INDEX
Chandlers Ford November 2019
Chandlers Ford May 2019
Bicester April 2019
Hereford March 2019
Bury St Edmunds March 2019
Southampton February 2019
Banwell February 2019
Reigate January 2019
Bude January 2019
Bury St Edmunds October 2018
Bristol October 2018
Salisbury September 2018
Cheadle September 2018
Reading August 2018
Bury St Edmunds July 2018
Ipswich June 2018
Cambridge June 2018
Burley In Wharfedale June 2018
Brecon May 2018
Cardiff May 2018
Uffington April 2018
Scotland April 2018
Salisbury April 2018
Bicester April 2018
Oakham March2018
Portsmouth March 2018
Bolton March 2018
Reading February 2018
Saffron Walden February 2018
Cardiff January 2018
Portsmouth November 2017
Blackpool November 2017
Bicester October 2017
Leeds September 2017
Devon August 2017
Swindon August 2017
Torquay July 2017
Maidstone June 2017
Oakham May 2017
Reading May 2017
Leatherhead May 2017
Southampton April 2017
Exeter April 2017
Cardiff April 2017
Ludlow April 2017
Kettering March 2017
Torquay March 2017
Cardiff January 2017
Yeovil December 2016
Greatham November 2016
Wigan November 2016
Oakham October 2016
Warrington October 2016
Leeds October 2016
Exeter October 2016
Northampton September 2016
Cardiff September 2016
Nottingham September 2016
Bristol August 2016
North Wales August 2016
Oakham July 2016
Reading June 2016
Worthing May 2016
Northampton May 2016
Bletchly April 2016
Exeter April 2016
Morecombe April 2016
Cardiff March 2016
Stourbridge February 2016
Lowestoft January 2016
Clitheroe December 2015
Brighton December 2015
Wigan November 2015
Yeovil November 2015
Manchester October 2015
Stourbridge October 2015
Deal October 2015
Leeds October 2015
Skegness September 2015
Essex September 2015
Scotland September 2015
Market Harborough August 2015
Reading August 2015
Nottingham August 2015
North Wales August 2015
Jersey July 2015
Lowestoft July 2015
Clitheroe June 2015
Southampton June 2015
Market Harborough June 2015
Stotfold May 2015
Isle Of Wight May 2015
Market Harborough May 2015
Leeds May 2015
Sileby April 2015
Stourbridge March 2015
Hednesford March 2015
Penarth March 2015
Bristol February 2015
Hednesford February 2015
Godalming February 2015
Jersey January 2015
Bristol January 2015
Penarth January 2015
Quorn November 2014
Leeds October 2014
Cardiff October 2014
Darlington October 2014
Penarth September 2014
Llandudno Junction July 2014
Bishopstoke (Southampton) June 2014
Chandlers Ford Workshop (23rd November 2019) (Back to top)
Saturday 23rd November and the last workshop in 2019.
a fantastic workshop with an incredible bunch of people.
More to come in 2020.
Chandlers Ford Workshop (18th May 2019) (Back to top)
Saturday 18th May. What a fantastic workshop in Chandlers Ford.
Great venue, big hall and plenty of parking.
Lots of laughs and lots of dancing.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Jackie Tiller and Sharon Lock for organising.
Bicester Workshop (6th April 2019) (Back to top)
Another fantastic workshop in Bicester.
This is a great venue for a workshop and soul do's...
It was great to see some familiar faces coming back for this workshop and to see such improvement was incredible.
The feedback was amazing, thankyou.
Thanks to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Mick Alcock for organising this again and helping me with my bags.
Hereford Workshop (16Th March 2019) (Back to top)
So sorry for the delay in posting this.
What a fantastic day in Hereford. Thanks to Ashley Davies for organising this workshop we all had brilliant day picking up a few techniques to try out on the dance floor.
Bury St Edmunds Workshop (2nd March 2019) (Back to top)
What a fantastic workshop in Bury St Edmunds.
Two ladies came in a little bit late and thought that everyone dancing were all seasoned dancers...!! "No, most of them are complete begginers" I said. They couldn't believe everyone was dancing so well after just a quarter of an hour.
Thanks to everyone who came and a big thanks to Tessa Painter for organising this again.
Sorry I couln't make the evening soul do but I was cold, bored and tired after a couple hours sitting in the car, so I went home..!!
Southampton workshop (16th February 2019) (Back to top)
What an incredible workshop in Southampton today. By far the best slide and glide ever.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Amanda Bitouche for organising.
Banwell Workshop (2nd February 2019) (Back to top)
Saturday 2nd February and I made an extremely early start because of the snow and below freezing temperatures...
I got to the venue in Banwell with plenty of time to spare.
What a great workshop with a really lovely bunch of people.
Thankyou all for coming and a big thanks to Jo Duffy for organising.
Reigate Workshop (26th January 2019) (Back to top)
Saturday 26th January. Fantastic day out in Reigate.
A works outing for some and a few that travelled.
A cracking workshop, great dancing, great enthusiasm.
Thankyou all for coming and thanks to Simon Walter for organising.
Bude Workshop (19th January 2019) (Back to top)
What an incredible start to 2019, with a workshop at the Falcon Hotel in Bude.
A cracking workshop with a great bunch of poeple and old friends that I hadn't seen in years.
Most of the people stayed on for the fantastic and very well attended soul do in the evening.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Dave Salisbury for organising both events.
Bury St Edmunds Workshop (20th October 2018) (Back to top)
What an incredible workshop in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 20th October.
A fantastic venue with a lovely dance floor.
Thanks to everyone who came and a big thanks to Tessa Painter for organising this workshop again.
Tessa quite afew people from the evening do wanted to know when the next one is...!!!
Bristol Workshop (13th October 2018) (Back to top)
The weather was rubbish on Saturday but the workshop was fantastic.
A brilliant crowd of people, your enthusiasm was infectious.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Angie Davis for organising this workshop.
Salisbury Workshop (29th September 2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 29th September and a short journey to Salisbury for the workshop. What an incredible venue, free parking, lovely floor and easy to get to.
Unfortunately only 3 people came so I am going to have to up my game where advertising is concerned....!!!
With that said we had the best day.
Thanks to those who came and a big thankyou to Edward Dear for organising.
We will be back there again around April 2019.
Cheadle Workshop (15th September 2018) (Back to top)
What a fantastic workshop in Cheadle on Saturday 15th September.
There was something for everyone in this workshop and we all had a brilliant day.
thankyou so much Howard Ridge for organising this and thankyou to everyone who came.
Reading Workshop (4th August 2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 4th August. Cracking drive up to Theale near Reading, sun was shinning and no traffic problems.
I love this venue, easy to get to and plenty of parking.
Only a few of us this time, I think the lovely weather kept people away but we had a brilliant day.
Thankyou to everyone who came.
Bury St Edmunds Workshop (28th July 2018) (Back to top)
Lovely drive over to Bury St Edmunds on Saturday.
Fantastic venue, great floor and air conditioned...!!
They have soul do's at this venue, so you know it's going to be good.
A fantastic day trying out some great techniques with a fantastic bunch of people.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Tessa Painter for organising.
We have already organised the next one to coincide with a soul do on the 20th October.
Ipswich Workshop (23rd June 2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 23rd June and a nice clear run to Sproughton near Ipwsich for the workshop. An old Barn, lovely and cool in this summer sun. unfortunately the the dance floor was concrete and not ideal for sliding, spinning and shuffling but we made the best of it and had a fantastic day.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Stuart Lucas for organising.
Cambridge Workshop (9th June 2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 9th June and I'm in Cambridge for the day's workshop.
A lovely venue, just right for what we needed.
