Dance DAWNS

The brilliant Meirāni and Lubana folk dance groups are two of more than 700 dance groups in Latvia, founded when local villagers gathered to keep their folk dance tradirions alive. The groups dance traditional Latvian folk and stage dances in costumes similar to the folk costumes worn in the 19th century in the Vidzeme region of Latvia. Meirāni and Lubana groups have danced at festivals throughout Latvia and at folk festivals across Europe. Tredegar House Folk Festival is privileged to have them with us this weekend.

Mae’r grŵpiau dawns lliwgar Mēirani a Lubana yn dwy o dros 700 yn Latfia. Fe’i sefydlwyd gan bentrefwyr oedd yn awyddus i gadw eu traddodiadau dawns werin yn fyw. Maen nhw’n perfformio dawnsiau gwerin a llwyfan mewn gwisgoedd tebyg i’r rhain a wisgwyd gan werin-bobol y 19eg canrif yn ardal Vidzeme yn Latfia. Mae grŵpiau Mēirani a Lubana wedi dawnsio mewn gwyliau trwy Latfia ac hefyd ar draws Ewrop. Mae’n fraint i’r ŵyl estyn gwahoddiad iddyn nhw eleni.

Zdravetz was created seven years ago by dance instructor Tihomir Todorov. Though not a professional, he has huge dance experiece and a great passion for Bulgarian folklore. And it’s clearly infectious! As Zdravetz tell us: “inspired by him we dance traditional Bulgarian folklore dances from different regions of the country. We are amateurs but dance with fire and passion in our hearts to bring the sunshine and beauty of Bulgaria to our audiences. Our long history and vibrant rhythms are unique in the world of dance, and we aim to brighten your day and make you happy.” We’ll all dance to that!

Crëwyd Zdravetz saith mlynedd yn ôl gan hyfforddwr dawns Tihomir Todorov. Er nad yw’n hyfforddwr proffesiynol, mae ganddo brofiad eang ac angerdd dwfn dros draddodiadau gwerin Bwlgaria – ac mae’n amlwg yn heintus! Dywed Zdravetz: “Mae e’n ysbrydoli ni i berfformio dawnsiau o wahanol ardaloedd ein gwlad. Er ein bod ni’n amatur rydyn ni’n dawnsio gyda thân ac angerdd yn ein calonnau i ddod â haul a phrydferthwch Bwlgaria i‘r gynulleidfa. Mae’n hanes hir a rhythmau bywiog yn unigryw ym myd y ddawns, a gobeithiwn godi’ch calonnau”. Gall bawb ddawnsio i hynny!

WALES’ premier professional Indian dance company has been practising the art of Classical Indian Dance since 1983. They hold regular class schedules across South Wales, West Wales and South West England, plus numerous workshops, community work and productions. India Dance Wales specialises in the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, one of the most dynamic and internationally popular styles of Indian Dance. This ancient art form is based around Hindu mythology and originated in Hindu temples as a form of worship to the Gods. There are two main aspects; Nritta (abstract dance movements) and Abhinaya (a portrayal of the emotions through hand gestures and facial expression).

Mae prif gwmni dawns Indïaidd proffesiynol Cymru wedi perfformio dawnsiau clasurol India ers 1983. Maen nhw’n cynnal dosbarthiadau rheolaidd dros Dde a Gorllewin Cymru a De-orllewin Lloegr yn ogystal â gweithdai, gwaith cymunedol a chynhyrchiadau di-rif. Mae Dawns India Cymru yn arbenigo ar ffurf ddawns glasurol Bharatanatyam, un o’r arddulliau mwyaf poblogaidd a deinamig. Daw’r grefft hynafol hon o fytholeg Hindwaidd ac mae’n tarddu o demlau Hindŵ lle addolwyd y Duwiau. Mae dwy wedd i‘r perfformiadau: Nritta (symudiadau dawns haniaethol) ac Abhinaya (portread yr emosiynau trwy symudiadau’r dwylo ac osgo’r wyneb).

CARDIFF MORRIS are one of Wales’ earliest 1970s revival sides. Formed in early 1970 by a small group of experienced dancers who had migrated from Morris sides in other parts of the country, they quickly recruited a number of local enthusiasts. These intricate dances are generally derived from the Cotswold traditions, although you may see them perform their own tradition of dance from the village of Nantgarw, just north of Cardiff. Look out for the Welsh dragon and Cardiff coat of arms on their Welsh-weave ‘baldrics’ or cross-sashes - and, of course, for Iris, their own dancing dragon.

