Roll Back the Carpet
We are based
in Saltaire although our members come from miles around - as far away as Keighley and Garforth. We mostly do the 'Green Grass' style of Appalachian clogging - with a bit of flatfooting and other stuff thrown in for good measure!
Roll Back the Carpet
began more than ten years ago now, practicing in the back room of Woodnook, Louise Eaton's house, she having to clear the carpetted floor of furniture in order to put down some hardboard on which to dance. When we grew from four to six and then to eight it became clear that the floorboards were taking a great strain - or rather Louise's long suffering husband was when he complained that he had difficulty keeping his chair still whilst sitting in the front room! Our first dance Woodnook Stomp was composed during this period.
We were very lucky
to find the Dale Room in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire a year later (where our second dance was composed - The Dale Dance). It is situated in the beautiful location of the historic Saltaire Village where we see many a wonderful sunset over the village rooftops from the windows of our practice room. We now have a repertoire of dances which we have accumulated or made up or adapted (sometimes all three!) over the years.
Our group grew
to a fantastic 20+ at one time, but then some dancers who travelled quite a distance split off to form groups in their part of the world so now we can say we have spawned three Appalachian dance groups who are functioning in the Yorkshire area.
If you want to see us in action come along to the next Day of Dance in May or October.
New dancers and musicians
are always welcome - no previous experience is necessary. We are a friendly group and we laugh a lot. Above all we love to dance and enjoy ourselves so why not come and give us a try?