26 May 2009 - Dancing at Cambridge

The final stand of our American odyssey was on Tuesday evening at Cambridge Common, which is very close to Harvard University. We climbed aboard our three trusty buses for the short drive to the venue. The drivers negotiated the rush hour traffic with aplomb but parking proved to be difficult. However, after splitting up, each bus found a suitable spot and we all managed to meet up safely. We were joined by (I believe) -

• Newtowne Morris Men, who were also at the Marlboro Ale
• Commonwealth Morris Men
• Red Herring Morris
• Pipe Dream Morris

The usual "dance in rotation" policy was adopted which gave the dancers a welcome break between each performance, especially considering all the sightseeing we had done earlier in the day. As the evening wore on though, the dropping temperature made it difficult for everyone to keep warm and, as a result, unfortunately Sally had to drop out due to cramp.

As a strange coincidence, someone who had been at the Marlboro Ale happened to be riding past the common on their bicycle. They recognised us and stopped off for a chat and to watch the dancing. What a small world!

Kettle Bridge's set consisted of Annie's, KBC Processional, St Helens, Yellow Rose and a mega-Churchtown. Click on the links below to see video footage -

• Annie's
• St Helens
• Yellow Rose of Texas

Finally there was a call for dancers to participate in an "all in" stick dance and most of the Kettle Bridge brigade took part. It made an interesting change from the usual North west style and the ladies relished crashing their sticks together.

With the light fading fast and the temperature dropping even more, it was time to stop dancing and head off to a local Irish pub for some food, drink and chat. The pub featured a "fiddlers' table" which provided great entertainment and Margaret B couldn't resist the temptation of joining in.

Suitably refreshed, we eventually made our weary way back to the hotel, exhausted but with the satisfaction of a good evening's dancing.