Join a pre-show workshop to learn lively polska dances with Emma Reid and Kerry Fletcher, then enjoy a masterful concert from Emma and Ellika Frisell. Afterwards there’ll be a social dance with music from Emma and Ellika and Sawney White Bird where you can put your dance moves to the test!
About the workshop
Kerry Fletcher is a traditional dancer of many styles, one of her favourites being the enigmatic Polska, a turning partner dance. She has spent much time in Sweden learning dances with traditional musicians and dancers; one of her first teachers was Ellika!
We’ll be learning släng polska and an introduction to the classic turning polska. Kerry will also be on hand during the evening dance to support those new to this style of dance.
You don’t need to bring a partner, just some enthusiasm, and be prepared to dance with a variety of people. Smooth soled shoes are best.
Emma Reid and Ellika Frisell
Emma and Ellika, two master musicians in a musical interplay cooking with drive and richness of colour. Tight, attentive and wilful, always with the groove at the core. Deeply rooted in the Swedish fiddle tradition, they play tunes and improvised second voices with power and variety. Two generations where the creative expression is seamlessly welded together.
Sawney White Bird
Sawney White Bird give you an exciting and wide-ranging balfolk experience. They play straight-up, joyful dance music. The line up includes saxophone, melodeon, mouth organ, fiddle, concertina and bagpipes.
Ravi Swaney – diatonic accordion and fiddle
Heather White – saxes and whistles
Jane Bird – mouthorgan, concertina and bagpipes
Workshop: 6pm
Concert: 7pm
Dance: 8.15pm - 10.15pm
Tickets for the Workshop, Concert and Dance: £22 | £15 under 30s
Tickets for the Concert and Dance: £18 | £10 under 30s
Presented by EFDSS.
Tags:
Spring 2025