Roedd Morus Caerdydd ymhlith y grwpiau Cymreig cynharaf i atgyfodi’r traddodiad yma yng Nghymru yn y 70au. Fe’u ffurfiwyd ym 1970 gan gnewyllyn bach o ddawnswyr profiadol o grwpiau eraill a symudodd i‘r ardal a dechrau recriwtio dawnswyr lleol. Daw mwyafri’r dawnsiau cywrain hyn o ardal y Cotswolds, er mae’r cwmni hefyd yn perfformio dawnsiau o draddoddiad Nantgarw. Chwiliwch am y ddraig goch a dyfais Caerdydd ar eu gwregysau croes (‘baldrics’) brethyn – ac wrth gwrs, am eu draig, Idris.

CLOCS CANTON perform North West style Morris dancing. It is a form of the art where, among other things, dancers wear clogs and use garlands and wavers. The side have been dancing in and around the Cardiff area since 1986, so 2022 will be their 36th anniversary. Clocs Canton are easily distinguishable…proudly distinctive in the Welsh colours of red, white and green, and unusual in kit with stripy trousers which always makes them stand out in a crowd. New dancers and musicians are always welcome at their meetings in Canton on Thursdays. For more details ask the dancers.

Mae Clocs Canton yn perfformio dawnsiau Morus mewn arddull Gogledd-Orllewin Lloegr ac yn gwisgo clocsiau a chario bwau blodeuog. Maen nhw wedi perfformio o gwmpas ardal Caerdydd ers 1986, ac felly 2022 bydd eu penblwydd yn 36 oed. Mae Clocs Canton yn unigryw… gan wisgo’n falch lliwiau coch gwyn a gwyrdd Cymru a throwsus streipiog maen nhw’n weladwy iawn! Croesewir dawnswyr a cherddorion newydd yn frwd i’w cyfarfodydd yn Nhreganna ar nosweithiau Iau. Gofynnwch iddynt am fwy o fanylion.

THIS is Jawahir’s 19th year performing at this festival. We are a local group of women who combine the best of folk traditions with modern influences from around the world. we have been inspired by styles from Egypt, Turkey, North Africa, the Balkans, Armenia and more. We are known at the festival for our colourful costumes, dramatic headdresses and upbeat music. Most dances are choreographed by Jawahir members except for a few which are traditional folk dances. We love our beautiful skirts, headdresses, dancing with swords, tambourines, veils and sticks and take great joy in getting the audience up and dancing with us at the end of our set. Please join us, you might like it! We are available,for fun workshops, festivals, fetes etc. If you fancy joining us at our weekly classes, please come and have a chat.

Hon fydd 19eg flwyddyn i Jawahir berfformio yn yr ŵyl. Rydyn ni’n grŵp o fenywod lleol sy’n cyfuno’r gorau o draddodiadau gwerin a dylanwadau cyfoes o bob cwr o’r byd ac wedi ein hysbrydoli gan arddulliau o’r Aifft, Twrci, Gogledd Affrica, gwledydd Balcan, Armenia ac eraill. Bydd selogion yr ŵyl yn gyfarwydd â’n gwisgoedd lliwgar, penwisgoedd trawiadol a cherddoriaeth sy’n codi’r galon. Heblaw am ambell i ddawns draddodiadol, trefnir mwyafrif ein dawnsiau gan y grŵp ein hunain. Rydyn ni wrth ein boddau gyda’n sgertiau hyfryd, penwisgoedd trawiadol a dawnsio gyda chleddyfau, tambourines, llenni a ffyn ac yn ymhyfrydu mewn ysgogi’r gynulleidfa i godi ar eu traed a chyd-ddawnsio ar ddiwed ein set. Ymunwch â ni: mae’n debyg y byddwch chi’n mwynhau! Rydyn ni ar gael am weithdai hwylus, gwyliau ac ati. Pe hoffech chi ymuno â ni yn ein sesiynau ymarfer wythnosol, dewch am sgwrs.

