Mandy De Winter

From www.MandydeWinter.com

I have been teaching Circle Dance since 1987 when life’s events took me to Shropshire where I now live. I had always loved to dance and Circle Dance had an instant appeal to me - drawing music, as it does, from a diverse range of countries and cultures. There had always been a strong international focus in my life since I was brought up in a guest house – we had lots of visitors from ‘strange places’. I had also, in my ‘wild’ youth, lived abroad and travelled widely. I went to university as a mature student to study French and Linguistics and went on to obtain a P.G.C.E. qualification and to teach French.

I first became involved with Circle Dance in 1984 when I moved to Brighton and by chance went to a Spring Equinox Celebration. I was so smitten by the dancing during this celebration that I joined a regular local group and realised immediately that I had found something that resonated deeply with me. The personal events that took me to Shropshire proved to be the moment to explore the possibilities of this wonderful discovery. I have been teaching Circle Dance full time ever since.

Many other doors have also been opened to me since setting out on the dancing path. Most importantly soon after I began teaching Circle Dance I found opportunities to develop my musical skills. I already played recorder, guitar and piano but soon found myself trying out other instruments like the mandolin, the melodica and more recently the Bulgarian Tambura (which I acquired on a visit there in 1993). I also love to drum and to sing in a variety of languages. More recently I have been developing skills as a choreographer to music composed by my very special friend - Linda Rhodes.

Some of the dances we will be doing

Braide of Thyme: This unusual title alludes to ambient fragrances and weaving footsteps around the still point in the centre of the circle where the musicians play.

Vigil: This was written for the Celtic festival of Samhain. The dance is reflective and centring, capturing the haunting yet peaceful nature of the melody. The title offers faith in the light of the coming Solstice.

The Wanderer: "A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving." -Lao Tzu. A restless yet flowing melody marrying together Celtic and Balkan influences.

The Yew: A profound and poignant composition that captures the strength, stillness and timeless qualities of this ancient tree.

Mistletoe: This plant is attributed with many mystical qualities. Here the slip-jog weaves its magic around the 'host' melody while the dancers weave around each other.

Faithful Moon: A gentle dance and joyous melody celebrating th phases of the moon.

"Mandy is an experienced and versatile musician and a most enabling teacher. She loves to help others contact and develop their musical and dancing selves, discovering new dimensions to the sounds and rhythms within them, and to experience the sheer joy of dancing, playing music and singing together."