See what went on in April 2009- many Great Alne Long-Weekend Events have close similarities from year to year.
Nel van der Laan was our 2009 visiting teacher from the Netherlands..
Rhodri Davies is fully in touch with Contra Dance's modern developments.
He was brilliant in conveying neat moves to execute Contra Dance embellishments.
There were technique workshops, followed by Contra Dances for Sat. and Sun. Evenings from Rhodri, culminating in a major lively Contra Dance on the Sunday Eve.
We look forward to his visiting another year, and to once more sharing dances with Rhodri's family.
Cathy Greenhill brought more of her excellent teaching of Historical Dance.
Have you danced the Ceilidh dance "The Horse's Branle" ?
At Cathy's session, we saw how very little (apart from the tune) that the Ceilidh dance of today has in common with the dance originating in the 16th Century !
Hope you also didn't miss - On the Saturday, Yet more of Cathy's fun dances from the 1940s.
Israeli Dances with Adrian Pointon.
Adrian - who deserves to be better known outside Northwest England and the Midlands -
Is the teacher of Israeli dance par excellence.
As well as Arian's brill workshops we enjoyed his excellent music when Cindy lead her CIRCLE DANCES.
Visiting when you chose. With 3 bonus late dances too. Hot drinks included in entertainment breaks.
On Friday Evening 2009 with Barbara Kinsman & Bill, we had many traditional English Playford-Style Dances, but also International Dances, and Late Nite Extra with Cajun Dance.
At Rhodri Davies workshops, we extemporised & tested American Contra Dance techniques -
That was on Saturday & Sunday Evenings with Contra Dancing from 8pm.
Contradance has LOTS of changeabout of partners!
Saturday Evening started with a Belly Dance workshop; lots of contradance -
Highlights from the daytime workshops - and finished with Late-Nite-Extra Circle Dance.
Sunday Evening started with Adrian's Hot-hot Israeli, and after contra -
There was French Couple Dancing with Pete Grassby.
Part Song opportunities- again thanks to James Eisner took take place through Sunday.
It was particularly pleasant once more to see Louise, and to meet little Benjamin.
Maypole dancing. André has long wished - this extended weekend just before Mayday itself - to have Maypole dances on the green outside the Memorial Hall.
This took place around lunchtime on Sunday with Diana Campbell,
On the Monday morning, Diana also led a session of -
Long Forgotton Children's Games for Adults. (All had a wonderful Clappy time.)
Maciek Michma A young dancer from Poland showed us an elegant couple dance -
The Polonaise from Maciek's own home town of ZAMOSK.
The above was an especially quiet session for adults planned for near Saturday lunchtime.
Belly dancing. With Jenny was popular both as a superb demo on Saturday Night -
And as excellent participatory workshops on Saturday early Evening, and on Sunday morning.
French Couple dancing led by Pete Grassby (also playing) again took-up the late night spot on Sunday Evening. Thanks. Superb, Pete.
An excellent session as ever and, as a kind bonus, some tasty nibbles too!
Tai Chi. A new feature for '09 wasn't possible since Yang couldn't get transport.
Yang hopes however to introduce Tai Chi / Kung Fu Fan to Great Alne in 2010.
And we will look forward to a stunning evening demonstration from her.
If there was an aspect of 2009, or previous Long Weekends that you particularly liked,
or if you wish to contribute activities or ideas, please email a feedback, or ring, or tell André.
Monday. Oversley Wood bluebells: Afternoon walk. Always a joy. Many are able to share the Monday at Gt Alne.
A delight: most especially for visitors from The Netherlands.
Our caterers at Gt Alne offer several choices for the seated Monday served lunch in the hall.
Very last orders during the morning -
The lunch alone is worth coming to share.
After lunch, we had a gentle dance from Nel.
Pic CLICK To enlarge this photo of Oversley Wood Bluebells Copyright James Hobro.
Many dancers reading this are retired, or can plan a dance day from work.
PLAN AHEAD NOW to take full advantage in 2011 of this Monday.
Historical Dance from Cathy Greenhill we hope to have again.
Her Quadrille from the 19th Century - Was Paine's First Set.
(We even had the privilege of lovely demonstrations of the original intricate fast footwork from Cathy and Diana too.)
Ourselves, we danced as it was surviving later. (As a more sedate successor to the Regency Quadrilles.)
Interesting to have partaken in this, the origin of several Irish Set Plain Sets that are danced today.
On the Saturday, We were treated to more of Cathy's popular dances from the 1940s.
Fliers -
Are distributed to promote especially Fri & Sun evenings, which visiting Dancers may particularly enjoy.
Amendments necessitate the finalised programme being published not very long before the event.
Its details are particularly useful if you can attend for only part of the long weekend,
or wish primarily to participate in a particular type of activity.
Musicians please note the code on the programme when you are welcome to join those playing.
to return to the TOP of the NEW LAYOUT Home page for 2011.
Or You CLICK here, to return to the TOP of this archived 2009 Home page.