Dance Musicians, Callers and Teachers
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Simon and Jo Harmer

Simon and Jo Harmer have been teaching and performing a range of percussive step dance styles for over 30 years, including English clog, Appalachian clogging, and Canadian styles. Recently they have “come home” and are enjoying dancing southern English steps to which they were introduced by step dancers Valerie Shipley and Janet Keet Black.
With Jigfoot, Jo and Simon have researched and collaborated on tunes and dance descriptions published by Alice Gillington in 1911 when she lived in the New Forest alongside Romany families to develop a set of simple social dances which incorporate stepping, and fit beautifully into pub sessions.

http://www.jigfoot.com

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Jeroka

Jeroka are Jerry and Kay, and we are based in Somerset.  We have played together for many years and with many other talented musicians.
Rose, who started the band off a few years ago, has now 'emigrated' to the Lake District.  Jerry and Kay are lucky enough to have some fine musicians to call on when the event needs a third instrumentalist.  
We play a wide variety of traditional music for dancing and listening, including English, Irish, Scottish, American Ragtime, Old Time and Contra with a lively and often jazzy feel.

Available with, or without, a caller for Ceilidhs, Barndances, Weddings and Anniversaries, Parties, Fundraisers, Festivals, and events of all descriptions. When dancing is required we will select the best caller for your event.

Jerry - Guitar, Mandola, Gazuki
Kay - Fiddle, Viola, Mandolin, Appalachian Dulcimer 

www.jeroka.co.uk

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Chris Toyne

Chris Toyne has been playing the accordion for both Folk and Morris dancing since the early 70s. These days he can be heard around many of the local folk dance clubs and events - as a solo musician and with his "Big Band" -  as well as providing music for Wyvern Jubilee Morris and Treacle Eater Morris.

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Bridport Scottish Dancers

Bridport Scottish Dancers have been enjoying and promoting Scottish country dancing since 1995. We meet regularly at St. Mary's Church House Hall for classes, and hold a number of dancing activities throughout the year.
Our Workshop will be a light-hearted introduction to Scottish country dancing which will give participants a taste of what we do, and will hopefully encourage new dancers to join in the fun we have each week. A partner is not necessary, but a pair of light, soft shoes is advised. We look forward to seeing you.

http://www.bridportscottishdancers.org.uk

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Ann Hinchliffe

music leader and historical dance specialist

Favourite phrases: "Most people think historical dances are slow and sedate. Wrong!" and "Stop enjoying yourselves!"

Keen folkie from age 7; by age 27, was active in ceilidh bands, morris sides and festivals. Curious about where the dances from, joined Historical Dance Society, studied and ended up tutoring for them. Still dance morris and barn dance when the opportunity occurs. Also run social enterprise "SameDifferenceDance", SW UK-based, getting adults with multiple disabilities and their friends to do amazing things with music.

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Mike Courthold

Mike is a dancer and caller from Hungerford, Berkshire. He is a regular caller at local clubs, and also calls for dances, ceilidhs and workshops at clubs and festivals throughout the country.

Mike is very keen to make folk dancing accessible to all, at all levels of expertise and ability, and is just as happy working with children, physically handicapped (eg PHAB) and novice dancers, as he is with expert dancers, but preferably not all at once! Mike firmly believes that a dance is only as complicated as the caller makes it.

Mike enjoys calling American square & contra dances, especially smooth-flowing dances with a bit of zest, as well as Running Set, English, and English Ceilidh dances.
Mike began folk dancing in 1970 whilst at University. He and wife Rita met at a Bernard Chalk dance in 1973, and they have been regular dancers of American Square & Contra, Running Set, English, English Ceilidh, and Irish Set-Dance ever since; and are familiar faces at major dances & festivals.

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Liberty Goodswen

Mezzo Soprano Liberty Goodswen was a choral scholar at King’s College London and now brings her classical training and background to the folk world with her interpretation (working closely with Jeroka) of the traditional songs from the Hardy period. In addition the repertoire will include songs inspired by the words by Hardy set to the music of others.

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Ray Goodswen

Ray has been a traditional dance caller and teacher since his time at St Luke’s College in Exeter. He started teaching to share his love of traditional dance with others so that they might share in the pleasure. He was for 13 years the dance director at Sidmouth Festival and also director of the Eastbourne International Folk Dance Festival. Nowadays he spends more time calling for local clubs whilst still running courses at Halsway Manor the Westfolk weekend in Paington (now in its 34th year) and other events. However there is nothing more that he enjoys than actually dancing with his wife Liberty.