We had the honour and privilege of the company of Mick Cooper, who came to do a journalistic review, take photos and interview people from the workshop.
I'm sure we'll see the review pretty soon on FB. Thankyou Mick.
A fantastic workshop, thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Sharon Ankin for organising.
Burley In Wharfedale (2nd June2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 2nd June and I'm out of the door at 6.00am for the long drive to Burley In Wharfedale. Beautiful part of the country.
We had a brilliant workshop, picking up a load of techniques from the dance styles you see on the dance floor.
Thankyou Jim Coulson for organising this as a birthday present to your wife and thanks to everyone who came.
Special thanks to my friend Kath Morgan-Thompson for letting me stay over and taking me dancing...
Brecon Workshop (26th May 2018) (Back to top)
Brecon workshop Saturday 26th May.
No photo for this workshop as I had a bit of a walk from the car park and was limited to what I could carry.
Probably the most fun workshop so far, nearly everyone there new each other and the banter didn't stop from start to finnish. A fantastic day and cracking scenery...!!
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thanks to Amanda Owen for organising.
Cardiff Workshop (5th May 2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 5th May. Lovely sunny day for a trip to Cardiff.
Just a couple of hours for this workshop.
We covered some brilliant moves as confidence grew.
Thankyou to every who came and thanks to Suzanne Duval for organising.
Uffington Workshop (28th April 2018) (Back to top)
What a fantastic venue we had for our workshop in Uffington yesterday.
A great crowd of people and they were so impressed with all the different styles and techniques that we covered.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Ruth De Wilton for organising this event.
Scotland Workshop (21st April 2018) (Back to top)
What an absolutley incredible workshop in Seafield near Bathgate.
An amazing bunch of people that came to understand a little bit of northern soul dancing and nobody went away dissapointed.
Thankyou for all the wonerful comments.
Thankyou to every who came and big thanks to Geraldine Naughton and my Uncle Gordon for organising.
Salisbury Workshop (14th April 2018) (Back to top)
What a brilliant day in Salisbury on Saturday the 14th April. Free parking...
A fantastic bunch of people all getting to grips with sliding & gliding, stomping & shuffling and more than a few spins...
Thanks to every who came and very big thankyou to Edward Dear for organising.
Bicester Workshop (7th April 2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 7th April and I'm in Bicester again for another workshop at this fantastic venue.
Masses of interest, plenty of people came and not just to the workshop, there was a soul do in the evening, so it was back on the dance floor for a lot of people...
A brilliant day with some great people and the evening topped it off.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thanks to Mick Alcock for organising.
We will be back...!!!
Oakham Workshop (31st March 2018) (Back to top)
Fantastic workshop in Oakham on Saturday in the the new Oakham Studio.
Bigger, better and free parking...!!
We had a brilliant day learning loads of different northern soul dance techniques.
Thankyou to everyone who came and big thanks to Sarah Gott for organising this again.
Portsmouth Workshop (24th March 2018) (Back to top)
Just home from Portsmouth and what an amazing workshop.
Great turnout, great dance floor and great people.
We got through so much today the transformation was incredible.
We will be back here again...!!
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thanks to Karen Moon for organising this event again.
See some of you tonight at the Crofton Club.
Bolton Workshop (10th March 2018) (Back to top)
Another fantastic workshop with an amazing bunch of people. The things we're doing in the workshops just seem to get better all the time. They really are geared up for the northern soul dance floor.
Great to see some familiar faces and meet FB freinds.
Big thanks to Brent Howarth for getting us the venue.
Reading Workshop (24th February 2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 24 February and the workshop in Reading is just an hours drive away.
A cracking day with some very funny and lovely people.
Hope to see you again on the 4th August.
We had a brilliant day looking at loads of different dance styles and there were some great spins going on...!!
A great workshop, thankyou to everyone who came and a big thanks to Mark Ide, Marie Conroy and Julia Wells for helping to advertise this event for me.
Saffron Walden Workshop (17th February 2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 17th February and I'm off up to Saffron Walden for the day's workshop.
All motorways clear and the sun was shinning..
A fantastic crowd of pople, who had travelled far and wide to attend the workshop. (One lady came all the way from Derby...!!)
Everyone was eager to get stuck into some northern soul dancing and with such a variety of dance styles on the northern soul dance floor we try to cram as many techniques in as possible, so there is something for everyone.
Thankyou to everyone who came and for the fantastic comments at the end and a big thankyou to Angie Bellany for organising.
Cardiff Workshop (13th January 2018) (Back to top)
Saturday 13th January and the first workshop for 2018.
A fabulous day with everyone getting to grips with all sorts of northern soul dance styles. There was something for everyone.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Sarah Caple for organising this event again and another big thanks to Gary and Mandy for for putting up with me for a few hours after the event.
Portsmouth Workshop (25th November 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 25th November and not too far to travel for the workshop in Portsmouth.
Fantastic day of soulin' with some really lovely people, great venue too.
Thankyou to everyone who came especially the couple who travelled down from Biggleswade..
A big thankyou to Karen Goddard for organising this event.
We are looking at doing this again in March, Karen is going to check availability on the hall, so watch this space..
Blackpool Workshop (4th November 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 4th November and I'm up at the crack of dawn to get myself up to Blackpool for the workshop. Out the door at 5.15 and arrived at 10.00 am. Plenty of time to get set up.
We all had a fantastic day and we also had the pleasure of a visit from the incredible Mr Jon Moss who came to lend a hand, an inspiration to all of us, thanks Jon.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Colin Hand and Angela for organising this workshop.
Bicester Workshop (7th October 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 7th October and a clear run up to Bicester for the day's workshop.
Without a doubt the best workshop I've ever had, sooo many people came and with all the techniques and dance styles we look at, there was something for everyone.
It didn't end there though, Bicester soul club had their soul do on that night in the same venue and the DJ's were fantastic.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Mick Alcock for not only organising the workshop but all the hard work setting up for the soul do in the evening.
We will be back at this venue again.
Leeds Workshop (9th September 2017) (Back to top)
Leeds workshop, Saturday 9th September.
Sorry for the delayed post.
Leeds for me started on Friday evening with the lovely Kath and Ian. Who not only organise the workshop in Leeds but also let me stay over, so I'm nice and fresh for the workshop the next day.
After fish 'n' chips and a nights Soulin' in Wetherby, we're all ready for Saturday's workshop.
What an incredible day, with a fantastic and enthusiastic bunch of people. I'm thrilled you got so much out of the workshop, thanks for all the kind comments at the end.
Thankyou to everyone who came.
Thankyou to the cake ladies for all their lovely baking efforts and a very big thanks to Kath Morgan-Thompson and Ian Thompson for your hospitality and organising this event.
Devon Workshop (26th August 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 26th August and I'm on my way to Dawlish Warren in Devon. The hottest August bank holiday on record...!!!
And I'm there for the whole weekend... Workshop on Saturday afternoon, soul & Motown event in the evening and an all- dayer on Sunday. Plus lots of sightseeing inbetween.
So, back to the workshop, just a few braved the warm weather to learn a few techniques and get on the dance floor.
We had a great day with a great bunch of people.
Thanks to all who came and a big thankyou to Kevin Fitzgerald for organising and a massive thankyou to Dean Handley and all the staff at The Welcome Inn. It certainly lived up to it's name.
Swindon Workshop (12 August 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 12 August. Brilliant workshop in Swindon..
The venue was one of the best venues ever...!!
It would be perfect for an all-nighter.
Easy to get to, didn't even use the sat-nav... and plenty of free parking.
Off to a great start with some simple techniques and not so simple lol...
