The Chase :: Workshops

Dance Workshops

Traditional Dance
The Dance workshops are primarily aimed at beginners. They are designed to be one-off taster workshops. More in-depth workshops or a series allowing greater technique and practice can be planned for. Improvers and advanced workshops are available in all the styles below and can be tailor made to suit the participants needs. No partner is necessary. Participants may be asked to change partners if appropriate but can of course opt out if they wish to concentrate on learning with one partner.

Each workshop lasts for the minimum of 1 and 1/2 hours. If you require a specialist workshop, eg. Waltz only, we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

European Dance
Aimed at teaching the basic steps of Europe, this workshop will cover circle and set dances, in the common rhythms of e.g. Waltz, Polka, Mazurka, Schottische, Bourree and some Breton.

European Couple Dances
This workshop will concentrate on the main European Couple Dances e.g. Schottische, Waltz, Mazurka, Polka, with some pointers to regional/country variations.

Scandinavian Dance
French Dance
These 2 workshops are more specialised and concentrate on learning the unique dance of that country i.e. Polska from Scandinavia and Bourree from France. The country's styles of other couple dances will also be taught e.g., waltz, mazurka, schottische.

Music Workshops

Traditional Music
The music workshops are primarily aimed at mixed ability, in an orchestra setting. Instruments and key restrictions will be needed in advance for planning. However, specialist intermediate and advanced workshops can be arranged, as can specific instrument workshops for beginners, intermediate etc.

European Dance Rhythms (all instruments)
This workshop is aimed at learning some simple dance tunes - the focus being on playing at the correct tempo and with the right emphasis for dancing. Rhythms will include waltz, schottische and mazurka.

Playing tunes slowly session (all instruments)
Aimed at building a repertoire of normally up-tempo tunes that doesn't rely on being able to play at breakneck speeds! The tunes will be chosen from the groups existing knowledge, so be prepared to learn some new ones and share your old ones.

Bagpipes
For English and French bagpipes, this workshop will be exploring the full potential of the instrument and its repertoire, developing individuality and technique.

The Chase is no longer performing - this page remains available as an archive only and is not maintained.