NOW firmly based in Cardiff, though drawing membership from as far afield as Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and the Vale of Glamorgan, Cobblers Awl have kept both Welsh and English clog-step traditions alive for over 45 years since the group first convened in Cwmbrân. Their repertoire includes routines from Lancashire, Lakeland and the North-east of England, as well as Welsh stepping, embedding traditional elements within a contemporary polyrhythmic framework. They wear wooden-soled leather clogs, handmade by the few craftsmen still creating such traditional footwear, and members practise every Monday night in The Community Space at Tesco (Gabalfa) on Western Avenue in Cardiff.

Mae Cobblers Awl yn ymarfer yng Nghaerdydd, er bod rhai o’r aelodau yn dod o Benybont, Merthyr Tydfil a Bro Morgannwg, ac maen nhw wedi cadw’n fyw traddodiadau clocsio Cymru a Lloegr ers iddyn nhw ddechrau dros 45 o flynyddoedd yn ôl yng Nghwbrân. Mae’r dawnsiau maen nhw’n eu berfformio yn cynnwys rhai yn nulliau Swydd Gaerhirfryn, Ardal y Llynoedd a Gogledd-Ddwyrain Lloegr, yn ogystal â stepio Cymreig, gan addasu elfennau traddodiadol i fframwaith aml-rhythmig cyfoes. Maen nhw’n gwisgo clocsiau lledr gyda gwadnau pren, wedi’u gwneud â llaw gan yr ychydig grefftwr sy’n dal i weithio yn y maes, ac maen nhw’n ymarfer yn y Gofod Cymunedol yn Tesco, Gabalfa, Caerdydd ar nosweithiau Llun.

AS the name suggests, this is a dedicated team aiming to keep alive the great culture and tradition of Welsh folk music and dance. They perform at displays and festivals across Wales and the UK and throughout Europe where they have links with other traditional dance groups. Cwmni Gwerin Pont-y-Pŵl are a small and friendly group always looking for new musicians and dancers, whether experienced or inexperienced. They meet in St John’s Ambulance Hall, Hospital Road, Pontnewynydd, Pontypool NP4 8LR every Tuesday at 7.45pm and would welcome anyone interested. Please feel free to ask the dancers for details, call 01633 868707 or email cwmnigwerinpontypool@gmail.com

Fel mae’r enw yn awgrymu, dyma dîm sy’n cadw’n fyw diwylliant a thraddodiadau cerdd a dawns Cymreig. Maen nhw’n perfformio ar draws Cymru, Prydain ac Ewrop ble mae ganddyn nhw gysylltiadau gyda sawl grŵp dawns arall. Mae Cwmni Gwerin Pont-y-pŵl yn grŵp bach cyfeillgar sy’n agored iawn i groesawu aelodau newydd, boed yn ddawnswyr neu gerddorion, profiadol neu ddi-brofiad. Maen nhw’n cwrdd yn Neuadd Ambiwlans St John, Heol Ysbyty, Pontnewynydd, Pontypŵl NP4 8LR bob nos Fawrth am 7.45. Gofynnwch i‘r dawnswyr am ragor o fanylion, ffoniwch 01633 868707 neu ebost cwmnigwerinpontypool@gmail.com

DAWNSWYR BLAENAFON was formed in the Autumn of 2014 in Blaenavon. Gradually the group grew and “danced out” for the first time for the Blaenavon World Heritage Day Festival of 2015. In 2018 the team adopted a costume based on the industrial past of Blaenavon. The women wear clothes worn by the brickyard workers and the men’s costume is that of the miners and ironworkers of the town, all from around the early part of the 20th century. They perform a mixture of modern and traditional Welsh dances together with some from other Celtic traditions, and a number of dances they have created themselves. Dawnswyr Blaenafon is a community group with many local residents in its numbers as well as from further afield. They also have a band of 12 musicians who call themselves Mynd i’r Gap. The team can be contacted via email (rod.denleyjones1@gmail.com) or phone 07794574572

Sefydlwyd Dawnswyr Blaenafon yn hydref 2014. Perfformiodd y grŵp yn gyhoeddus am y tro cyntaf yn 2015 yng Ngŵyl Diwrnod Etifeddiaeth y Byd Blaenafon. Yn 2018 mabwysiadodd y grŵp wisg seiliedig ar hen ddiwydiannau’r dref. Mae’r menywod yn gwisgo dillad gweithwyr yr iard briciau tra mae’r dynion yn gwisgo fel glöwyr a gweithwyr dur, y cyfan yn dyddio’n ôl i flynyddoedd cynnar yr 20fed ganrif. Maen nhw’n perfformio cymysgedd o ddawnsiau Cymreig hen a modern, a rhai o draddodiadau Celtaidd eraill yn ogystal â rhai maen nhw wedi cyfansoddi eu hunain. Mae Dawnswyr Blaenafon yn grŵp cymunedol sy’n cyfrif nifer o drigolion lleol yn eu rhengoeddd. Mae’r band ‘Mynd I’r Gap’ o 12 cerddor yn cyfeilio iddynt. Gallwch chi gysylltu â’r tîm trwy ebost (rod.denleyjones1@gmail.com) neu ffôn (07794574572).