We looked at different styles of dancing and different types of spins and turns, then it was stomping and shuffling.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Sandra Jeffrey for organising.
Torquay Workshop (29th July 2017) (Back to top)
Torquay workshop... Sorry it's a bit late but we stayed in Torquay for our holiday.
Saturday 29th July. Fantastic day looking at some great techniques and trying out various dance styles. Practicing spins, trying out some stomping and shuffling.
Thanks everyone for coming and thanks again to Jade Ward for organising.
Maidstone Workshop (3rd June 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 3rd June and a lovely problem free drive to Maidstone.
Perfect venue for such a hot day as it was nice and cool inside...
We all had a fantastic day, trying out some great techniques to get the dancing started and the day just seemed to get better and better..
Thankyou to everone who came and a big thankyou to Jill Hinde for organising.
Oakham Workshop (20th May 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 20th May and another fantasic workshop in Oakham.
3rd time at this lovely venue.
The dance studio is run by Sarah Gott and thankyou Sarah for organising this again.
We will be looking to do another one later in the year, so watch this space...!!!
A lovely group of people came to enjoy the days workshop and it was a good 'un... With some terrific dancing spinning and stomping & shuffling.
Thanks to all who came.
Reading Workshop (13th May 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 13th May and we're in Theale village near Reading.
It was a good job I checked the AA Roadwatch before leaving as the M4 was closed, resulting in a few late arrivals..
We soon got on track though and had a fantastic day exploring some great techniques and styles.
Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a lovely day.
Leatherhead Workshop (6th May 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 6th May and a nice trip along the A31 to Great Bookham near Leatherhed.
Lovely venue for the workshop, great floor.
A fantastic day with a fantastic bunch of people, who were so eager and willing to try out all the techniques, with some incredible results.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thanks to Gray Farey and John Miller for organising.
Southampton Workshop (29th April 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 29th April and a nice local venue for me for the Southampton workshop.
Woolston Community Centre was perfect for a workshop, the floor was ace...
We had a fantastic group of people who got so much out of the day with techniques, spins and stomping & shuffling.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a very big thankyou to Vie O'Lette Portland for organising this event.
Exeter Workshop (22nd April 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 22nd April and a day out in Exeter, first for the workshop and then the all-dayer.
Fantastic workshop, third time around for Exeter but the first time in this venue and what a brilliant venue, the floor was supurb... A fantastic workshop, thanks to everyone who came and then everyone who came to the workshop stayed for the dayer..Big thanks to Kevin Fitzgerald, Bryan Pincher Martin and Trevor Nolan for organising the whole day.
Cardiff Workshop (15th April 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 15th April and I'm back down to South Wales.
Cardiff this time and thanks to Steve Biddlecombe for organising this workshop in a great venue.
We had a fab day looking at styles & techniques, spins & turns and stomping & shuffling.
Great day and a fantastic bunch of people, thankyou all for coming
Ludlow Workshop (8th April 2017) (Back to top)
Richards Castle, near Ludlow, Saturday 8th April.
A beautiful sunny day for a drive in the countryside.
Perfect venue for a workshop,
With no basic steps being done anymore at the workshops and just concentrating on different techniques that help you get on the floor, the day was fantastic.
To see so many people that spend their time on side of the dance floor and rarely stepping on it, getting so much out of this workshop was incredible.
Thankyou to James for some inspiration and words of wisdom.
Thanks to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Jayne Swift for organising.
Kettering Workshop (25th March 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 25th March and a lovely sunny drive up to Kettering for the days workshop.
A brilliant day, great turnout, lovely venue and a great bunch of people.
The day was filled with some great techniques that help you get straight on the dance floor, then we added a few different moves here and there. Onto some spins and finishing off with some stomping and shuffling.
Thanks to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Diana Patrick for organising.
Torquay Workshop (11th March 2017) (Back to top)
Booked a hotel for this workshop in Torquay so we could go to the model village on Sunday morning...
What an incredible weekend and a fantastic workshop. Definitely be going back. Thanks Jade Ward for organising and to everyone who came.
Cardiff Workshop (28th January 2017) (Back to top)
Saturday 28th January and it's the first workshop of 2017. Off to South Wales again for a workshop near Cardiff.
A fantastic start the new year, looking at various dance styles, a few techniques, some spinning and stomping & shuffling.
Then with a couple of hours to spare before the soul do got under way, it was off to weatherspoons with Anna Renata for a bite to eat.
a big thankyou to everyone who came and a special thankyou to Sarah Caple for organising the workshop and a really cracking soul do.
Yeovil Workshop (10th December 2016) (Back to top)
Last workshop for 2016 and I'm Yeovil bound.
We cut the workshop down to 2 hours, as there was just a few people but we managed quite a few techniques, a few spins and some shuffling, so all in all not too bad at all.
Thanks Alex Dixie for organising.
Greatham Workshop (19th November 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 19th November and the workshop is in a small Hampshire village called Greatham, only a 45 min drive for me..
A fantastic day with an great bunch of people.
Off to a great start with an easy technique that helps you get straight on the dance floor. Then onto a 'slightly' more difficult technique that helps with the sliding and gliding style of dancing.
After a look at one of the more technical steps it was onto the spins, nicely done, very impressive. Then came the stomping & shuffling.
A really great day and a soul do in Farnborough in the evening, which quite a few of you came to.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thanks to Maria Davy for organising. We will be back here in 2017.
Wigan Workshop (5th November 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 5th November and I'm up and out at silly O'clock (5.30 am)
to make my way up to Wigan.
Off to a great start with an easy technique that helps you get straight on the dance floor. Then onto a 'slightly' more difficult technique that helps with the sliding and gliding style of dancing.
After break we looked at a more technical dance step, then it was onto the spins and turns, some lovely spins going on here.
Last break and it's stomping and shuffling time. Fantastic side shuffle and backward stomping going on. Well done.
Thankyou to every one who came and a big thankyou to Karen McLean for organising and Chris Taylor for all your advertising.
Oakham Workshop (29th October 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 29th October and I'm back in Oakham for the days workshop.
Off to a great start with a nice little technique that goes a long way to getting you straight onto the dance floor.
Followed closely with another technique that has you gliding accross the floor.
After the first break we looked at one of the more popular dance steps and then it was onto the spins..
Last break and it's stomping and shuffling time. You cracked the backward stomping..!!! Well done.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Sarah Gott for organising this workshop again.
Warrington Workshop (15th October 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 15th October and it's up the M6 to Warrington for the day's workshop.
Off to a great start with a little bit of acting on my part, to help with a nice little dance step. Onto some basic steps and the simlicity of turning whilst dancing.
Then a great little technique, that is unique to northern soul..!!
Onto the spins... nicely done, now just have to practice..
Last bit of the day and it's time for some stomping and shuffling, some great movers in this section.
Thanks to James Whitehead for all your help.
Thankyou to every one came along and a big thanks to Gary Bellerby and Loveday Bellerby for organising.
Leeds Workshop (8th October 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 8th October and another fantastic workshop in Leeds.
I was nice and fresh as I'd driven up on Friday and stayed with the lovely Ian and Kath Morgan-Thompson, who organised this event (again).
Off to great start with a nice little technique that's a big help getting on the dance floor, looking good from the start.
Then onto some basics and another great technique that gets you gliding across the floor. Onto the spins and then some stomping and shuffling, we had enough time at the end to try out a few jumps and drops.
All in all a great day, thankyou all for coming and again a big thankyou to Ian and Kath.
Exeter Workshop (1st October 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 1st October, destination, Exeter for a 2nd workshop at this venue.
Off to a fantastic start with some relatively easy techniques that can help get you straight on the dancfloor.
