Stick Shift Contradance Band www.stickshiftcontra.com

Set dances trace their ancestry back beyond the English country dances first recorded in Playford’s English Dancing Master of 1651. As well as constantly developing and evolving over the years, these English dances have travelled to France, around Europe, across to America and back again. With new dances being written and styles changing, there are nowadays several different strands of set dances – the original Playford, English social dances, barndances, e-ceilidh and even 3-couple contradances. Bringing them all back together over the course of an evening was a tempting challenge that we just couldn’t resist.

So, put on your designer dancing shoes, bring a partner or come on your own (you’ll find dance partners here), and join us as we explore music and set dances from the 17^th to the 21^st century.

Chris Turner
A hugely popular caller, Chris is a well known figure and sartorial icon who features regularly at dance events nationwide. He is also the founder and editor of "Set and Turn Single", England's leading magazine for folk dance enthusiasts and participants.

Stick Shift
Regulars at Sidmouth Folk Week, London Barndance and other UK dance venues, Stick Shift is an exciting dance band that, like all the best overnight sensations, has evolved over several years. Holly, Nigel and Robbie share not only a wide range of musical influences and experiences but also an obvious delight in playing together. With Stick Shift driving the dancing, the funky rhythms and infectious melodies combine to give both dancers and listeners an exhilarating time -- you'll enjoy the ride!


An Evening of Dances That Aren’t “Longways for as Many as Will” Driving Dance Music From Stick Shift Directions From Chris Turner An evening of dancing in multi-couple sets that could well mean that you experience everything from Playford through village dances, barn dances, squares and triplets - plus ceilidh, contra and anything else that will create a great dancing, calling and musical experience for everyone. With Chris, Stick Shift and lots and lots of Sets...... who knows what might happen? Saturday 21st February 2009 at 8.00pm Admission £9 (£7 LBC, EFDSS & Concessions) Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Road Camden, London NW1 7AY Tickets at the Door on the Night or in Advance
from www.wegottickets.com Enquiries info@stickshiftcontra.com or 01525 217875 www.stickshiftcontra.com Downloadable Flyer (pdf)
Set dances trace their ancestry back beyond the English country dances first recorded in Playford’s English Dancing Master of 1651. As well as constantly developing and evolving over the years, these English dances have travelled to France, around Europe, across to America and back again. With new dances being written and styles changing, there are nowadays several different strands of set dances – the original Playford, English social dances, barndances, e-ceilidh and even 3-couple contradances. Bringing them all back together over the course of an evening was a tempting challenge that we just couldn’t resist. So, put on your designer dancing shoes, bring a partner or come on your own (you’ll find dance partners here), and join us as we explore music and set dances from the 17^th to the 21^st century. Chris Turner A hugely popular caller, Chris is a well known figure and sartorial icon who features regularly at dance events nationwide. He is also the founder and editor of "Set and Turn Single", England's leading magazine for folk dance enthusiasts and participants. Stick Shift Regulars at Sidmouth Folk Week, London Barndance and other UK dance venues, Stick Shift is an exciting dance band that, like all the best overnight sensations, has evolved over several years. Holly, Nigel and Robbie share not only a wide range of musical influences and experiences but also an obvious delight in playing together. With Stick Shift driving the dancing, the funky rhythms and infectious melodies combine to give both dancers and listeners an exhilarating time -- you'll enjoy the ride!