Circle Dance Holidays
Dancing at Braunwald, Switzerland - August 2003
Ideally a holiday should captivate the senses, and lift one out of the pressures of everyday life. Circle dance holidays aim to provide this while also offering dance instruction and a sense of community. Many report that circle dance creates a milieu where you don't have to wear a mask and can be fully yourself. For people who find a spiritual dimension in the diversity of music and moving patterns, a dance holiday gives the time and space where one can explore this fully and deeply.
For Beginners
A dance holiday can be a perfect introduction, away from the usual stresses and time constraints.
The atmosphere is generally relaxed and supportive (some teachers say
"there are no wrong steps, only variations").
Check first to see if an event is suitable for new dancers and ask if there will be introductory
level sessions.
A spectrum of circle dance holidays are on offer:
Dance Camps tend to be large (several hundred people), with a wide range of dance styles and other workshop options. Expect the exciting atmosphere of a festival, with camp fires, drumming and impromptu music. Musicians are usually invited to form a "scratch band" and to perform as part of the dance programme. Many camps provide a programme for children and teenagers and are relatively low-budget.
Residential Holidays tend to be smaller (typically 20 - 40 people) and to focus more specifically on circle dancing. When participants travel abroad the programme will usually include outings, walks and encounters with local people and culture; in some instances their main purpose may be to experience the dance traditions and culture of a particular country or area. Some find that a group of this size is conducive to a sense of safety and group harmony.
For Day Workshops and Weekend Courses see Grapevine magazine.
Dance Camps
Dance Camp Wales - The original and best :)
Twelve days on a glorious organic Pembrokeshire site, big circle dances morn and eve, many other
circle dance, creative and other dance, drumming and singing workshops, creative & craft area,
creche, wood-fired sauna, well-being area, veggie cafe, shop, hot showers, and loads to do for
kids and teens.
www.dancecampwales.org
Residential Holidays
Jackie Spearpoint leads an annual circle dance holiday at Glenthorne in Grasmere.
www.glenthorne.org
jackiespearpoint@talktalk.net
Mandy de Winter and Judy King lead two main dance holidays in England:
Slipsteps and Quavers - Springtime Holiday in West Sussex, and
Harmonic Circles - New Year Celebrations.
Both courses offer five days of delighting in Circle Dancing, Singing and Music-Making.
www.mandydewinter.com
www.judyking.co.uk
Circle dance holidays at La Roane, a beautiful woodland centre near the Gorge de l'Aveyron,
South West France. Wonderful vegetarian food, swimming, table tennis and excursions as well as
lots of circle dancing lead by Anne Armstrong.
See www.nigelshamash.com for bookings and further
information or annearmstrong@supanet.com.
Women's Ritual Dances and Traditions of Greece with Laura Shannon.
Workshops/Holidays in Greece (Lesvos, Thassos, Thrace, Mani) for women, focusing on women's village
dances, folk arts and customs, food, rituals, live music and sacred sites.
For exact details see www.laurashannon.net.
Nevia Mullan organises residential circle dance holidays in her home in Croatia, led by various
circle dance teachers.
www.heartofcroatiaholidays.com
Contact her neviam@hotmail.com or phone 01628 771381.
Martine Winnington teaches Nature and Bach Flower dances as well dances for Healing and
Regeneration in Yvonand, French Switzerland (one hour from Geneva airport). We dance outdoors in
a beautiful Bach Flower garden or a dedicated dance space and practice healing and energy work.
Maximum 12 participants. Accommodation is in a campsite, local B&B's or hotel.
Also available : special programme to suit the needs of your own group (7 people minimum).
martinewinnington@hotmail.com
www.martinewinnington.com
Bethan & Stefan Freedman
Friendly dance holidays in UK, Turkey, Greece, S. France, Israel and Brazil.
Most events incorporate local dancers, musicians, festivities and outings.
www.worldance.org