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.