Circle Dance Holidays
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.
For full details of circle dance holidays, here are some links :-
Dance Camps
Dance Holidays in North and South America
a link will soon appear - watch this space!
Residential Holidays
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Anne Armstrong leads two residential holidays a year in South West France in June and September http://circledancewithanne.pbwiki.com. or www.nigelshamash.com
- Bethan and Stefan Freedman lead residential events in Greece (Paros), Israel (Sea of Galilee), S.France (Montpellier) and around the U.K. www.worldance.org
- Jackie Spearpoint leads an annual circle dance holiday at Glenthorne in Grasmere (www.glenthorne.org) or
- Janie Whyld welcomes small groups for laid back, cheap and cheerful holidays with singing and dancing at her home in South West France. For details about the next holiday, 9-14 October, contact her at
- Mandy de Winter and Judy King lead two annual residential events: Harmonic Circles at New Year in the Lake District and Slipsteps and Quavers after the Spring Bank Holiday at the Earnley Concourse near Chichester www.mandydewinter.com and www.judyking.co.uk
- Martine Winnington leads circle dancing holidays in French Switzerland, focussing on the healing qualities of dance (Bach Flowers, personal development and Jin Shin Jyutsu etc.) www.martinewinnington.com
- Sue Kewley leads the following Dance Holidays:
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Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, Somerset. 4th - 8th August, 2008. Circle Dancing with free time to explore the area. Contact
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Treat yourself to a week-end at the Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne, dancing with Sue Kewley. 28th - 30th November 2008. Contact
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