The Welsh Folk Dance Society

In 1949 the dreams and aspirations of four 'giants' (Lois Blake, Enid Daniels, Emrys Cleaver and W. S. Gwynn Williams) were fulfilled with the establishing of the Welsh Folk Dance Society. Welsh Folk Dance had been well nigh persecuted out ot exsistence by the fervent zeal of the religious revivals of the latter part of the last century and the early years of this century. It was considered a sin to smile almost let alone dance! It is surprising that some solo dancing (clogging and stepping) were still performed even in the strictest households. Eg Ann Lansan, Nantgarw, Pontypridd; Hywel Wood and Caradog Pugh in the Bala area. This was the atmosphere into which The Welsh Folk Dance Society stepped. In just over 40 years it has succeeded in restoring the dance to Wales. There has been an astronomical growth in the number of dancers, groups, researchers, musicians, festivals, competitions and twmpathau. Our knowledge, expertise and sphere of work has increased ten fold and dancing has become a way of life with its roots exsisting and thriving in the history of our land.

The ultimate proof of the success of any art form is the ability to demonstrate that art from side by side with those of the whole world and for the outcome to be favourable. It is with pure delight that I testify that Welsh Folk Dancing has done just that.

In the case of Dawnswyr Nantgarw it is a great priviledge for me personally as well as in my official capacity to congratulate them for perfoming so magnificently, so many times, in so many places.

Thank you most sincerely and a special thank you for the miraculous Eirlys Britton - your leader and choreographer.

ALICE E. WILLIAMS
(President - Welsh Folk Dance Society)