Wiltshire Folk Arts

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Contact Us :

Wiltshire Folk Arts
19 Whistley Road, Potterne, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 5QY
email: mail@wiltshirefolkarts .org.uk
Office: 01380 726597
Bob : 07714 550990

Wiltshire Folk Association

There is also a great link to The Wiltshire Folk Association and their web site. Here you will find contacts to many of the dance groups and events that are happening in the county and beyond. (Thanks to Doug, Ann, Geoff & Meg.)

Please contact us if your side's details are missing or incorrect - or if you don't wish them to appear.

There are similarities between both of these types of Dance but some explanation may help to determine what you are looking for.

What is "Social Dance" ?

It’s a general term that covers a wide variety of dancing styles. We like the term "social" because it generally describes the people who participate in this style of dance very well - they really are a sociable lot!
Here are a few types of dance that can be found at just about any of the listed clubs: English Country Dances, Playford, Fallibroome, Apted, Hornpipes, Jigs, Reels, Polkas, Waltzes, Strathspeys, American, Square Dances, Contra Dances, Patter Calls, Singing Calls, Scandinavian, Eastern European, Israeli, Irish, Scottish, Welsh ... and that's just a few.
The "Social" dance scene in Wiltshire is widespread across the county with a large number of people attending clubs, and events every week throughout the year. These clubs can be found in the lists below.

Ceilidh.

This is "Social" dance with attitude and a fair bit more energetic to boot !
The word Ceilidh is defined in the dictionary as "Cei+lidh ('keili) n (esp. in Scotland & Ireland) an informal gathering of Folk music, singing, dancing and storytelling. [C19 from Gaelic]". But things have moved on a bit since those days and a Ceilidh is now more of a very upbeat series of dances with a band with at least one set of drums and a good smattering of electronic instruments. Not for the weak & feeble this one but great fun to join in or even watch. Some Wiltshire based ceilidh bands can be found in our performers section.