After looking at another (slightly more difficult) technique, it was onto some basic dance steps.
Back to the start again, so as not to forget the technique, just up the tempo a little bit..!!
Onto the spins and turns and mixing them 'effortlessly' into the dancing...!!
Finishing up with some stomping and shuffling.
A great day, thankyou everyone for coming and a big thankyou to Kevin Fitzgerald for organising this event again.
Northampton Workshop (17th September 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 17th September and I'm off up to Northampton for the days workshop, lovely venue.
Off to a great start with a few techniques that everyone got stuck right into, with a few little extra moves here and there.
Then onto a technical basic step, everybody was doing so well, we had to up the tempo, well done.
We started on the spins and turns and there were some really good spins going on.
Onto the stomping and shuffling, most of you managed to keep up and there was some lovely dancing at the end.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Geof Connolly for organising.
Cardiff Workshop (10th September 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 10th September and Cardiff is the destination for the workshop.
Vehical fire on the M4 held me up for 1/2 an hour but made it...!!!!
We all had a fantastic day looking at different styles and techniques, then at a couple of dance steps, spins and turns and then onto some stomping and shuffling. So much to fit in but we managed some time at the end for jumps, drops and high kicks.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thanks to Sarah Caple for organising this event again.
Nottingham Workshop (3rd September 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 3rd September and I'm up and out the door at 6.30am, arrive in Nottingham at 10.00am all ready for the days workshop (and Blackhearts allnighter in the evening)
Off to a fantastic start with some great techniques and chatting about different styles of daning and trying them out, sliding, gliding, stepping, bouncing, skipping.Then looking at different moves to add to the dancing to give it some variety.
After break we looked at one of the more popular dance steps and then it was time for the spins and with the help of Etta James and her 'Mellow Fellow' we had a great opportunity to practice.
Last break and stomping and shuffling time...nicely done.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Jean Truman for organising this for the 3rd time.
Bristol Workshop (20th August 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 20th August and Bristol bound...
Great venue for a workshop and a soul do.
We started off the day with a technique that seems to work so well because of it's simplicity. A fantastic start to the day... A few more techniques before we had our break and then onto some basic steps and spins.
Another break and it's time for the stomping and shuffling. Well done everyone.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Serrie-justine Chapman for not only organising the workshop but also the soul do in the evening.
I even managed a little walk around the centre of Bristol, lovely place.
North Wales Workshop (13th August 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday August 13th and it's back up to Trefnant Village North Wales for another workshop at this lovely venue.
Kinda mixing thinks up a bit now, so we got started with some relatively easy techniques that should get you straight onto the dance floor...
Onto some basics and then a few more techniques.
We had some very good spinners in this class...well done.
Saving the best 'till last it was stomping and shuffling.
I think I need to tell the ladies to wear sports bra's....!!!!
Fantastic day, thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Carol Hughes for organising.
Oakham Workshop (16th July 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 16th July.
What a fantastic workshop in Oakham. A great turnout and a lovely dance studio.
So straight on with some basic steps before looking at some techniques. Then it was on to the spins and putting them together with the dance steps. Nicely done..
On to the stomping & shuffling, it's great when so many people get to grips with backward stomping, not as hard as it looks....!!!
A really good workshop, thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Sarah Gott for organising.
Reading Workshop (11th June 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 11th June and it's Theale village Hall near Reading for the days workshop. We've been here a few times now and it's a fantastic venue.
A great crowd of people came along to put themselves through their paces, we had a really good day, learning some basic dance steps and loads of technical stuff. The spins were fantastic, especially when we put on Etta James 'Mellow Fellow' and tried them out in the breaks.
And when it came to the stomping and shuffling, you didn't let a little bit of very warm weather put you off...!!! Well done.
Thankyou to Julia Wells for organising this one again, although unfortunately couldn't be with us.
Thankyou to everyone who came.
Worthing Workshop (21st May 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 21st May and I'm on my way to Worthing for the days workshop. Not too far for me.
What a fantastic venue...!! They also hold soul events there and I can see why, nice big venue with an amazing sprung dance floor.
(next event Friday 3rd June)
We had a brilliant day, working through basic steps, techniques, stomping and shuffling.....and oh... I nearly forgot about the spins 'doh'..
I've already had loads of requests for another one.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Natasha Gilliam for organising.
Northampton Workshop (7th May 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 7th May and a nice drive up to Northampton (no roadworks..!!).
A lovely venue for a workshop, plus much needed air con'...
We started off with some basic steps and pretty much had that covered by first break.
Then it was onto some techniques. Probably the best group I've seen so far, commiting themselves to this section - you could all hold your own on any northern soul dance floor.
Then we tried some spins - nice work.
After the second break came the stomping and shuffling, starting off with some fairly easy techniques then moving on to some of the more technical steps.
All in all a brilliant day. Thankyou Liam Cahill for organising
Bletchley Workshop (16th April 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 16th April and it's crazy weather day for the trip up to Bletchley, Milton Keynes, rain, sleet, snow and sunshine..!!!
Plenty of people braved the weather for the days workshop though and what a brilliant day we had.
As usual staring off with one of the more popular dance steps, breaking it down, trying a few little extra bits here and there.
After break we looked at a few techniques and tried them out on the dance floor. Then came the spins and a nice little back turn, which took us up to the second break, when it was time for some stomping and shuffling.
I have never had a group of poeple so quick to pick upthese dance dance stepseverybody flew through this section and when I put on 'The Bottle' by Gil Scott-Heron, the dancing was amazing- well done.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Lisa J Megraw for organising.
Exeter Workshop (9th April 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 9th April and we're on our way to Exeter for the day's workshop.
We started off with one of the more popular dance steps and we played around with it a little bit, trying out a few different things and before we knew it, it was time for break.
After break it was onto some basic techniques, this went down really well and the dancing that came from this was so good - wel done everybody. Onto some spins and adding them to the dance moves (Etta James 'Mellow Fellow' always helps with this).
Second break and it's time for some stomping and shuffling.. Plenty of stamina in this group - I think we might see a few more stompers on the dance floor, well done all.
Thankyou everybody who came and a big thankyou to Kevin Fitzgerald for organising.
Keep an eye on here for the next one later in the year.
Morecambe Workshop (2nd April 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 2nd April and I'm up before the crack of dawn and making my way up to Morecambe for the days workshop.
What a fatastic day and a fantastic turnout.
We started off with some of the basic steps , adding bits to it here and there, great job everyone.
After break we took a look at some of the styles and techniques, then it was onto the spins.
After a short break it was time for the stomping and shuffling. No lightweights in this class.
A great day, thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Emma Thornton ૐ for organising.
We will be doing this one again.
Cardiff Workshop (19th March 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 19th March and I'm on my way to Cardiff the days workshop. We had a fantastic day, starting off with some basic dance steps, nicely done everyone.
Then after the first break we started looking at some of the techniques, then it was onto the spins and incorperating them with the dancing. After looking at another basic dance step we had a short break before we started on the stomping and shuffling, that's when we had to open the doors...!!!
Coming to the end of the session we had a little look at some kicks and drops.
A great day, thankyou all for coming and a big thankyou to Sarah Caple for organising.
Stourbridge Workshop (13th February 2016) (Back to top)
Wow that was a full on weekend... With the workshop in Stourbridge during the day, which me and Jane Salmons organised to coincide with the Crystal soul club all-nighter that same night, all in all a great day and night.
A great turnout for the workshop and a few familiar faces that had been to previous workshops around the country.
We started off with the most popular dance steps. Upping the tempo before the first break to really get the practice in, It certainly paid off.
After break we had a look at the way people float and gluide across the dance floor, with a few helpfull techniques thrown in.
