Folk dance workshops planned

Up to eight folk dance workshops in a variety of styles are planned for the Umina Beach Folk Festival.

The festival will be held 17-19 October, shortly after the Spike Milligan Comedy Festival.

Dance styles will include Scottish, Irish, English, American contra and International dancing, as well as Australian colonial and belly dancing.

Most of the workshops will be suitable for people with no previous dancing experience.

A family dance and a Saturday night bush dance will also be held, with all dances "walked through and called".

This year will be the first time that dance workshops have been held as part of a folk festival on the Peninsula, according to dance committee member Ms Shirley Hotchkiss.

Folk gatherings held at Patonga over the past two years had included a bush dance, but no dance workshops.

"Workshop presenters will include Sydney's leading Irish set dancing instructor, Margaret Winnett, of the Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers," she said.

"Sydney's leading contra dance caller, Julie Bishop, has also confirmed her attendance."

This year's festival is organised by the Central Coast Bush Dance and Music Association, which runs the Woy Woy's Troubadour Folk Club.

The festival will be held in venues close to the beach at the Umina Beach Bowling Club, the primary school and the scout hall.

The festival will feature children's activities, music workshops, concerts and poets' breakfasts, as well as dancing.

"It will enable locals and visitors to sample the traditions of folk culture," said Ms Hotchkiss.

Applications for musical performances are being accepted until mid-August.

"Peninsula people are also welcome to join the festival organisers in planning and running the festival," said Ms Hotchkiss.

"This enables people to develop and use skills such as event management or marketing to ensure the success of the festival.

"During the festival, people can participate through being performers or helping manage the sound systems.

"Others can play key roles in running the festival by assisting with setting up venues and welcoming people.

"This festival has many advantages for Peninsula residents.

"As well as enjoying a weekend of cultural events, it gives us the chance to promote the unique beauty and hospitality of this area.

"The influx of visitors also boosts local business operations.

"The festival enables us to showcase local talent, to develop new skills, to make new friends and to consider new career and recreational possibilities.

"For example, an older person may be inspired to recite their favourite poem at one of the poets' breakfasts."

More information about the festival can be found at www.geocities.com/troubadourfolkclub/umina.

Festival enquiries can be made to Frank and Marilyn Russell on 4341 4060 or frussell@fastlink.com.au

Shirley Hotchkiss, July 23