Learning Resources

A dance routine where folk meets hip hop

By Kerry Fletcher and Natasha Khamjani, Co-Artistic Directors of Folk Dance Remixed, featuring guest dancer Damien Anyasi.

This resource is suitable for all levels of dancers whether solo dancers, those in a group, or specialist dance and PE teachers in schools and informal settings.

It can be used to dance in a small space at home and as a base for developing motifs and further choreography, particularly for young people aged over 11 years, at key stages 3, 4 and 5 in schools, as well as adults.

The choreography is a fusion and draws on classic moves, steps and formations from both English folk dance and street dance. It is accessible to standing and seated dancers, filmed with both versions, and with the encouragement to be creative, adapt and change any aspects as desired. The dance can also be used as an energising warm up for a longer dance session in any dance style.

This resource was commissioned by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS). The initial concept for this resource was developed by Kerry and Natasha during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, when schools and other groups were largely closed, and solo, online dance activities were needed. An early version was delivered in partnership with the EFDSS for One Dance UK’s U.Dance Digital 2020, as part of their online festival live on Instagram.

The audio recording of the music Afro Bollywood, which accompanies the dance, by composer/arranger Dogan Mehmet and the Folk Dance Remixed musicians, mixed and produced by Tom Fairbairn, is also freely available for download from the relevant related panels at the bottom of this page.

This film (Solo Ceilidh Cardio) and accompanying sound file (Afro Bollywood) can be used and shared free of charge for non-commercial educational use only. Permission must be sought from EFDSS and the artists for any other use of this material. 

 
Note: Ceilidh (kay-lee) is a word of Gaelic origin that is now widely used for social folk dancing of English, Irish and Scottish origins.

Folk Dance Remixed are an Associate Company of EFDSS: a groundbreaking company creating unique fusions between folk and hip hop styles. Led by Artistic Directors Kerry Fletcher and Natasha Khamjani, they create a sense of joy through performance and participation. Rediscovering old traditions through contemporary forms, they take their work out on the streets, working across generations and cultures.

Kerry Fletcher is a fervent advocate of folk dance. Performer, choreographer, and teacher, she has even morris danced on the radio!

Natasha Khamjani is a passionate and versatile choreographer and educator. She is highly sought after, working across many genres in the dance world, including theatre, commercials, commissions, and ceremonies.