Without whom none of this would be possible........

Many thanks to the people portrayed, and to the parents of the children.  Thanks also to those organisations which have allowed the use of their pictures, as follows:

Schools & pre-schools

Stepping Stones Pre-School
Astbury St Mary’s CE Primary School

Entertainer troupes

Calligraphy. Calligraphy was in existence for two years, and I was privileged to work with them throughout.  With their cheerful demeanour and witty and sparkling routines, they must surely have earned a place in dancing history.

Harmony. Harmony is a long established Potteries troupe.  They are a great bunch of people, and it’s a privilege to work with them.

Matrix. Matrix is my favourite Entertainer dance troupe.  I have been working with them for several years, and regularly sponsor them.

I admire the level of care given to the children who join the troupe.  The standard of the dancing is high, and I suspect that these two facts are connected.

The atmosphere at Matrix is friendly and cheerful, but also serious. They develop skills which enable the dancers to do difficult things without making it look difficult. This is truly entertaining, and it draws the crowds.

Pennine Cascades. The Pennine Cascades are a superb Entertainer dance troupe based in Oldham.

They are very much a local community troupe, and the care shown to the children who join them is admirable.

If you go to Oldham, it doesn’t say “Welcome to Oldham, home of the Pennine Cascades”, but perhaps it should.

Rialto Stars. This Entertainer troupe has been an important part of its community in Shrewsbury for more than two decades. They are dedicated and work hard, and I admire that.

Morris troupes

Cambraco. Cambraco is a small Carnival Morris troupe with all the hallmarks of a great troupe. They are welcoming, and their dancing is fantastic.

Kardells. This is another excellent Carnival Morris troupe, which I have also been working with for several years. Their dancers are very loyal, which says a lot.

Lache Balmoral. Lache Balmoral is my favourite Carnival Morris troupe. I have been working with them for several years.

They are very supportive of the children who join the troupe.  Again, this seems to go hand-in-hand with a high standard of dancing. They do morris dancing in a way which brings out the best in this fabulous activity.

They are very welcoming. When a friend visited from the USA, they provided a dress so that she could take part in a carnival parade.  Now that’s what I call a welcome.

Renaissance. Renaissance is a Carnival Morris troupe based in Crewe. They provide a splendid opportunity for dancers in that great railway town, and put on a fabulous show.