My last dance event in England was with Brenda Kelly. We went up to Mirfield Monastery in Yorkshire to dance her suite of dances "Mass for Peace" - music by Karl Jenkins. I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy it, as the music is very strong and powerful, depicting war and moving through to peace. But it was a wonderful experience and I absolutely loved it. Brenda hasn't danced it for a number of years, but has many requests to do it again next year. So we are already considering venues.
The monastery had two churches and we danced in the smaller of the two. It was a lovely square space, just the right size for our group of 40 dancers. There was state of the art lighting and sound system. (and underfloor heating)
Having been in the UK for the Spring, I was pleased to see some autumn colour before I leave. The colours are just starting to change and the leaves beginning to fall.
But there is just enough warmth and sunshine left for the butterflies. The monastery had a great orchard with laden apple trees. I wish I could have had a few spare days to bottle them all. Many were just fallen on the ground. Some were SO red, the wicked witch could have tempted anyone to take a bite.
The upper church had a beautiful window, with panes of clear and green glass, with the colours from the trees shining through.
The gang of five. Brenda, me and three of her Hassocks dancers, Cath, Beverly and Ruth. We all travelled up from Sussex to Yorkshire together on the train. Had lots of laughs. And we were a good back-up crew to help Brenda with some of the many things that needed organising over the course of the dance weekend.
Beautiful fuchsia bushes in the Monastery gardens.
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