Chester festival workshop. write a dance

Subject: Chester festival workshop. write a dance
From: Mo the caller
Date: 24 May 12 - 12:02 PM

Only 8 days before Chester festival.
Lots of good things on the programme including workshops

I'm running a 'write a dance' workshop for dancers and callers. I will be joined by musicians from the Black Cat band and we will explore how a dance fits its music, and the dancers it is written for.
If you have an idea for part of a dance, bring it along and we will try it out. Or be part of team to invent and dance something completely new, or adapt an old dance for a new occasion.

Subject: RE: Chester festival workshop. write a dance
From: Mr Happy
Date: 24 May 12 - 12:10 PM

Mo,

At the Yorkshire gathering last week, we did a dance to the tune 'Ding Dong Merrily on high'

Apparently it was an English dance tune before the carol writer 'borrowed' it!

Subject: RE: Chester festival workshop. write a dance
From: Mo the caller
Date: 24 May 12 - 12:15 PM

A French Brawl (/branle / bransle) published in Arbeau 15something. The Official Bransle.
But I believe carols were originally dances. We danced a recently published (1997) dance to an even older carol tune at Have-a-Go last week.

Subject: RE: Chester festival workshop. write a dance
From: Mo the caller
Date: 25 May 12 - 06:48 AM

If anyone is bringing along their own composition and has a particular tune in mind please contact me in advance. Some tunes work better on some instruments / in some keys than others; all are better practised than sight read.
On the day you will get a selection tunes the musicans have choosen.

Subject: RE: Chester festival workshop. write a dance
From: Mo the caller
Date: 01 Jun 12 - 08:51 AM

See you on Sunday. Workshops are free.
Or borrow some kids and come to our Family Ceilidh on Sunday afternoon.