Marion Sauvebois meets a dance club steeped in history

FROM the Flying Scotsman to American ‘squares’ and everything in between, the sky is the limit when it comes to Wroughton Folk Dance Club’s repertoire.

Determined to keep their country’s rich heritage alive and have fun while they were at it, a group of keen dancers launched the club back in 1986.

It may have grown in size but very little has changed since those early days.

“Wroughton Folk Dance Club’s inaugural meeting was on August Bank Holiday in 1986, when it was decided to hold regular folk dance meetings in Wroughton Infants School,” said chairman Francis Hobbs.

“The club prospered, some visitors staying, some going but settling around a good number of founder members – quite a few of whom are still with us at our weekly meetings.”

Folk dancing in all its incarnations is duly celebrated at each weekly gathering.

“We do all kinds of folk dance: from the early dances of the 16th and 17th century, through to the country house dances and grand balls of the 18th and 19th century and on to modern ones written and influenced by all those earlier styles.

“Most are traditional English dances but there are also some American contras and squares, plus occasional Scottish, Welsh and European contributions.”

The dancers, who may not know all the steps – if any – of every country dance ever invented, are taken through the movements by a caller.

Experience is not required; a can-do spirit, however, is a must.

“If you’ve been to a barn dance, ceilidh or folk festival then you will have some idea of what to expect. You’ll find that you can join in straightaway – you don’t need any special knowledge, equipment or even to bring a partner.

“Our members are only too happy to help newcomers because they’ve all been there. A caller introduces each dance and explains the movements and beginners can quickly pick up the basics. There are no difficult steps to learn, and the caller is there to remind you what comes next.”

The club meets every Wednesday during school term times at Wroughton Infant School between 7.45pm and 9.45pm.

 Membership at Wroughton Folk Dance Club is £5 a year plus £2 for each meeting.

The first visit is free.

For more details go to www.wroughtonfdc.btck.co.uk