The
Groups History
Dawnswyr
Nantgarw was formed in 1980 under the expert eye of Eirlys Britton
with the intention of reviving the folk dancing tradition in
the Taff and Rhondda Valleys. They have grown to be one of the
largest and most sucessful teams in Wales.
During its brief existence the team has taken first prizes at
the Cilhairne Inter Celtic Festivals in 1983 and 1985, along
with several prizes at the National Cerdd Dant Festivals in
1982, 1983 and 1984. Three first prizes were awarded in the
dance competitions at the National Eisteddfod at Fishguard in
1986 and at Porthmadog in 1987.
In
the 1989 season, the triple crown was won: all three Welsh-based
competitions - the Cerdd Dant Festival, the Llangollen International
Eisteddfod and the National Eisteddfod at Llanrwst. We returned
to Llangollen in 1990 and 1992 and gained second place both
times. Five first prizes were won at the National in Mold in
1991.
Due
to our British sucesses, the group was invited to compete in
the World Folk Dance Championships held biennially in Palma,
Mallorca. Secon prize was won in the best dance group category,
and the popular Welsh television magazine programme - Hel Straeon
- followed the group and produced a 40' programme on that successful
tour. Indeed the group regularly appears on television - Teulu'r
Tir, O'r Fedwen I'r Fari and BBC concerts from St David's Hall,
Cardiff to name but a few. Members of the group are National
winners in other fields such as Clog Dancing and dancing solos,
recitation, Cerdd Dant and folk singing and harp playing. The
group regularly performs in concerts and "twmpathau"
all over the country and have appeared in three prestigious
concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London.