Folk Art Let's Dance in the Lilian Baylis Studio is now sold out. There is still availability for the workshops and performance at Cecil Sharp House on Saturday 9 May. more »
For this remarkable transatlantic venture dancers from the USA and UK come together to celebrate the diversity of folk dance over a memorable weekend.
Friday 8 May
Film-maker Alex Reuben first screened his acclaimed dance road movie Routes (ACE Capture, UK 2008) in 2007. The film follows the path from Bluegrass to Jazz in social dance across communities in the American Deep South, and has since enjoyed considerable cinema success. Reuben now hooks up Sadler’s Wells and the English Folk Dance and Song Society to create a live show connecting America and Britain, past and present, inspired by the film.
A special screening of Routes, introduced by the director, is followed by live performances from some of the artists featured, including the renowned, multi-talented Appalachian performer and expert Phil Jamison, accompanied by traditional fiddle maestro Rayna Gellert. Gellert is well known for her fiddle albums and work with the award winning Uncle Earl, recently produced by John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin.
Also from the film, The Tuscarora Indian Nation of North Carolina perform in the UK for the very first time with a show of original North American culture, throwing new light on the roots of dance from hip hop to flatfoot.
With a wonderful slant on the steps above, from the vibrant UK folk dance scene comes The Orchard Family, one of the best known Gypsy families in the West Country, featuring electric step dancer Tommy Orchard. The evening culminates in a mouth-watering collaboration between the artists.
Saturday 9 May
Workshops and Evening Performance at Cecil Sharp House
On Saturday the action moves offsite to Cecil Sharp House, home of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. more »
Alex Reuben
The Tuscarora
Phil Jamison
Rayna Gellert
