Rosie Badham, Lin Bown, Marion Boxall, Sylvia Callaghan, Mary Lee, Maureen Wake, Shirley Wilson.
THE MUSICIANS:
Howard Bown (Guitar), Roy Eccles (Accordion), George Fraser (Violin), Barry Wake (Banjo).
TOP JOBS:
Chair - Howard Bown (a brief cameo at the AGM).
Secretary - Marion Boxall (a plucky volunteer).
Treasurer - Mary Lee (also plucky but closer to the ground).
Dance Co-ordinator - Maureen Wake (too clever by half).
Band Leader - The one wth the biggest ego!.
CONNECTIONS:
Mary Lee is one third of the top vocal harmony group "Three's Company" - contact them at threes_company@hotmail.com
Roy Eccles appears in many guises, including the very popular barn dance band "Skipper" - contact him at emeric.eccles@ntlworld.com
Barry Wake is a well known songwriter and singer - visit myspace.com/barrywake
The dancers also perform as "Aurora", the shyest folk act in the world, who only perform in the dark by ultra-violet light, with white gloves on.
Influences
BAD:
Chocolate, cream cakes and alcohol.
GOOD:
See above
Seriously though, we are not so much influenced by, but inspired by top dance teams and great music. Some of our dances are created purely to complement irresistible tunes that the band come up with. At other times the band is presented with a new dance and start looking for some suitable music to complement the choreography
We are also inspired when we catch a really slick dance side at a festival. and can learn (steal) a few of their crafty moves.
Sounds Like
You really need to catch Southern Lights at a festival near you.
IF THE TEXT IS CUT OFF OR THE PHOTO SLIDE SHOW IS NOT WORKING, PLEASE RIGHT CLICK AND REFRESH - IT USUALLY WORKS!
Welcome to the sparkling world of Southern Lights ladies traditional style dance team.
IN THE BEGINNING......
Southern Lights began in 1997 when several friends, who were all experienced traditional dancers, were looking for a new challenge and direction.
They gathered together a few more friends, dancers and musicians, who were up for pushing the boundaries of folk dancing and the accompanying music.
In 1998 they emerged from the upstairs room of the Obelisk pub in Woolston as a refreshing new concept on the traditional dance scene.
AND HERE WE ARE......
Southern Lights display ladies' folk dance mainly in what we perceive to be a Southern style (no clogs, no marching, no big drums or big flowery hats!), but with some influences from the North West.
We use small sticks, hankies, mollies (twirlers), ropes or anything else that comes to mind, including absolutely naked hands.
Our aim is to keep the dancing tradition alive, give it modern relevance and bring it to the public's attention.
In the past we have collected some traditional dances and are eager to hear of any more from the South.
Most of our repertoire now consists of dances created for the side, using traditional steps and formations in an innovative way.
We dance to our own band, who play not only traditional dance tunes, but also contemporary tunes from some of today's finest composers and exponents in the world of folk music, and some tunes specially written for the side by our original accordion player, Carrie Jones.
GIGS 1998 - 2007
Over the years, Southern lights have danced at many of the Southern Folk Festivals, including Chippenham, Christchurch, Fareham and Gosport, Oxford, Solent (Southampton), Southsea, Swanage, Winchester, Wimborne, and the International Festival of the Sea Portsmouth.
Whilst we generally concentrate on dancing at Folk Festivals, we also perform at village festivals, fetes, country shows and fairs, carnivals, private functions, commercial events and occasional pub get-togethers with other dance sides.
GET IN TOUCH......
If you would like to book Southern Lights for an event or you fancy joining us, either as a dancer or a musician, click the appropriate button and send us a message.
We rehearse on Wednesday evenings, from 8.00pm to 10pm at Woolston Community Centre, in Church Road, Woolston, Southampton.
Many thanks to Becky Abrahams, Trevor Gilson and Jane Allison for the following action photos. Please note that no stunt doubles were used and no animals or members of the public were harmed during these performances.
Thanks for the friend request. I seem to be sitiing on top of a band of Token Women on your page. Rabble rousers the lot of them. Glad you like Tanteeka. All the best Jo
Hi and welcome to myspace. It's about time more people knew how great you really are. You pick up so many compliments wherever you perform and I'm very proud to play music for you. Your choreography is always full of surprises and I can't wait to see what the next new dance is! Cheers for now - Barry