Then it was onto the spins.
After the last break we did a bit of stomping and shuffling. Then we had a look at a few 'add on' moves and how to fit them into the dancing.
A great day but it wasn't over yet, we had a nighter to go to and a few people from the workshop came along to the Crystal Soul Club, with a cracking dance floor and fantastic tunes, it really was a fantastic night and I managed to keep going until 5 am...!!
Thankyou to everyone who came to the workshop and a big thankyou to Jane Salmons for organising and thanks also to Jay Lewis and all the organisers and dj's for the nighter.
Lowestoft Workshop (9th & 10th January 2016) (Back to top)
Saturday 9th January
Sunday 10th January
What a fantastic start to 2016...!!! Saturday 9th January and I'm up and out bright and early for two days of workshops in Gillingham near Beccles in Norfolk. Both workshops were brilliant with a great bunch of people on both the Saturday and Sunday.
We kind of followed the same format both days, starting of with some basics and then moving on to some technical moves, then it was onto the spins, followed by stomping and shuffling.
Everyone had a really good day on both days and there was the added bonus of a soul do on the Saturday evening, so putting everything into practice was the icing on the cake.
Thankyou to everyone who came along on both days and a big thankyou to Nigel N Gill not only for organising this fantastic weekend but also for feeding me and giving me a very comfy bed for the night x
Clitheroe Workshop (12th December 2015) (Back to top)
Saturday 12th December. Up and on at the crack of dawn for a 41/2 hour drive up to Clitheroe (rain all the way).
With the temperature dropping to 2 degrees and the rain not letting up, I thought we were going to have a quiet day.!! Wrong. Plenty of people braved the cold and rain to come to the workshop and they were so glad they did, we all had a fantastic day.
From learning a few basic steps to gain a bit of confidence on the dance floor, to a few techniques about moving around the floor - how to spin and thentherewas the stomping and shuffling. From technical stuff to techniques.
Thankyou to everyone who braved the weather to come along, I hope you all made it back ok.. The roads were so flooded when I left, I didn't know if I was going to make it to the M6...!!!
And a big thankyou to Jack Nowicki for organising this workshop again, a great day.
Brighton Workshop (5th December 2015) (Back to top)
Saturday 5th December. An incredible workshop in Brighton.
We started off, as usual with some basic steps and learned how to turn whilst dancing. Then we started exploring the lovely sliding, gliding techniques that you see so often on the dance floor, you all looked amazing.
Learning how to spin is great but putting it into your dancing takes a little bit more effort, I like to use Etta Jame's 'Mellow Fellow' because of the breaks to help get the practice in, a massive well done, plenty of people getting to grips with spinning in the breaks.
Onto the stomping and shuffling - really nice to see so many people backward stomping at the same time.
The last part of the day, Kicks, jumps and drops - not as difficult as you thought !!!!
Thankyou everybody for a really good day and a big thankyou to Christine Marsh for organising.
Wigan Workshop (21st November 2015) (Back to top)
First of all can I apologise for the delay in posting this. I've been frantically decorating before the arrival of the carpet (nearly finished !!)
So, Saturday 21st November and Me and James Whitehead make our way to Hindley near Wigan, to a lovely dance studio.
There was a bit of a chill in the air, so we got straight on with some dancing to get ourselves warmed up.
After a while James took everyone through some excersices that looked at balance through movement and so much more, very enlightening and very well received James, thankyou.
On to the spins and turns, There were quite a few people surprised at how well they did with the spins and nicely added to the dancing..
Time for the stomping and Shuffling and again high levels of dancing, very impressed.
Thankyou to everyone who came and the comments at the end were amazing,thankyou.
A big thankyou to Christine Taylor for organising and then spending the evening with us, dancing our sock off at Horwich RMI.
Yeovil Workshop (14th November 2015) (Back to top)
Saturday 14th November and a very wet and windy drive to Yeovil. What a lovely venue and a good turnout.
We got straight down to business and breezed through the basics, it started to get a little tricky when I upped the tempo though...!!
After the first break we had a lookat some techniques and then it was onto to the spins.
Last break and it's stomping and shuffling time. I was absolutley gobsmacked, I've never seen so many people get the get the backward stomp so quickly, it was amazing...
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Alex Dixie for organising.
Manchester Workshop (24th October 2015) (Back to top)
Saturday 24th October. We're up and out at 6.00 am for the trek up to Manchester. No roadworks again 'YAY'...After a couple of stops, we made it to our destination just after 10.30 am.
We had a good crowd and we got straight into learning some of the basic steps and a few techniques, all before the first break.
Then it was over to James who showed everyone an array of excercises to get their bodies spinning and understanding balance and loads of other helpful tips.
Then it was back to me for the last bit, stomping and shuffling, nice work everyone.
A fantastic day, thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Maria Lyttle Garside for organising.
Stourbridge Workshop (17th October 2015) (Back to top)
Saturday the 17th October Stourbridge. A 2 1/2 hour trip no road works 'yay' !!!
This is the second time we've been to Clent Village. Unfourtunately the ladie that organised this event (Jane Salmons) couldn't attend, because of work commitments, but a very big thankyou Jane, we all had a really productive day.
Everybody picked the steps up pretty quickly and when we looked at some of the techniques, the dancing just turned into something else!!!
After learning and practicing a few spins, we used Etta James - Mellow fellow (because of the clear and concise breaks) to dance to and try and get the spins in, a little bit hesitant at first but by the end of the song 'WOW'!
Stomping and shuffling, again after learning and practicing a wide variety of steps the dancing was incredible.
Thakyou to everyone who came it really was a fantastic day.
Deal Workshop (10th October 2015) (Back to top)
Saturday 10th October and after a 3 hour drive, I'm in the beautiful town of Deal on the Kent coast.
1) Find venue 2) Park the car 3) Set up 4) Wait for everyone to arrive.
The venue was a good size, with a nice wooden dance floor and we got stuck right in to learning the steps and the easy bit, learning to turn. We got through quite a lot before the first break and when we came back, it was onto the more technical steps and then the spins, after the next break we were stopming and shuffling.
Thankyou to everyone who came and thanks to Peter A. Crascall for organising and a big thanks to Tony Wickenden for all of your advertising on my behalf.
It was fantastic to see so many people from the workshop at the soul do in the evening.
Leeds Workshop (3rd October 2015) (Back to top)
After travelling up to Leeds on Friday and staying with Ian & Kath Morgan-Thompson. We all went dancing at a fantastic local soul do at Moortown for a few hours.
Saturday and we're well rested and ready for the day's workshop, our 3rd at this lovely venue.
We all had a fantastic day picking up some great dance steps, spins and shuffling. I think a few people surprised themselves with their capability at stomping and shuffling.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyouto Kath Morgan-Thompson for organising.
Keep checking the website for the next one in Leeds.
Skegness Weekend (26th & 27th September 2015) (Back to top)
Another incredible weekend in Skegness.
The workshops in The Crazy Horse on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday were fantastic. Packed out on both days, thankyou to everyone who came along and a big thankyou to Diane Herring for all the technical help.
Loads of dancing all over the weekend in various locations... By Sunday evening I was finished, legs were like jelly.
Thanks to Russ Winstanley, another cracking weekend.
Thanks to Jackie Whitehead for getting the shower to give me some hot water.
And thanks to Fay L Jones and Les for the bedtime stories.
Essex workshop (19th September 2015) (
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Saturday 19th September and I'm on the M25 heading for Stanford Le Hope in Essex.
The Old Regent Ballroom is a supurb venue with a sprung wooden dance floor.
A bit of a late start for this one as the hall was being used up untill 2pm.
