WAT Dance

We teach the dances for the fun of it but ask that you make a contribution towards running costs. £3 for each evening session..

WAT Dance?: Originating from a series of dance workshops following on from the "Dance Through The Ages" evenings hosted by musician Mike Ruff, we started to meet regularly at Watlington House in Reading. We therefore christened ourselves "WAT Dance". Mike moved away from the area and the club changed venue, but we still continued with 3 of the members taking turns in teaching and bringing their own individual perspective to each dance.

Howard: Trained as a Folk Dance Instructor at Cecil Sharp House, London. Has been calling at Barn Dances and Ceilidhs since 1976 and ran evening classes in Chingford and Islington before moving to Reading. His wife, Anne knows one or two Scottish dances as well.

Andrew: An interest in folk lore and seasonal customs led him into maypole and country dancing and joining Earley Folk dance Group of which he is now Chairman. His interest was enhanced by attending the Dance Through the Ages workshops and has a distinct liking for early music and dance and modern material in the same style.

John: Started Morris Dancing at school and joined the Orpington Folk Dance Club. Learned Morris,Rapper,Long Sword, Running Set and Playford style dances from 2nd generation disciples of Cecil Sharp. Was a founding member of the Reading Cloggies and did Scottish Country Dancing before going on to International Folk dancing.

Watlington Hill

We may no longer meet at Watlington House or have any connection with Watlington Hill in the Chilterns, but the triangular chalk mark has been incorporated into our logo. Our dances are as much a part of the English scene as the chalk hills of our landscape. (Well that's my excuse for a bit of artistic licence!)

Links Dance Through The Ages Mike Ruff Music