Devon Step Dance
Step dancing was enormously popular throughout Devon in the late 19th century, and there were many competitions. During the war period competitions stopped, however, in the late 20th century, the Dartmoor Folk Festival was revived to support the tradition, and the competition continues to go from strength to strength.
Devon step dancing is done in hard soled shoes or hob-nailed boots and takes place on a raised board to amplify the percussive sound. The style also has influences from local families who identify as "Romany Gypsies".
In the competition there are no set steps and dancers can choose to do basic steps or create their own, there are no set routines. Dancers in the final round compete on a wagon. Three different steps have to be danced, one in each of three rounds. The board currently used at the competition is 38 cm square, although larger boards are common.
The musician plays sat facing away from the dancer to ensure a fair competition.
Dartmoor step dancing
South Zeal, Devon, date unknown
Photo: Doc Rowe
