The maypole is a long-standing and much-loved feature of British culture, most commonly associated with late spring and the celebrations of May. Its precise origins are difficult to trace, reflecting just how ancient this tradition is and why it remains such a powerful part of Britain’s cultural history.

In our Maypole Dancing workshop, children take part in a lively, cooperative dance that emphasises rhythm, timing and teamwork. This session supports PE curriculum outcomes such as coordination, movement control and working collaboratively, while also providing valuable links to seasonal traditions and historical celebrations.

We provide the maypole, music and expert instruction — you simply provide the enthusiastic dancers.

Across the world, communities have developed their own distinctive dance traditions, and English country dancing is an important part of Britain’s cultural heritage. Emerging from 18th-century social dancing and influenced by earlier Renaissance styles, it forms the foundation of many familiar dance forms, including barn dancing and ceilidh.

​

During this country dancing workshop for schools, children learn about the origins and development of English folk dance before trying a selection of dances themselves. The focus is on participation, enjoyment and understanding dance as a shared social activity, supporting PE curriculum aims around rhythm, pattern and movement, alongside historical understanding.

Few British dance traditions are as instantly recognisable — or as intriguing — as Morris dancing. Its origins are steeped in mystery, and over time it has developed into several distinct regional traditions, including Cotswold, Border, Molly and North West Morris.

​

Morris dancing often incorporates props such as sticks, handkerchiefs, brooms or bobbins. In this Morris dancing workshop, children explore the history and variety of the tradition before learning and performing multiple dances. The session encourages coordination, rhythm and teamwork while reinforcing learning about regional identity and traditional customs.

Historical dance workshops can be delivered as a stand-alone experience or incorporated into one of our history experience days, such as the Tudors.

Pupils learn about the development of dance across different historical periods and its importance within society. By sampling dances from a range of eras, children are able to compare movement, style and purpose with modern dance today, supporting historical enquiry, comparison and cultural understanding alongside physical skills.

Ballroom and Latin dance represents the culmination of centuries of European dance traditions. From the elegance of the Waltz and the energy of the Quickstep to the vibrancy of the Cha Cha Cha and the passion of the Rumba, these styles provide an exciting introduction to partnered and rhythmic dance.

In this Ballroom and Latin dance workshop for schools, children watch a variety of styles demonstrated before learning a simple sequence dance and a beginner-friendly Cha Cha Cha routine. This session supports PE curriculum objectives such as control, balance and rhythm, while also building confidence and performance skills.