EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT

BARN DANCES BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

 BARN DANCES ARE GREAT FUN  FOR;

Weddings - PTA's - Birthday Parties - Anniversaries

Social Evenings - Fund Raising

I've never been to a Barn Dance. What is it?

The easiest way to describe a Barn Dance to people who have never been to one is to say that it is a Hoe Down Dance, the sort of thing you would see in old Cowboy films. Dances mostly involve couples, singly or in groups of two, three, four, or more. Although a balance of male and female participants is useful, it is not necessary because the dancing is not 'close contact'. Many dances are 'progressive', which means that during the dance couples will change partners regularly: this is why Barn Dances are one of the most successful social entertainments. Barn Dancing is active, but not too strenuous.

Do I need to provide anything?

We will bring a public address system, (amp & speakers and microphones) and if necessary can usually run it from one normal 13 amp socket. Basically all you need is a suitable venue and us. However many evenings are centred around some form of catering. Typically this is usually something and chips from the local fish shop. (It is always worth enquiring how much your local shop will charge for a bulk order that they will deliver at a pre arranged time.) Just bear in mind that when you are budgeting for the evening you will need to add a pound or two to the admission price if you order food. To keep costs down simply ask people to bring their own food and drink with them. If you are not running a bar then it is quite normal to ask people to bring their own drinks. If you have booked a room on licensed premises you would incur the wrath of the landlord by bringing alcohol onto his premises so it is as well to check first.

How long is a Barn Dance?

Most Barn Dances last between three to four hours. This (including breaks) would be quite usual for a social evening devoted entirely to a Barn Dance, and two hours would be a normal period to run a Barn Dance as part of an evening in which there is other entertainment. Usually we split the evening into two halves with a thirty minute break during which time you may like to serve food or refreshments. However we will always be happy to plan the evening to fit in with other activities.

Where can I hold a Barn Dance?

Most function rooms are quite adequate: barn dances are regularly held in hotels, barns, private houses, marquees, town halls, social clubs, school halls and outdoors. If you're not sure your venue is large enough, just ask us, we are happy to advise.

How much does a Barn Dance cost?

The cost of a Barn Dance varies with size of band, distance travelled, location, time, and a number of other factors. Most Barn Dances in the East London and Essex areas will cost around £399. Occasionally Weddings are priced slightly differently (as the timing of Wedding celebrations tend to be a little non standard.) We will also be happy to arrange a price for standard Barn Dances in other areas of London and the home counties.

How many people are needed?

It is possible to run a good barn dance with 30 people if most people dance, but ideally we would suggest 50 or more. If the venue is large enough then there is no upper limit.

What do I wear?

There is no specific or traditional dress requirement for barn dances. Wear whatever you like! Comfortable shoes are best.

Do I need previous dancing experience?

No! one of the great things about Barn Dances is that absolutely no previous experience is required. We always bring a dance instructor with us, known as a 'caller', who will briefly instruct you in each dance before you do it and supervise the dance. Getting the steps absolutely correct is neither expected nor demanded, the object is to have fun! Anyone who can walk can enjoy them selves at a Barn Dance.