We soon got into the swing of thing though, learning some basic steps and trying them out to some great tunes. Onto the spins next and then trying to make them work with the dance steps. Then we were picking up some great stomping and shuffling moves and trying them out to tunes like Nolan Porter - Keep On Keeping On and Billy Davis - Stanky Get Funky.
An incredible turnout, thankyou all for coming and a big thankyou to Danny Peach for organising this event and for advertising.
We all had a wonderful day but it wasn't over...!!! There was just enough time for a bite to eat and freshen up and we were back again for the KTF northern soul do.
Topped the day off nicely.
Scotland workshop (5th September 2015) (Back to top)
The journey for the workshop in Scotland (Seafield) started on Thursday evening for me. I set off straight after the class in Portsmouth and made my way to Derbyshire (avoiding all the overnight road closures).
Friday morning after a good rest, I'm on my way to Bonnie Scotland..
After a good rest and a good nights sleep I'm all set for the days workshop and what a great turn out and a great bunch of people. We had an amazing venue with a lovely dance floor.
We got straight on with learning the basic northern soul dance steps, starting off with the easy stuff and then moving on to the more challenging steps. Then we were adding all the little extras that you see so often on the dance floor.
After practicing some spins we were adding them to the dance steps, really well done. On to the shuffling and again job well done.
A fantastic day, thankyou everyone who came and a big thankyou to my Uncle Gordon for organising the venue for me.
Market Harborough workshop (22nd August 2015) (Back to top)
Hot and humid at Market Harborough for Saturday's workshop.
What a great turnout...
a few familiar faces coming back for a refresher...
Everybody had a fantastic day, picking up a few dance steps here and there. Getting to grips with the spins and well done to all of you for shuffling in the humidity....!!!
I will try and organise some more dates at this venue for next year.
Thankyou it was a brilliant day.
Reading Workshop (15 August 2015) (Back to top)
Second time around for this great venue in Theale village near Reading.
A bit of a late start as people were stuck in traffic..
We were soon up and running though, working our way through some basic steps... After the first break we were onto the turns, spins, add on bits and a bit of freestyle. Another break and we were onto the stomping and shuffling, not for the faint hearted...!!! Then Kicks and drops, a lot of interest in that bit...!!
Thankyou to everyone who came, Michaela Bodnarová and her daughter all the way from Prague, they had a fantastic day.
And a big thankyou to Julia Wells for organising.
Nottingham Workshop (8th August 2015)
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Another fantastic venue for our workshop in Nottingham on Saturday.
After working our way through some of the basic steps (which you all picked up pretty quickly), we started taking it up a notch and moving in different directions with the dance steps.
Then it was onto the shuffling... WOW you got that....
Onto the spins next and a big thankyou to James Whitehead for your insight and guidance, you really opened our eyes and gave us all a good basis to go away and practice our spins.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Jean Truman for organising.
North Wales Workshop (1st August 2015) (Back to top)
Up and out bright and early for the long trip to Trefnant Village Hall, North Wales and what an amazing day it turned out to be. Cracking venue,perfect for a workshop.
Some of the people walking through the door early on looked a bit nervous....!!! That didn't last long...
It was good humoured banter from start to finish, with a few dance steps thrown in for good measure.
A huge thankyou to Carol Hughes for organising this venue (and she's promised to organise another one again next year.)
Thankyou to everyone who came, you all made it a fantastic day
Jersey Workshop (18th July 2015)
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Great to be back in Jersey for another workshop and a holiday...
A fantastic day. James Whitehead started everybody off with some great moves/exersises to help get your whole body moving to the music.
Then it was over to me to guide people through some of the more technical dance steps. After that we were adding extra moves to the dance steps and changing direction whilst dancing, You all looked amazing.
On to the spins and then how to add them to your dance steps.
After the last break it was time for some stomping and shuffling.
How good did you do with that, well done.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Diane Bowen for organising this event a second time.
Lowestoft Workshop (4th July 2015) (Back to top)
What an incredible day in Gillingham near Lowestoft. An amazing bunch of people. Most had never even been on the northern soul dance floor before, just standing on the side lines, watching with awe...
Well I hope now that will all change....
You all picked up those basics steps so quickly, It was fantastic to watch you all dancing, you could have been at a soul do anywhere in the country....
Thankyou all for coming and a very big thankyou to Nigel N Gill for organising.
Look out for the next workshop in Gillingham on Saturday 9th January 2016 with a soul do on at the same venue in the evening.
Clitheroe Workshop (27th June 2015) (Back to top)
Cracking day in Clitheroe. Another amazing venue...!!
With thick walls and a high ceilling, it stayed nice and cool inside with the sun blazing away outside. Not forgetting to mention the excellent dance floor..
We worked our way through some of the basic steps and with so many people there I was very gratefull for some extra help from Ian & Kath Morgan-Thompson and James Whitehead.
After the first break we moved away from the technical stuff and started to explore a few techniques, which went down very well... Then we were onto the the spins and turns.
After the next break it was time for some stomping and shuffling.
James got every one shuffling, You all looked fantastic, see how easy that technique was...!!
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thanks to Jack Nowicki for organising and promoting.
A big thankyou to Ian and Kath. And to James who is an absolute inspiration to myself and to the people attending the workshops.
Southampton Workshop (13thJune 2015) (Back to top)
It's been a year since we started doing the workshops, with the first one in Southampton and here we are back again a year later.
A fantastic day with a great bunch of people.
We made our way through some of the basic steps, then onto some different styles and techniques and then we were spinning.... With some stomping and shuffling bringing us to end of the day.
So glad you all enjoyed it so much, thankyou.
Market Harborough Workshop (6th June 2015)
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Not many this time at Market Harborough (more advertising needed)...!!
A fantastic class all the same and a terrific venue, we had a great day, learning all the technical stuff in the first part and then onto the fun stuff with some techniques to help turn those dance steps into something special on the dance floor, with a few spins thrown in. Then in the last bit it was onto some shuffling with a few tunes at the end to practice with....
Lovely day, thankyou to everyone who came.
Stotfold Worshop (30 May 2015) (Back to top)
Friday night and I'm back at the very exclusive Hotel De Mum & Dad, very fine eatablishment, they don't let anyone in....!!!!
Next morning I'm at my sister's (as she's the one who organised the venue for the workshop) and we make our way to Stotfold Memorial Hall,
another great venue, nice and big and airy with a wooden dance floor, perfect...
We had a really lovey bunch of people that came for this workshop, some had travelled a good distance to be there.
We had a great day picking up some great dance steps and just having fantastic day..
Thankyou to everyone who came and big thankyou to Siobhan Beech my Sister for organising.
Isle Of Wight Workshop (23 May 2015) (Back to top)
Fantastic day out on the Isle Of Wight.
Caught the ferry bright and early (7am) sun was shinning and the sea was calm...
I made my way to Freshwater, another lovely venue.
We all had a fantastic day discovering some great dance steps and a whole load of other stuff.
This event was so popular that we're planning on doing it twice a year so keep an eye out for the next one.
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thanks to Rachael Parsloe for organising..
Market Harborough Workshop (9th May 2015) (Back to top)
After staying at the prestigious Hotel De Mum & Dad on Friday night (Not too far from where I needed to be). I made my way along the A14 towards Market Harborough.
The first of 3 workshops booked at this venue.
We all had a brilliant day picking up dance steps and helpful tips, trying out our spins and a little bit of stomping and shuffling.
Thanks to everybody who came, you all made it a fantastic day and thankyou to Penny Farnsworth for organising.