A GROUP formed in 1976 by eight people from the Gwent area keen to revive the tradition of Welsh folk dancing, Gwerinwyr Gwent are now at the heart of the art form in South Wales. Their performances, ranging from slow, courtly dances to the faster fair and clog dances, have graced eisteddfodau and festivals here and overseas. Foreign tours have included Denmark, Finland and Latvia. Members also host overseas dancers invited to Tredegar House Festival. New members are welcome at practice nights each Thursday 8-10pm at the Graig Community Hall, Bassaleg, NP10 8LG. Call 01495 271953 for more details.

Sefydlwyd Gwerinwyr Gwent ym 1976 gan wyth o bobol o ardal Gwent oedd yn awyddus i atgyfodi’r traddodiad o ddawnsio Cymreig. Maen nhw bellach yn rhan annatod o’r crefft yn Ne Cymru. Mae’r perfformiadau yn amrywio o ddawnsiau llys gosgeiddig i rai ffair cyflymach yn ogystal â chlocsio. Mae’r tîm wedi troedio llwyfannau eisteddfodau a gwyliau gartref a thramor, gan gynnwys teithiau i Ddenmarc, Ffindir a Latfia. Mae’r aelodau hefyd yn cynnig llety i ddawnswyr sy’n ymweld â Gŵyl Werin Tŷ Tredegar. Croesewir aelodau newyd i‘w sesiynau ymarfer ar nosweithiau Iau rhwng 8 a 10yh yn Neuadd Gymunedol Graig, Bassaleg NP10 8LG. Ffoniwch 01495 271953 am fanylion pellach.

FLAMENCO is an Andalusian term which refers both to a musical style, known for its intricate rapid passages, and a dance genre characterised by its audible footwork and fluid hand and arm movements, often accentuated by the use of castanets. The three expressions of classical flamenco are the toque (guitar), cante (the song) and baile (the dance). Sit back and thrill to this Flamenco performance from a team which has appeared regularly at the Festival. Pay special attention, too, to the colours and volumes of material in their traditional dress as they swirl and sway around the dance floor.

Mae Flamenco yn cyfeirio at arddull o ddawns a cherddoriaeth o Andalusia. Mae’r dawnsio yn cynnwys stepio clywadwy a chyflym a symudiadau llyfn y dwylo a breichiau, yn aml wedi’u cyfeilio gan y castanets. Mae 3 mynegiad o Flamenco: toque (gitâr); cante (y gân) a baile (y ddawns). Eisteddwch yn ôl a mwynhewch berfformiad y tîm hwn sy’n gefnogwyr selog yr ŵyl. Sylwch, hefyd ar y lliwiau a maint y defnydd yn eu gwisgoedd traddodiadol wrth iddynt chwyrlio o gwmpas y llawr.

ISCA MORRIS were formed in 1976 by three experienced dancers taking their name from the Roman fortress of the Second Augustan Legion which once stood on the site of the town of Caerleon. In common with a number of other Welsh Morris sides they wear the red, white and green of Wales but include a red sash emblazoned with a Roman helmet. Their dancing season usually extends from May 1 (when they dance at dawn in the glorious Roman amphitheatre at Caerleon) to about mid-September, every Wednesday evening, at a variety of real ale pubs across Newport, Torfaen and Monmouthshire.

Sefydlwyd Morus Isca ym 1976 gan dri dawnsiwr profiadol a daw’r enw o gaer Rufeinig Ail Leng yr Ymerawdwr Augustus a safai yn nhref Caerllion. Fel timoedd Morus eraill o Gymru, maen nhw’n gwisgo lliwiau coch, gwyn a gwyrdd Cymru ond maen nhw hefyd yn cynnwys gwregys croes â llun helmed Rufeinig arno. Maen nhw fel arfer yn dechrau eu tymor dawns ar doriad gwawr ar 1af o Fai yn yr amffitheatr ysblennydd yng Ngaerllion ac yn para tan ganol mis Medi, pob nos Fercher mewn tafarndai (sy’n gwerthu cwrw go iawn) ar draws Casnewydd, Torfaen a Sir Fynwy.

