This week saw the first of six 'folk for fun' sessions in Pool-in-Wharfedale hosted by the Great Yorkshire Morris.
The sessions are intended to be a relaxed introduction to the world of folk dance, with social 'ceildh' style dances mixed in with workshops of various folk dances, including Morris and Sword.
On arriving at Wednesday's session I was pleased to see a good turnout encompassing a range of ages with obvious beginners as well as those who had danced before.
We started with some simple social dances. Music is played by a live band and the caller explains and walks everyone through the steps, meaning that even beginners can be involved straight away.
The middle part of the evening took the form of a more formal workshop session lead by Briggate Morris of Leeds, teaching a North West-style morris dance. There was also a demonstration of a Rapper sword dance before a final set of social dances to finish the evening.
I love folk dance because it is so accessible, the basic steps are simple enough that a beginner can pick them up and dance straightaway - older children are
particularly good at this. Steps can then be embelished and substituted by more experienced dancers to keep things interesting.
Dances can also be done at your own pace, meaning that you can put as much or as little energy into things as you want.
Sessions cost £3 each/£5 per pair and run from 7.30pm-9.30pm 2, 9 and 23 February, 2 and 9 March, just turn up at Pool Village Hall on the night - there is no obligation to attend every session.
The sessions are really good exercise but much more fun than going to the gym - plus there is a bar too!
More information can be found here. A slideshow of pictures from my night in Pool can be found here.
Guest blogger Katie Bolton is best known for being foodie blogger Leeds Grub.
