Ideally a holiday should captivate the senses, and lift one out of the pressures of everyday life. Circle dance holidays aim to provide this while also offering dance instruction and a sense of community. Many report that circle dance creates a milieu where you don’t have to wear a mask and can be fully yourself. For people who find a spiritual dimension in the diversity of music and moving patterns, a dance holiday gives the time and space where one can explore this fully and deeply.
For Beginners
A dance holiday can be a perfect introduction, away from the usual stresses and time constraints. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and supportive (some teachers say “there are no wrong steps, only variations”).
Check first to see if an event is suitable for new dancers and ask if there will be introductory level sessions.
A spectrum of circle dance holidays are on offer:
Dance Camps tend to be large (several hundred people), with a wide range of dance styles and other workshop options. Expect the exciting atmosphere of a festival, with camp fires, drumming and impromptu music. Musicians are usually invited to form a “scratch band” and to perform as part of the dance programme. Many camps provide a programme for children and teenagers and are relatively low-budget.
Residential Holidays tend to be smaller (typically 20 – 40 people) and to focus more specifically on circle dancing. When participants travel abroad the programme will usually include outings, walks and encounters with local people and culture; in some instances their main purpose may be to experience the dance traditions and culture of a particular country or area. Some find that a group of this size is conducive to a sense of safety and group harmony.
For Day Workshops and Weekend Courses see Grapevine magazine.
Dance Camps
Twelve days on a glorious organic Pembrokeshire site, big circle dances morn and eve, many other circle dance, creative and other dance, drumming and singing workshops, creative & craft area, creche, wood-fired sauna, well-being area, veggie cafe, shop, hot showers, and loads to do for kids and teens.
www.dancecampwales.org.uk
Both camps focus on Dances of Universal Peace, and include a daily outdoor circle dance session in early evening with a live band that create some very wonderful music. Also singing, yoga, bhajan, creativity and games etc…Children & teens welcome.
Moments of pure magic with sunsets, birds. The sense of community and co-operation at these camps is rare and miraculous . No drugs, alcohol, and quiet after 11pm make for a peaceful, harmonious week.
www.sacredartscamp.org
Residential Holidays
Judy King leads various long weekend events around the country and holidays abroad: full details are on her website.
For exact details see www.laurashannon.net.
martinewinnington@hotmail.com www.martinewinnington.com
Most events incorporate local dancers, musicians, festivities and outings.
www.worldance.org
Circle dance holidays at La Roane, a beautiful woodland centre near the Gorge de l’Aveyron, South West France. Wonderful vegetarian food, swimming, table tennis and excursions as well as lots of circle dancing lead..
Contact: Jane or Christine via jane@holidays-with-heart.co.uk or phone (UK) 01239 615499 www.holidays-with-heart.co.uk
