WHAT IS CIRCLE DANCING?
Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness.
Modern circle dance draws on the rich and diverse traditional dances of many countries, including the Balkans, Greece, Israel, Russia, and France. There is also a growing repertoire of new dances to classical music and contemporary songs.
Circle dances can be energetic and lively or gentle and reflective. The style and mood reflects the abilities of the group and the interests of the teacher. The aim always is to experience the joy of dancing with others and to create a sense of well-being and community.
Anyone of any age or ability can circle dance. Each dance is taught, there is no audience and everyone is welcome. So come on your own or with a friend (you do not need a partner) and join in.
If you are interested in joining a course, setting up a group or anything else, please click below to contact Jen.
"I love its meditative quality, the contact with a wider world, and feeling that I belong to a tradition of (international) dance - which is still evolving. Plus - it's fun!"
Eleanor
REGULAR GROUPS
BURY ST. EDMUNDS
First and third Tuesday of each month.
7.30-8.30 pm
£7.00 per session
Quaker Meeting House, St. John's Street,
Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1SJ
DRINKSTONE
Thursdays
10:30 - 11:30 am
£7.00 per session
Drinkstone Village Hall, Gedding Road,
Drinkstone, IP30 9SZ
NB: No dancing 25 April, 9, 23 May
ELMSWELL
Thursdays
2:00 - 3:00 pm
£6.00 per session
The Wesley, School Road,
Elmswell, IP30 9EE
NB No dancing 25 April, 9 23 May
ONEHOUSE
First and third Tuesday of each month.
2:00 - 3:00 pm
£6.00 per session
Trinity Hall, Onehouse, IP14 3EP
GREAT BARTON
Second and fourth Wednesday of each month.
2:30 - 3:30 pm
£6.00 per session
Great Barton Village Hall, Elms Close, IP31 2NR
NB No dancing 24 April, 22 May. Extra session 17 April
"'Starting circle dancing has been the best thing I've done in years – it's informative of customs and festivals of many countries, gentle exercise, relaxing and very good company with many laughs."
Barbara
EVENTS
- Sun, 07 JulGreat Barton village hall07 Jul 2024, 14:30 – 17:00Great Barton village hall, Elms Close, IP31 2NR,
"'Circle dancing makes me feel like I've done a work out almost without realising it."
Clare
ABOUT JEN
Jen has been teaching circle dance in Suffolk for ten years having discovered it via an international folk dancing group many years ago.
She is passionate about it, and loves seeing people experience circle dance for the first time and their enjoyment of the wonderful world music and variety of dances, from slow and meditative to fast and energetic.
Particularly keen on making circle dance accessible to all, Jen adapts many dances to be done seated, and has experience of doing sessions with people with limited mobility such as nursing homes, stroke club and so on.
"'I have found it to be the answer to my love of dancing in a gentle format . It has a social and sometimes emotional element and is interesting to have an insight into the different countries' dances and the historical origins."
Carol
CONTACT
Please feel free to contact me by phone, email or using the enquiry form below.
PHONE: 07896 495574
EMAIL: jenlarner@gmail.com
Facebook: West Suffolk Circle Dance