Folk Arts Oxford aims to promote folk and traditional dance, music and song in the Oxfordshire region. In particular we are interested in improving access for those who might face barriers to participation in the arts.
Through our funded project work: children in Headington have learned about local lad William Kimber, and the musical legacy he has left; a new band called Iris has been formed, who accompany all their songs with Makaton signing; children from mainstream and special schools in Oxfordshire have the chance to create music together, and perform on the main stage at Folk Weekend: Oxford.
Alongside our own projects and events, FAO works collaboratively with other local organisations, forging links and creating opportunities for folk artists to work in education and community projects, as well as showcase their talent in local events.
Hurst Morris People, affectionately known as HuMP, are based in the village of Hurst near Reading in Berkshire. HuMP was founded as a mixed Cotswold side in 1989 and have been performing now for over 30 years.
The dance we have put together is based on one of our finale dances: "Saturday Night" in the Stanton Harcourt tradition. This dance starts with 2 dancers and in each figure additional dancers join in until eventually the whole side is massed dancing together.