Leeds Workshop (2nd May 2015) (Back to top)
Saturday 2nd May and We're heading northbound again on the M1 (will they ever finish the roadworks...!!!)..
Second time around for a workshop in Leeds, great venue by the way.
Another massive turnout, some people travelling quite a few miles to be there. (and some leaving early to get to the Tower Weekender in Blackpool...)
A fantastic day with a great bunch of people excited and eager to pick up either some basic dance steps, spins or stomping, or just to pick up some new techniques.
Thankyou to everybody who came and a big Thankyou to Kath Morgan-Thompson for organising this event again.
Sileby Workshop (18th April 2015)
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Saturday 18th April and we're at Sileby near Loughborough for another great workshop.
What a fantastic venue..
The first part of the day saw us executing the basic dance steps and very well done too...!!
After the first break it was onto the shuffling, I think a few of you surprised yourselves there, job well done. Then more dance steps and a few other moves.
Then onto the spins for the last part of the day, again a few of you had talents you weren't even aware of...!!
A fantastic day, thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to John Morgan for organising this venue for us.
Stourbridge Workshop (21st March 2015) (Back to top)
Every now and then you get to a venue to do a workshop and it's so popular that people have travelled miles to get there... This was one of those workshops...!!!
It was buzzing from start to finnish, one young lady was so thrilled she learnt how to do the backward stomp, she couldn't stop grinning for the rest of the day...!!!!
James had everone in fits of laughter with his antics on the dance floor, whilst showing us a few techniques..
A fantastic day, Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou to Jane Salmons for organising..
Hednesford Workshop (20th March 2015)
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Friday afternoon and we're on our way to Hednesford for our second mini workshop. After slowly making our way through the traffic, we got to our destination with plenty of time to spare.
Another succesful evening with good humoured banter throughout and lots of very well executed dance steps, a brilliant night enjoyed by all.
Thankyou to Steve Keegan for inviting us along
Penarth Workshop (14th March 2015)
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Cracking day in Penarth, again....
After a few warm up excersises and we were straight in with some shuffling..
(I don't think they new what hit 'em....!!)
With everyone warmed up, we breezed through a few basics steps and threw in some spins and turns.
A few poeple had to leave half way through, becuase of prior commitments, so the rest of us carried on brushing up on the dance steps and loads of stomping/shuffling.
Every went home Knackered and smiling...!! Job done lol.
Thanks again to Shelley Norton for organising.
Bristol Workshop (28th February 2015) (Back to top)
This was the second time around for this workshop in Portishead near Bristol.
And quite a few came back for a 'refresher'... because they 'couldn't remember everything'. Well there is a lot to take in, in just a few hours.
Everyone got through the basics pretty quickly, I think maybe because so many had been to the previous workshop.
After practicing a few spins and some easy turns, we turned our attention to how to change from one dance step into another or into a spin and back again..
Some proved to be easier than others.
Finally we reached the part of the day where we start stomping and shuffling. Everbody joined in and there were some really good shuffling moves being displayed..
Thankyou to everyone who came and a big thankyou again to Caroline for organising.
Hednesford workshop (Friday 27th February 2015) (Back to top)
Friday morning and I'm on the road again heading northbound and the M1 is doing it's thing again 'long delays ahead'...!!! So off I go on a lovely detour of the english countryside.
I pick up my partner in crime and we set off for Hednesford and the very nice Aquarius Ballroom, where they have set a room aside for us to do a short 2 hour workshop.
Although we didn't have alot of time and we had to whizz along at a good speed, everyone had a great time and picked up some of the basic steps and went away with a few ideas to try out on the dance floor.
Thankyou to Steve Keegan for organising and thankyou to everybody that came.
Fiona & James
Godalming Workshop (Saturday 21st February 2015) (Back to top)
Saturday 21st February and I'm on my way to Godalming for a workshop.
To my surprise in walk Mark Etherington & Alison Etherington who have been coming to lessons since we started way back in November 2010.
So with 2 extra pairs of helpful hands, we were off and running. Working our way through the basic dance steps and moving onto spins and all the other bits and pieces that help make up northern soul dacing.
There were quite a few brave souls still standing at the end of the day that were ready and willing to try some stomping and shuffling. definitely a few surprises there..!!!! Well done.
Thankyou to everyone who came and thankyou to Emmy Lou for organising and a big thankyou to Mark & Alison for all your help, very much appriciated.
Jersey Workshop (Saturday 24th January 2015). (Back to top)
Jersey Workshop (above)
Friday 23rd January is the beginning of an absolutey incredible weekend. Started off with a very quick flight from Southampton to Jersey, where I was picked up by our lovely hostess for the weekend, Diane Bowen, who then went out of her way to pick James up later that day.
Friday night we were treated to a lovely meal and got to meet some of the local soulies.
Saturday onto the workshop, a big thankyou to Louis Bowen for ferrying us around. There was an enourmous interest in northern soul dancing on the island and even with 2 of us we had our work cut out. We all had a fantastic day and some great dancing shinning out, especially the stomping and shuffling later in the day. James has such a unique way of getting people to understand movement and dance, he really helped make this workshop exciting.
Thankyou to everyone who attended and for all the positive comments at the end of the day. A big thankyou Diane Bowen and Louie Bowen for all you hard work and making all of this happen, very much appreciated.
The day didn't end there though... There was a northern soul do put on especially to coincide with the workshop, to give people a chance to try out the the steps they'd learnt that day on the dance floor. The place was packed, a great success, well done to all involved. We were constantly being asked 'when are you coming again'.
Well we loved it so much we plan to come over again in the summer, so watch this space for the date..
Bristol Workshop (Saturday 17th January 2015).
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Bristol Workshop (above)
Bristol workshop. I'm back on the M4, this time through sleet and snow, on my way to Portishead near Bristol.
A fantastic venue with a lovely floor and a great crowd of people, ready willing and eager to learn some of the fantastic basic dance steps we see on the northern soul dance floor.
A fantastic day with good humoured banter throughout. Plenty of people getting to grips with the steps and ready to take them onto the dance floor.
Thankyou to everyone who came, you made it a cracking day and a big thankyou to Caroline for organising.
Penarth Workshop (Saturday 10th January 2015).
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Penarth Workshop (above)
First workshop of 2015 Penarth, South Wales
What a fantastic start to the new year... After a very gusty drive along the M4 with winds up to 50mph (both hands on the steering wheel) I found myself in warm sunshine and a very warm welcome from Ian who helps keep everything ticking over at the ex-servicemens club in Penarth.
We had an amazing day learning the basics and brushing up on other skills, namely spins and stomping (with a few backdrops and half splits from the brave...!!!)
Another great workshop, thankyou to everybody that came and for all the great comments at the end.
But the day didn't end there, as with every workshop we do in Penarth, it coincides with Penarth soul club putting on there soul night. What an enormously successful night this is. They were full to capacity within 30mins of the doors opening.
Well done to Shelley Norton And Liam Curtin
Quorn Workshop (Saturday 1st November 2014).
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Quorn Workshop (above)
Saturday 1st November saw at Quorn, near Loughborough for the last workshop of the year. One of the best venues. A village hall with a very spacious hall, wooden dance floor and stage.. (A fantastic venue for a soul night...!!!)
Again people travelled miles from all over the place to attend - thankyou.
I had been informed beforehand that there was a huge interest in learning how to stomp and shuffle. So before we got started on learnig the dance steps we took some time out to stretch our muscles...
After working through quite a few basic dance steps (and very nicely executed too) we were ready for a break - and to prepare ourselves for the high energy fast pace dancing that is stomping and shuffling.
