King of the Fairies (vrs 2) - a series of videos for home study
Now available for home study.
Level 3 - for those who have been dancing a while and are ready to start memorising longer and more complicated routines.
Annette will teach a set dance in hornpipe time called the "King of the Fairies" - the Frankie Roddy version, given to her by Joe McGuiggan. The May Allen version of the dance is also available for home study; you can watch Annette dance May's version on the home page of this website - she accompanies herself on piano too!
There can be many versions of a set dance, each one from a different dancing master and all danced to the same tune. Dancers regularly dance two versions of a "set dance" back to back, which is twice through the tune. The versions referenced above would compliment each other, personally, I would dance May's version first.
Part of the beauty of this living tradition is that the steps continue to be passed on from one generation to the next.
Summary - you will receive:
- a link to download a series of videos
- accompanying notes
- background information
Optional Extra
You can download Annette's audio track of the tune "King of the Fairies" from the shop, cost = £1, it is twice through the tune with a short intro. Sheet music is also available for purchase, arranged for piano by Annette.
A Set Dance, is a dance that has been choreographed to a particular piece of music - there can be a number of different versions of the dance - each one danced to the same music - the dance and the music take the same name. A Set dance is split into 2 parts, a step and a set; they can vary in length, both the step and the set.
Annette's reputation as a teacher of traditional dance grew hugely during covid. Her online programme reached as far west as Seattle, and east to Japan - teaching to a growing community of old style dancers from all around the world.
Between May 2020 and March 2023 Annette delivered 13 courses of dance, at 4 levels - as well as private online classes and workshops.
Annette is currently exploring new initiatives in dance, in her home town of Lurgan (Co Armagh) and in Belfast; as well as a new series of solo dance workshops in the Cobblestone in Dublin.
"Research has proven that dance is one of the best forms of activity for keeping the body active and the mind alert."
