Andy Richards and Mike Ruff will take over from long-standing tutors Brenda Godrich and Dave Kerridge (English country dancing) and John Russell (morris), who have given many dedicated years of service leading these classes.
More about Morris Dancing class
Tuesdays, 6.30–8pm or 9pm
Next sessions: 19 Sept to 12 Dec 2017
Morris is one of English folk dance’s richest and most iconic traditions. Participants at this class, led by tutor Andy Richards, have fun, increase their fitness and improve their dance skills whilst learning lively Cotswold morris dances with handkerchiefs and sticks. The dancing is accompanied by live music from Andy and other musicians.
The class is suitable for adult dancers over the age of 16, of all levels of experience, including absolute beginners.
Class prices:
Term fee: £91 | £71.50 concessions (advance booking required)
Carnet of 8 tickets: £60 | £48 concessions (advance booking required)
Drop-in ticket: £8 | £6.50 concessions (payable on the night)
Tickets can be purchased for the term, as a carnet of 8 tickets, or as a drop-in on the night.
More about English Country Dancing class
Thursdays 7.30–10pm
Next sessions: 14 Sept – 14 Dec 2017
Participants in this class explore England’s social folk dance heritage, from the past and present. The class is friendly and provides an inclusive environment in which to develop dance skills and increase fitness whilst having fun!
Participants learn a diverse repertoire of dances and develop skills in English country and ceilidh dancing with tutor Mike Ruff, and learn occasional dances from related traditions from beyond. The class is accompanied by live music: competent musicians playing melody instruments are welcome to join the band led by musician Ian Cutts.
There’s no need to bring a partner and the class open to dancers over the age of 16 years of all levels of experience including absolute beginners.
Class prices:
Term fee: £98 | £77 concessions (advance booking required)
Carnet of 8 tickets: £60 | £48 concessions (advance booking required)
Drop-in ticket: £8 | £6.50 concessions (payable on the night)
Tickets can be purchased for the term, as a carnet of 8 tickets, or as a drop-in on the night.
More about our new tutors
Andy Richards is a dynamic and highly respected morris dancer having danced over many years with different teams including Moulton Morris, Cambridge Morris, Travelling Morrice, Rose Moresk, Pilgrim Morris and Taylor's Men. He is experienced at teaching morris to many different types of groups in a supportive, friendly and enjoyable manner. He is also a skilled musician playing the pipe and tabor (drum) for dancing for a number of morris traditions: Adderbury, Bampton, Bledington, Badby, Brackley, Bucknell, Fieldtown, Longborough, Wheatley, Sherborne and Ducklington. Andy is the current Chair of the Taborers Society.
Mike Ruff is an experienced folk dance educator and caller and has worked for over 40 years with people of all ages in many settings including schools, festivals and folk dance clubs. He is known for his enthusiastic and inclusive teaching, his wide and deep knowledge of English country dancing, and his ongoing research into the history and background of traditional dance. Mike is the author of several popular folk dance teaching manuals and director of educational organisation Tradamis. He is also a musician playing the accordion with ceilidh band Quicksilver and singing with the music hall duo Allcock & Brown.
