Everyone’s invited to free evenings of dancing – with laughter and homemade cake guaranteed.
The sessions for men and women offer the chance to try out a British tradition at least 500 years old.
All this will be at Hurst Morris People’s have a go at morris dance and music sessions on Thursdays September 22 and 29.
Just let them know you’d like to go, put on comfy shoes and hop along to Hurst Village Hall at 8pm.
Squire Karen Ricketts of Twyford said: “Our taster sessions are great fun. We have a tea/coffee and cake break halfway through. Feel free to contact us for a chat beforehand.”
Two people who went last year were impressed.
Rich Mason, of Wokingham, said: “I went along because it looked fun. The pictures on Facebook and the website all looked like they were having a great time. The sessions were very welcoming and eased us in with a nice and simple dance. The side is really friendly.”
Rachel Redrup, of Woodley, said: “They put us with experienced dancers and taught us short sequences so we gradually learned dances, with a fair bit of laughing involved.
“I enjoyed the Cotswold morris style of clashing sticks or waving (clean) hankies as a set of six or eight – you don’t need ‘partners’. Everyone was so encouraging.”
Later, both Rich and Rachel went on to join the side.
Rachel said: “It’s quite special to dance until dusk in the relaxed atmosphere of a summer evening pub garden. Festivals with other teams are joyful and good-natured.” Rich said: “Dancing out is a brilliant experience.”
Musicians able to play fiddle, melodeon, concertina, accordion or recorder are welcome to join the merry band for the taster sessions. Tunes are usually in the keys of G and D. The band aims to play from memory by the end of the practice season.
To tell HuMP you’d like to go to a taster or to arrange a chat email [email protected]. See them on Facebook @hurstmorris or visit www.hump.org.uk