SHOOSTRING are a dynamic and energetic dance group who display a synchronised and unique approach to Appalachian dancing. The side choreograph their own dances, bringing to life the toe-tapping rhythms of American Bluegrass music performed by the Shoostring Band. Appalachian dancing is a form of folk dance developed in the Appalachian mountains of North America, where it is still popular today (the term Appalachian derives from Appalachee, a reference to the indigenous Appalachee native Americans). Shoostring have performed at many events and folk festivals, including, of course, Tredegar House, plus Wadebridge, Chippenham and Pontardawe. They have also toured County Cork in Southern Ireland.

Mae Shoostring yn grŵp egnïol a deinamig sy’n dangos arddull unigryw i ddawnsio Appalachiaidd. Maen nhw’n trefnu’r dawnsiau eu hunain i roi bywyd i rythmau heintus cerddoriaeth Bluegrass Americanaidd a berfformir gan eu band. Datblygwyd y math yma o ddawnsio ym mynyddoedd Appalachia, ble mae’n boblogaidd o hyd (daw’r term Appalachia yn wreiddiol o’r Americaniaid cynhenid). Mae Shoostring wedi perfformio mewn sawl gŵyl: Tŷ Tredegar, wrth gwrs ac hefyd Wadebridge, Chippenham a Phontardawe. Maen nhw hefyd wedi teithio o gwmpas Sir Cork yn Iwerddon.

AN Appalachian dance side from Cardiff who have been performing for more than 20 years.They dance mainly to traditional tunes but also love more modern works and are grateful to Bellowhead and other groups for their inspiring music. Appalachian dance was created when generations of European settlers took their traditional dance steps and music with them to the New World, where they blended both with African rhythms and with the dance steps of native Americans. The art form is sometimes called American clogging, though it is often danced in tap or flat leather-soled shoes.

Tïm dawns Appalachiaidd o Gaerdydd sydd wedi bod wrthi ers dros ugain mlynedd. Maen nhw’n dawnsio i gerddoriaeth draddodiadol yn bennaf ond yn hoff iawn o weithiau mwy cyfoes ac maen nhw’n ddiolchgar i grwpiau fel Bellowhead a grwpiau tebyg am eu cerddoriaeth ysbrydoledig. Crëwyd dawnsio Appalachiaidd gan ymfudwyr o Ewrop, a gyfunodd eu stepio a cherddoriaeth gyda thraddodiadau Affricanaid a’r Americaniaid cynhenid. Cyfeirir ato weithiau fel clocsio Americanaidd, ond mae’n cael ei berfformio hefyd mewn sgidiau isel gwadnau lledr neu sgidiau tap.

TOPAZ TRIBAL are a tribal bellydance troupe based in Abergavenny, South Wales. Wendy Hughes, director of the troupe, is certified at Level 5 and is a principal teacher in Global Caravan Tribal Bellydance. This unique style is meant to be danced in an includive and continuing circle using group improvisation, honouring the connection and the Sacred Feminine. Belnded with contemporary dance, Topaz Tribal take inspiration from many cultures and countries - from the Middle East and Spain to India, North Africa and many more. “It’s earthy and it’s grounded,” says Wendy, “and we dance from the heart.”

Mae Topaz Tribal yn grŵp Dawnsio Bola llwythi o’r Fenni, De Cymru. Mae Wendy Hughes, cyfarwyddwraig y grŵp yn Ardystiedig i lefel 5 ac yn Brif Athrawes gyda Dawnsio Bola a Charafan Llwythi Byd-Eang. Dawnsir yr arddull hon mewn cylch cynhwysol parhaus gyda’r grŵp yn addasu ar y pryd ac yn anrhydeddu’r cysylltiad â’r benywaidd-cysegredig. Wrth asio’r traddodiad gyda dawns cyfoes, ysbrydolir Topaz Tribal gan sawl gwlad a diwylliant – o’r Dwyrain Canol a Sbaen i India, Gogledd Affrica ymysg eraill. Medd Wendy “Mae’n dod o’r ddaear ac rydyn ni’n dawnsio o’r galon”.

