, Steve Heap, when he was in charge, arranged for such troupes to play at some of his other festivals--Sidmouth being one stop. This is obviously not an option now--and dance enthusiasts will have to understand it. If it means they go elsewhere, that's the way it is. (I did however talk to some fans of international dance this year, who thought the dance offerings were good.)


For both these reasons-and others--especially the insurance question----we're not likely to see a return to the spectacular dance troupes of former years.

Can anybody confirm or deny?