NAILSEA
PEOPLE
Performing peeps 2025
Mendip Morris 'side' - apparently correct term - went dancing in the rain at two Nailsea watering holes in August 2024.
Thanks go to Carolyn, of Nailsea MicroPub, for the photos and a video.
Former Golden Valley Primary School headteacher Richard Brock is part of his troupe and his daughter Anne is one of the musicians.
Morris dancing is a form of English folk dance based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by the dancers in costume, usually wearing bell pads on their shins and/or shoes.
Sticks, swords, handkerchiefs, and a variety of other implements may be wielded by the dancers.
Founded in 1956 as 'Mendip Morris Men' it is now open to all and performs around the North Somerset area and further afield.
The repertoire is predominantly in the Cotswold-style from south west England, but has also included Border dances, North-West clog dances and North East sword dances.
On summer Thursday evenings the dancers perform at pubs or iconic locations, often in the company of neighbouring Morris dance teams.
In the winter months they practice on Monday evenings, 8 -10 pm at the War Memorial Hall in Congresbury.
Mendip Morris has history of travel throughout Europe, as well as attendance at shows and festivals around Britain.
New and prospective members are always welcome; with 'taster' evenings, for those with now previous knowledge of the Morris.
As an aside did you know once upon a time Nailsea School theatre troupe performed a great comedy called Maurice Dancing.
To learn more of the Mendip Morris dancers go to its Facebook page or online at http://mendipmorris.org.uk/
Mendip Morris dancing
All abilities welcome! New judgement free class coming in September to Nailsea. This is an adults class, however sensible children/teenagers may come accompanied by an adult.
TOP TAP: Busy in rehearsals for Sunday, November 17, this is the Bedford Performers wearing their Tapathon T-shirts
Michelle Bedford Dance Studio
Another year and another nationwide attempt at the tap dancing world record.
Michelle Bedford's super troupers aged from four years to 60+ took part on Sunday, November 17.
She said: "Well done everyone.
"What a brilliant time we had at Tapathon '24.
"Dancing with The Performers Project with thousands of other dancers across the country in Nailsea 61 dancers joined in.
"Thank you goes to all those who helped out once again.
"Our cake slae went well and raised £170.76 from sales and donations.
"Dress-up week raised £160.
"So we are delighted to announce as was proceeds from the T-shirt, MBDS raised in total £330.76 for the 2024 Children in Need appeal."
Tapathon in 2023 saw 7,384 tap dancers taking part missing the 7,596 world record by a mere 212 but more than £35,000 was raised .
Adele Stitch School of Dance
Ballet, tap modern. Various North Somerset classes at Nailsea Methodist Church, Nailsea School dance studio, Backwell WI hall and more. Call Adele on 01934 513505 or click HERE for more details
AliCaT
A ‘complete theatre experience' for children at Backwell Playhouse, Mariners Drive. Call Susie on 01275 791275 or Ali on 0791 762 6388. For more details or go to the Facebook page or https://alicat.me/
Beats Dance
This troupe train and rehearse in Long Ashton village hall. Email Hayley Grant on beatsdance10@gmail.com for more information or go to its Facebook page
Bristol School of Dancing
Currently running three classes in Nailsea - see more here http://www.thebristolschoolofdancing.co.uk/
Egyptian belly dancing
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Nailsea dance studio, Nailsea School, Mizzymead Road BS48 2HN; or
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Backwell WI Hall, Station Road BS48 3QW
Call Saeeda on 01275 855016 or click HERE for more details
Gemini Gymnastics Club
Blackfriars Rd, Nailsea, Bristol BS48 4DJ. A well structured and supervised gym club for children aged from six months to 18-years run by BGS qualified coaches, Phone:01275 866419 or click HERE for more details
Footlights Studios
Footlights Studios for dance and performance classes are at Blackfriars Road, Nailsea, BS484DJ. Call 0781 806 5015, email: footlights@footlightsperformance.com or click HERE to go to website
Michell Bedord Dance Studios
Incorporating Jazz on Tap dancing for fitness and fun and Bedford Performers charity shows. Tap, ballet and jazz dancing classes people of all ages from three upwards some held at Holy Trinity church hall and 1st Nailsea Scouts HQ. Call Michelle Bedford on 0797 690 6821 on or click HERE for more details and see VIP for Tapathon details HERE
Nailsea Choral Society
Musical director Tom Williams Email nailsea.choral.society@gmail.com or click HERE for more details
Nailsea Folk Club
Events at Grove Sports & Social Centre, Tithe Barn and Ring O’Bells Call David Francis on 01275 540231 or click HERE for more details
Nailsea Scout and Guide Band
Call 01275 857901
Sequence dance
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Backwell WI Hall
Every Tuesday evening
Call Paul Williscroft on 01275 794790 or 0771 046 0550 for more details
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Scotch Horn Leisure Centre, Nailsea
Every Tuesday afternoon
Call 01275 872230 or click HERE more more details
Strictly Come Flamenco
Backwell classes for adults. More details by emailing katiegau@live.co.uk or calling 0780 655 9207
Theatre Sphere
This is an inclusive performing arts company. Classes at Grove Junior school, Nailsea, on Wednesdays 6.15-7.45pm for ages 11+. Email info@theatresphere.org.uk for more details
theschool
run by Ian Woolley, Rob Nash as Chloe Wilde at The Link, the community part of Nailsea School. Training in dance studio for students aged four-18.. For more information go to https://theschool.org.uk/
Tillie's School of Performing Arts
Various classes Nailsea and nearby. Call Tilly on 0794 352 9980 or click HERE for more details
TLF (Two Left Feet)
Special Needs Groups for adults on Tuesday afternoons at Tithe Barn. More information here http://www.tlfdanceanddrama.co.uk/index.html