JEAN SMITH and Ian Craigs started clog dancing in the North East of England with the Newcastle Cloggies. They later became involved in the collection of dance steps with the Instep Research Team and performed as members of the dance group Instep. Since 2007, they have focused on developing their own repertoire of duets and solo dances bringing together traditional steps from a variety of sources as well as creating their own contemporary pieces. Their dancing has taken them all over the world, from New York to St Petersburg. Experienced clog dance teachers as well as performers, Jean and Ian run workshops for beginners through to advanced stepping.

Dechreuodd Jean Smith ac Ian Craigs glocsio yng Ngogledd-Ddywrain Lloegr gyda’r ‘Newcastle Cloggies’. Wedyn aethant ymlaen i ddawnsio gyda’r grŵp Instep a chasglu stepiau dawnsio gydag Instep Research Team. Ers 2007, maen nhw wedi canolbwyntio ar ddatblygu deuawdau ac unawdau eu hunain trwy gyfuno gwahanol stepiau traddodiadol a chreu o’r newydd. Maen nhw wedi teithio’r byd gyda’u dawnsiau, o’r Efrog Newydd i St Petersburg. Fel athrawon profiadol yn ogystal â pherfformwyr, mae Jean ac Ian yn rhedeg gweithdai i ddawnswyr o bob lefel.

A troupe of Scottish Country Dancers drawn from groups and classes all over the South Wales area. Some of the dancers taking part at the festival are Scots, though by no means all. Scottish Country Dancing is an internationally popular activity, danced with enthusiasm and gusto from Tokyo to Toronto, and Dunedin to Dundee. There is a range of classes in South Wales catering for all levels of experience, and for all ages. For more information on a class near you, just speak to one of the dancers at the festival or call Conor Farmer on 07812 569744.

Criw o Ddawnswyr Gwlad Albanaidd o wahanol grwpiau a dosbarthiadau ledled De Cymru. Mae rhai o’r perfformwyr sy’n ymddangos yn yr ŵyl yn Albanwyr, ond nid pob un. Mae Dawnsio Gwlad Albanaidd yn boblogaidd ledled y byd, o Tokyo i Toronto a Dunedin i Dundee. Mae nifer o ddosbarthiadau yn Ne Cymru i bawb o bob oedran a phrofiad. I gael gwybod am wersi yn eich ardal chi, siaradwch ag un o’r dawnswyr neu ffoniwch Conor Farmer: 07812 569744.

Founded in 1956, originally as the male-only Mendip Morris Men, the side embraced equality in 2019 when they amended their constitution to welcome women into membership and shortened their name to Mendip Morris. They can be identified by their red, gold and blue baldrics (crossed sashes), adorned with the King Alfred’s jewel at the back and the Somerset dragon at the front. Black breeches, bell pads and brightly decorated straw hats complete the outfit. Mendip Morris are sometimes accompanied by the Fool who wears a smock, odd coloured socks and a very fetching black top hat, a spotted horse (called, er…Horse) and the Green Man.

Sefydlwyd ym 1956 fel tîm o ddynion yn unig - Dynion Morus Mendip – ond diwygiwyd eu cyfansoddiad yn 2019 i groesawu menywod a newidwyd eu henw i Morus Mendip. Maen nhw’n gwisgo gwregysau croes (baldrics) coch, aur a glas, wedi’u addurno gyda gem y Brenin Alffred ar y cefn a draig Gwlad yr Haf ar y blaen. Gweddill eu gwisg yw llodrau du, padiau clychau a hetiau gwellt lliwgar. Mae Morus Mendip yn perfformio weithiau gyda Ffŵl sy’n gwisgo smoc, sanau o wahanol liwiau a het du uchel yn ogystal â cheffyl smotiog a’r Dyn Gwyrdd.

