A Rattling Good Time

We've seen a lot of Morris Dancing and Molly Dancing on "By Stargoose And Hanglands" over the past couple of years, but there is another tradition which often slips under the radar of the casual visitor and even many folk enthusiasts. Step dancing didn't require the formality of organised sides or dressing up in funny costumes; all that was needed was a pair of workboots, a stone floor and someone who could knock out a rhythmic tune (or indeed sing one). 

All three could be found in most country pubs at one time. In these days when carpets, light shoes and piped music are more common there still remain odd enclaves where stepping survives and thrives. Some pubs in rural Suffolk such as The Swan at Worlingworth, among the Romany and Travelling community and the lifeboat crew from Cromer in Norfolk are three such. Down on Dartmoor there's a similar, even more common, tradition.

The step-dancing at the Traditional Music Day was an occasion for happiness and sadness. It was great to see so many young dancers but there was also a notable absence. Percy West, a great dancer who inspired and encouraged so many others sadly passed away earlier in the year.Leo Temple said a few heartfelt words before treating us to an all-too-brief display of brilliant stepping....

Simon Ritchie demonstrated the incredibly difficult feat (feet?) of step-dancing and playing the melodeon both together and simultaneously at the same time......

                                             

In the old pubs a musician would start up a tune and dancers would each dance, one after the other, till no one could dance any more. At the end of the afternoon many of the dancers recreated this spectacle as a grand finale....

You'll notice the wonderful age-range of the dancers and also how different styles creep in. Long may they continue to have a rattling good time!

Take care.