Israeli seeks contra-dancing in UK/Europ

Subject: RE: Israeli seeks contra-dancing in UK/Europ
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 09 Jul 13 - 06:31 PM

Thanks to all for your tips, suggestions & info!

Any others, before I let this sink below the line into oblivion?

Subject: RE: Israeli seeks contra-dancing in UK/Europ
From: Mo the caller
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 09:14 AM

There is no NEED to come with a partner, but those who do have a partner obviously have an easier time in the UK.

At a festival when we both are at the same workshop we look after each other first, our friends second. But I'm always willing to dance with anyone who asks.
Often people come alone and there are many options at festivals so couples may split. If I'm without a partner I have to be fairly active and make it obvious I'm looking - if you sit down waiting to be asked no-one does. If I stand up and look hopefully around I might catch someones eye. Failing that I forget the old fashioned etiquette and go round asking 'are you dancing or resting?' Women have to be prepared to dance together. There are usually extra men, but don't expect spare women to wait too long to be asked by a man, they'd rather pair with a woman to be sure of getting into a set.
Only UK club I can think of offhand is Leeds Contra. There is Contra at Chippenham, and Whitby festivals, and I'm sure there are more. (Sidmouth? Eastbourne?)

Subject: RE: Israeli seeks contra-dancing in UK/Europ
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 09:09 AM

google leeds contra

Gerry

Subject: RE: Israeli seeks contra-dancing in UK/Europ
From: Mr Red
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 07:03 AM

Martin - who runs Webfeet (UK folk dance website run from Austria!) usually reports there is not much Ceilidh or Contra in Austria but they do have Euro-Bals occasionally. Fine if you are into French/Scandawegun dancing.
I was told that most folk dancing in the Netherlands was traditional display dancing.
There is the Festival at Gennetines pretty much Central France. but for wall to wall Contral and a lot of other styles including ceilidh and Euro-Bal types Sidmouth Folk Festival has to be recommendedand if you don't mind yoof en mass into the wee small hours

Subject: RE: Israeli seeks contra-dancing in UK/Europ
From: Mr Red
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 06:04 AM

Webfeet & "Set & Turn Single" are good places to look.
Click for cresby.com and hover over the drop-down menu wot says "other local locations" at the bottom you will see those websites and others. Some on the lists you see are Cotra, but mostly Ceilidh.
or go straight to more dance links on cresby.com
Halwsay Manor (Somerset) has a lot of Contra.



If you are looking in London then you have to make contact with Cecil Sharp House - they are sure to hold contra evenings.. see the EFDSS

Subject: RE: Israeli seeks contra-dancing in UK/Europ
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jul 13 - 07:17 PM

Hi,
I know the "Barn Dance" in Dietlikon (near Zurich, CH) does not require partners, and follows the US custom of changing partners after every dance. The teaching is mostly in Schwiezerdütsch but calls are English. And caller Katje and many of the dancers are fluent in English if you need a translation. :)
http://www.folkdancedietlikon.ch/en/barndance/barndance.html

Subject: Israeli seeks contra-dancing in UK/Europ
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 07 Jul 13 - 06:05 PM

Hi Folks,

A friend of mine has e-mailed me from a dance camp in the US:

"...a man from Jerusalem came here just for the camp! He dances at a senior center in Jerusalem, but would like to find higher-level dancing, and is willing to travel to Europe or the UK - for some reason he thinks that traveling to the US for a weekend would be too far.* So, I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for him. He is single, and heard that for the country dancing in the UK people are expected to come with a partner. What do you think?"

I'm not aware of people needing to attend with a partner in Sheffield, but it may well be different in London or other parts of the country... can you good people fill me in?

Also, any info any of you Catters on "the Continent" might provide about your local dance scene would be much appreciated!

*See... some Yanks do understand irony!

P.S.
Sorry about losing the last letter of "Europe" -- not enough spaces provided in the thread title box...