ON the Friday and Saturday nights of the Festival we hold grand ceilidhs in a dedicated dance marquee. These are uproarious, uplifting events in which, if you aren’t dancing, you’re probably falling about with laughter. The ceilidhs are led, on different nights, by two sensational bands…

Ar nosweithiau Gwener a Sadwrn yr ŵyl rydyn ni’n cynnal twmpathau yn ein pabell ddawns brwpasol. Mae’r rhain yn achlysuron hwylus i godi’r galon ac os na fyddwch chi’n dawnsio mae’n siwr y byddwch chi’n chwerthin nerth eich pen. Yn arwain y twmpathau bydd…

SPECIALISING in Welsh dance music, Calennig Dance Band is adept at playing for experts and first-time novices alike. The band is led by concertina and spoons player, and all-round force of nature, Pat Smith who is acknowledged as one of Britain’s most entertaining callers. Pat has taught Welsh dances and called twmpaths from Auckland to Aberdeen, from Chicago to Christchurch. She is accompanied by musicians Iolo Jones (fiddle), Ned Clamp (guitar, mandola, harmonica) and jazzman Mike Kennedy (bass guitar and double bass). Besides festival and TV performances in the UK, international appearances have included New Zealand, America, Italy, France and Belgium.

Mae Calennig yn arbenigo mewn cerddoriaeth ddawns Gymreig, ac maen nhw’r un mor gyfforddus wrth chwarae i ddawnswyr newydd â’r rhai mwy profiadol. Yn arwain y band mae’r unigryw Pat Smith ar y llwyau, un o’r galwyr dawns mwyaf digrif ym Mhrydain. Mae hi wedi galw twmpathau a dysgu dawnsiau Cymreig o Auckland i Aberdeen a Chicago i Christchurch. Yn cyfeilio mae’r cerddorion Iolo Jones (ar y ffidil); Ned Clamp (gitâr, mandola ac harmonica); a’r dyn jazz Mike Kennedy (gitâr bâs a bâs dwbl). Maen nhw wedi ymddangos ar deledu ac mewn gwyliau ym Mhrydain ac wedi perfformio yn Seland Newydd, yr Unol Daleithiau, yr Eidal, Ffrainc a’r Wlad Belg.

JUICE is one of South Wales’ longest running and most popular ceilidh bands. Originally known as Juice of the Barley, this brilliant band was founded back in the mid 1970s, by Jenny and Gill KilBride. They were later joined by sons Bernard, Daniel and Gerard who, having absorbed the tradition, continued in their own right as Juice. Many incarnations later, the band is still as vibrant and dynamic as ever and have graced our Festival year after year. Festival regulars will be sad to learn that the band’s legendary caller Dave Parsons has retired, but his place will be ably taken by the wonderful Ned Clamp of Calennig (see above) who will be having a very busy festival weekend!

Mae Juice yn un o’r bandiau twmpath mwyaf poblogaidd a hir-hoedlog De Cymru. Sefydlwyd y band hynod hwn yn wreiddiol fel Juice Of The Barley yn ôl yng nghanol y 70au gan Jenny a Gill Kilbride. Nes ymlaen ymunodd y meibion Bernard, Daniel a Gerrard ac maen nhw wedi para – ar ôl ymsugno’r traddodiad – ar eu liwt eu hunain fel Juice. Mae sawl fersiwn wedi bod dros y blynyddoedd, ond maen nhw yr un mor fywiog a ffres ag erioed ac wedi goleuo ein gŵyl dros y blynyddoedd. Bydd segolion yr wŷl yn drist o glywed bod y galwr chwedlonol Dave Parsons wedi ymddeol, ond bydd y rhyfeddol Ned Clamp o’r band Calennig (gweler uchod) yn eilydd penigamp - ac yn ddyn prysur iawn dros benwythnos yr wŷl!

Horotropci Oxford are a vibrant and colourful amateur dance group united by a love of Bulgarian folklore and centuries-old traditions. Their talented professional choreographer Iva Kostova brings the beauty and magic of traditional Bulgarian ‘horo’ rhythms to Horotropci in Oxford and to the ‘Bulgaria’ Folklore Ensemble in London. As Horotropci say, “we are delighted to share that magic with you at the Tredegar House Folk Festival and we hope to add joy and excitement to the festival atmosphere.”

Mae Horotropci Rhydychen yn grŵp dawns amatur bywiog a lliwgar sy’n caru hen draddodiadau gwerin Bwlgaria. Mae eu coreograffydd proffessiynol talentog Iva Kostova wedi cyflwyno prydferthwch hudolus rhythmau ‘horo’ Bwlgaria i Horotropci yn Rhydychen a’r Ensemble Gwerinol Bwlgaraidd yn Llundain. Dywed Horotropci: “Mae’n bleser hynod i ni rannu’r prydferthwch hudolus hwn gyda chi yng Nghŵl Werin Tŷ Tredegar ac rydyn ni’n gobeithio dod â llawenydd a gwefr i naws yr wŷl.”

