Stick Shift Contradance Band www.stickshiftcontra.com

Dancing in sets can trace its ancestry back to the 14th century Frenchmcontredances that gave birth not only to the dances recorded in Playford’s Dancing Master of 1651, but also developed into the quadrilles and lancers of the 18th century.

As well as constantly developing and evolving over the years, these 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 dancing in sets – the original Playford, English social dances, barndances, e-ceilidh and American square dances.

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 dancing shoes, bring a partner (or come on your own), dress for the occasion and join us as we celebrate the third annual episode of Sets in the City.

Geoff Cubitt
Geoff is well known as a caller for American Squares and Contra and English Ceilidh. He has been invited to call at national dance festivals, including Whitby, Chippenham and Sidmouth, and is well respected among his peers. He has considerable experience as a dancer himself, particularly in Appalachian country dancing, which he has performed with his group at many festivals.
His experience as a dancer stands him in good stead when calling, as his sympathy with those on the floor means that he is helpful to beginners as well as extending the expert dancers.

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!


episode 3-the fall ball an evening of dances that aren’t “Longways for as Many as Will” presented by that Svengali of the Square Mr. Geoff Cubitt ably accompanied by the driving music of Stick Shift (the wearing of tailcoats, gowns and other finery is encouraged and prizes will be awarded to the most elegantly attired) Saturday 4th September 2010 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 Information info@stickshiftcontra.com or 01525217875
Downloadable Flyer (pdf)
Dancing in sets can trace its ancestry back to the 14th century Frenchmcontredances that gave birth not only to the dances recorded in Playford’s Dancing Master of 1651, but also developed into the quadrilles and lancers of the 18th century. As well as constantly developing and evolving over the years, these 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 dancing in sets – the original Playford, English social dances, barndances, e-ceilidh and American square dances. 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 dancing shoes, bring a partner (or come on your own), dress for the occasion and join us as we celebrate the third annual episode of Sets in the City. Geoff Cubitt Geoff is well known as a caller for American Squares and Contra and English Ceilidh. He has been invited to call at national dance festivals, including Whitby, Chippenham and Sidmouth, and is well respected among his peers. He has considerable experience as a dancer himself, particularly in Appalachian country dancing, which he has performed with his group at many festivals. His experience as a dancer stands him in good stead when calling, as his sympathy with those on the floor means that he is helpful to beginners as well as extending the expert dancers. 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!