14.11. - 16.11.25 Young Dancers Workshop in Lüneburg

Young Dancers Workshop in Lüneburg

This year the German Young Dancer’s Weekend took place in Lüneburg. When Wiebke first asked me to play I was honoured, but a little bit astonished, and very nervous. Having done the musician’s course at summer school this year, I was excited to be playing for my first official Scottish Dance event, but I had no idea what to expect. Fortunately everyone was extremely supportive, and I quickly relaxed and started to enjoy myself.

While Joana Stausberg taught the beginners class, with Manuel Weinhold as musician, I had the privilege of playing for Mathias Ferber in the Intermediate and Advanced Classes. Mathis covered lots of fun and interesting dances, including some newer dances from the Paris Books which I hadn’t come across before.

It was a privilege to work with Manuel, who was also playing for his first dancing weekend. Despite having been in contact for a few months beforehand, we only actually met for the first time on the Friday! After a few hours of rehearsal on Saturday afternoon, in which I attempted to discuss music in German, I think we put together some exciting sets for the evening dance. We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and friendly audience to play for, so thank you to everyone who attended. We had so much fun playing together, so I hope it’s not too long before the next time.

After the dancing was finished, the real fun began. All the sleeping bags and mattresses were brought out and all of the course participants camped in the dance hall. I’m told that the party went on until the early hours, but I had to get my sleep for the next morning’s classes!

Thank you to Wiebke for organising such a brilliant event, and for inviting me to play, and to Mathias for being so patient with me. There was a fantastic energy to the whole weekend, and hopefully it won’t be too long before I play in Germany again.

Text: Antonia McClintock
Fotos: Wiebke Ehlen Lüdtke