The London-based folklore ensemble ‘Bulgaria’ was founded in 2013 by Iva Kostova, a professional choreographer with long-standing family connections to authentic Bulgarian folklore. Since then, the group has delighted audiences both in the UK and abroad. Together with Horotropci Oxford (see above) they are looking forward to showcasing their skills at Tredegar House Folk Festival and inspiring a future generation of followers of this beautiful art.

Sefydlwyd yr ensemble gwerinol ‘Bwlgaria’ yn Llundain yn 2013 gan Iva Kostova coreograffydd proffessiynol gyda chysylltiadau teuluol hir-hoedlog i draddodiadau gwerinol Bwlgaria. Ers hynny mae’r grŵp wedi hyfrydu cynulleidfaoedd ar draws y DU a thu hwnt. Gyda grŵp Horotropci (gweler uchod) maen nhw’n edrych ymlaen at ddangos eu sgiliau yng Nghwŷl Werin Tŷ Tredegar ac ysbrydoli cenhedlaeth newydd o ddilynwyr y grefft brydferth hon.

The Knights of King Ina are based in Keinton Mandeville, Somerset. They specialise in jigs drawn from many Morris traditions, including dances choreographed by the troupe using styles and steps collected in the early 20th century. These were typically seen as competition or show-off dances performed only by the best dancers. King Ina, by the way, became king of Wessex in 688, inheriting a kingdom that stretched from Kent to Devon.

Daw Marchogion Ina o Keinton Mandeville yng Ngwlad yr Haf. Maen nhw’n arbenigo yn y jigiau sy’n dod o sawl traddodiad Morus, gan gynnwys dawnsiau sydd wedi’u trefnu gan y grŵp yn defnyddio arddulliau a stepiau a gasglwyd yn gynnar yn yr 20fed ganrif. Ystyriwyd rhain fel arfer yn ddawnsiau cystadleuaeth neu arddangos, i’w perfformio dim ond gan ya dawnswyr gorau. Daeth y Brenin Ina, gyda llaw yn frenin Wessex yn 688, yn etifeddu brenhiniaeth oedd yn ymestyn o Swydd Gaint a Sussex i Ddyfnaint.

The side, founded in Llanmadoc in 1966 and originally known as the Mighty Men of Madoc, moved to Swansea in 1968 and are now the Sweyn’s Ey Morris and Sword Dancers. In summer they dance outdoors, giving displays at some of the many pubs from the Swansea Valey to the Gower Peninsula. They also perform at festivals, weddings and fetes. Winter is practice time, except for Christmas when they present the Gower Mummers play and Crwmpyn John, a play from the Swansea Valley.

Sefydlwyd y tîm hwn yn Llanmadoc ym 1966, yn dwyn yr enw “The Mighty Men of Madoc” yn wreiddiol, a symudant i Abertawe ym 1968. Eu henw bellach yw “Sweyn’s Ey Morris and Sword Dancers”, yn rhinwedd eu natur fel tîm cymysg o ferched a dynion. Maen nhw’n perfformio yn yr awyr agored drwy’r haf mewn tafarndai o Gwm Tawe i Benrhyn Gŵyr. Maen nhw hefyd yn perfformio mewn gwyliau a phriodasau. Y gaeaf yw’r amser i ymarfer, heblaw am y Nadolig pan fyddant yn perfformio drama mudchwaraewyr Gŵyr a Crwmpyn John, drama o Gwm Tawe.

This is a team with a worldwide reputation. Each dance in their repertoire has its place snd tradition in Wales with styles varying from energetic fair dances and lively social dances to elegant court dances, all accompanied by a band of skilled folk musicians. Perfomers wear traditional Welsh flannel costume. On formal occasions the women wear the distinctive tall black hats.

Dyma dîm sudd wedi hen ennill eu plwyf dros y byd. Mae gan pob dawns yn eu catalog ei lle yn nhraddodiad Cymru gyda’u harddull yn awrywio o ddawnsiau ffair egnïol a dawnsiau cymdeithiasol bywiog i’r rhai llys gosgeiddig, pob un i gyfeiliant cerddorion medrus. Mae’r perfformwyr yn gwisgo brethyn Cymreig ac ar achlysuron ffurfiol mae’r menywod yn gwisgo hetiau du uchel traddodiadol.