Aldbrickham Clog & Step Dancers
Traditional dancers from Reading
Thank you to Barbara Moore, Andrew Godfrey, Bob Smith, Mark Iliff , Phil Cook. Arwen Hobday and John Turner for the use of their photos
Here we are, dancing the Shetland Six Hand Reel at Stoke Row Steam Fair 2017
The elements of the dance are described in Traditional Dancing in Scotland by JF & TM Flett. In the first reel - described as running the reel, the ladies lead and their partners follow them, this is danced to the tune Willafjord. In the second reel is known as the Auld Reel, technically its the Auld Reel of Whalsay, which is also the name of the tune, the partners dance the reel with arms linked behind them.
Performing dances in clogs and shoes from all over the UK
We practice at Park URC, Palmer Park Avenue, Reading at 8.15 pm on Tuesdays. We have also danced at Oxford Folk Festival, Winchester Mayfest, Reading Bastille Day Celebrations, Chippenham Folk Festival, Reading Waterfest, Stoke Row Steam Fair, Wallingford Bunkfest, and Düsseldorf, Reading's twin town.
Aldbrickham Clog & Step Dancers enjoy performing traditional dances from Britain to live music at local events and festivals. AbC performs both in clogs and shoes. The type of clogs which we wear have wooden soles and leather uppers with laces. Our dances come from all over the British Isles from Shetland to Cornwall via the Isle of Man and Wales. We also create new dances from archive descriptions or we make them up using traditional steps.
We always welcome new dancers & musicians so we’d be glad to meet you if you’d like to have a go.
If you would like to find out more, come to see us on a Tuesday evening, we’ll be glad to see you, experience isn’t necessary but always welcome!
We’ll try to find you a pair of clogs to try.
Step dances are traditional dances in hard soled shoes with rhythmic step patterns. Dances are for both groups and soloists, and our repertoire also includes music hall dances which are an important part of the clog and step dance heritage. Our costume is based on the working clothes worn in the countryside from the Victorian era until the first World War.
During the spring & summer months we may not always be at the hall at Park URC.
Please check the events page to see where we will be!