Before starting we worked through a few techniques and had a bit of fun, then the hard work began. I've never seen so many people doing the backward stomp so well at the same time -'impressive' (should have recordrd it). With so many stomps and shuffles to learn, we had to cut it short and go back to the more gentle pace of the basic dance steps, before having another breakand cracking on with the rest of the stomping.
A great day had by all. A big thankyou to John Morgan for organising this event and thankyou to everyone who came and made it such a great workshop.
The group photo was taken before the stomping and shuffling!!!
Comments from the Quorn workshop.
"Thank you everyone for making it such a wonderful, friendly workshop to be a part of. I came away from it with a big smile on my face and highly motivated to practise to Fiona's DVD while at home. It was truly great to chat and have a laugh with many of you. Those of you who went to the Northern Soul night in Loughborough, I hope you have a smashing time! Although I came from Brighton, I have no probs with coming back up to the Midlands again for a workshop some time, so I might see you again!"
Kuen
"Thank you Fiona, we a had fab time and learnt so much more than I expected. KTF everyone and KOKO."
Russell
"I must say that thanks to the workshop i was dancing with alot of confidence at the Loughborough Northern Soul nite.I,ll need alot more practice but as they say Rome wasn,t built in a day lol.Thanks Fiona for a great lesson."
David
"Amazing day! x."
Laura
"Had a great day and even managed a few dances later that night.. Thanks everyone."
Sharon
"Wonderful day."
Little Anthony
"Great day..learnt a lot. Aching muscles today though!"
Mark
"Fantastic day - also have aching calf muscles today. I'm looking into organising a workshop with Fiona in March in the West Midlands. Hope some of you will be able to come."
Jane
"Had a fantastic day. Fiona is one of those rare individuals who is not just a great dancer but also a wonderful teacher. She broke all the moves down for us and patiently helped those (like me!) who struggled at times until we´d mastered each step. Her easy to follow DVD has really helped consolidate what I learnt at the workshop. Don´t be afraid to go on your own, I did and met lots of lovely people who have since kept in touch. Thanks Fiona, please come back next year!"
Sally
Leeds Workshop (back to top)
Leeds Workshop (above)
After heading up north yet again (well everywhere is north for me), I found myself in those poxy M1 roadworks again....!!!
I arrived at my destination with plenty of time to spare and there was the hostess for the day Kath Morgan-Thompson putting up posters.
The day got off to a great start and just got better and better, we even had a handfull of 'non soulies' come along to see what it was all about (proper converts now). They loved it.
Quick learners that lot from Leeds and the surrounding areas, They breezed through most of the steps and just wanted more.
After the stomping and shuffling I think they had had enough, so I sent them all home sweating but with smiles on their faces.
Big thankyou to Kath for organising and thanks to everyone who came.
Cardiff Workshop (Back to top)
Cardiff workshop (above)
An amazing day in Cardiff.
We had a packed room with people coming from as far as Birmingham to join in the workshop. Everyone was really enthusiastic right from the start, although a few fell by the wayside by the end of the session.
A great day, loads of dance steps mastered, some lovely spins and a few fantastic stompers with quite a few in the making (you know who you are)!
Thanks to Tracey Francis for organising the event and thankyou to all who came.
Some lovely comments at the end of the session.. Thankyou.
Comments From Taffs Well, Cardiff.
"I can not recommend Fiona Smith enough. Today she came to Cardiff for one of her workshops and it was amazing. She broke the steps down to basic moves which made it easier to understand. Fantastic. Everybody needs to book a workshop. Great value for £20 for 5 hours of lessons."
Tracey.
"I couldn't make the Cardiff one due to a family event, but I went to the Penarth one. I agree, Fiona is wonderful and we had such fun as well. It would be good to have a few more here wouldn't it?"
Anne.
"I agree with Tracey, Fiona is a fantastic teacher, she came to Darlington a couple of weeks ago. We were a small group but Fiona had endless patience with us. A great workshop, I would defiantly attend another".
Jan.
"Wholeheartedly agree with all the comments. Had a great time (Taffs Wells) and Fiona is such a great teacher...really approachable, supportive and encouraging to say the least."
Wai-Yeun.
"Fiona came up to north wales in july for a work shop., i agree fantastic value for money .. a lovely lady , an amazing teacher with the patience of a saint."
Carol.
Darlington Workshop (Back to top)
Saturday morning and I'm on the road again heading north on the A1 towards Darlington.
Although the numbers weren't that great, we had an amazing day. A small group who were eager to learn the moves and get out on that dancefloor.
We gradually worked our way through one dance step after another (with the aid of a mirrored wall lol). With some spins and turns just randomly thrown in now and again. And a little bit of shuffling, we even had a go some floor work at the end of the session!
A great day. Thankyou to all of those who attended.
Penarth Workshop (13th Sept 2014) (Back to top)
Penarth workshop (above)
Back to Wales again. This time to the south of this lovely country.. Penarth..
A lot of people travelled a long way to be at this event and they weren't dissapointed. We all had a fantastic day.
The workshop was a great success, thankyou to everyone who attended. The transformation in your dancing abilities over those few hours was incredible.
Then to top the day off, there was a brilliant soul night in the same venue, great oppertunity to practice all those new dance step.
Comments ....
"What a lovely day! Great people, brilliant workshop, thanks very much Fiona Smith!"
"Great workshop with Fiona Smith and a brilliant knee knackering night of dancing with the lovely folk of Penarth at the first (but definitely not the last) Penarth Soul Night! Thanks to Fiona, Shelley Norton and the amazing sounds from DJ Liam Curtin. Worth every one of the 252 miles travelled."
"Cheers, Fiona. It was lovely to meet you. Thanks for coming to do the workshop and for dancing all night, too."
"Loved it Alison and I will be getting you to somewhere near us as soon as we can.
Alison and myself are now officially twinkle toes and will be revisiting this class soon for a brush up. Great fun, at a nice pace. Now putting it into practice"
Llandudno Workshop (Back to top)
Llandudno Junction workshop (above)
Saturday 19th July, up and on very early for a 5 hour trip (in torrential rain) to North Wales, Llandudno Juction..
Arrived at 10.45 and with the sun starting to shine people started arriving and what an absolutely brilliant day we had..
We only had 4 hours at this venue instead of the usual 5 hours but we managed to pack in a whole load of dance steps, spins and stomping.. Everybody went away feeling they had achieved something and can we do it all again sometime...(soon)....??
Bishopstoke Workshop (Back to top)
The first northern soul dance workshop at Bishopstoke was a huge success.
We had a packed class, people came from as far afield as Leicester, Dudley, Guernsey and Jersey....!!!
Everyone (including myself) had a fantastic day. The transformation in the the dancers over the day was incredible. As new dance steps were learned, confidence grew and the dancers were brilliant.
The comments at the end of the day were inspiring, thankyou. "Confidence to get on the floor," being the most popular.
And a few more .....
"Fiona today can only be described as a total success. Well worth the journey and if you run any more, I intend to be there. For those people out there who are wall flowers and want the confidence to get out on the floor this is for you. Friendly and a lot of fun."
"Had a great day and count us in for any more.
Thanks from The Dudleyites!"
"As if 5 hours dancing in Bishopstoke with Deb as Fiona Smith sorted out my two left feet and proclaimed Deb as her 'star pupil' wasn't enough we then dragged our weary feet to Bisley for over 3 hours more punishment .... I think my hips are dislocated .... LOL"
"What a Soulful day I have had, brilliant dance workshop with Fiona Smith and a fantastic night at Bisley Pavillion throwing some Northern Soul shapes until the early hours!!"
"Great workshop today Fiona, thank you very much ! Hope you have a great time tonight. Look forward to your next workshop"
It
was a great day Thank you everyone who attended.