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Cymdeithas Ddawns Werin Cymru
Hanes / History Page 12 WELSH DANCES AT THE LINGAID ________ It seems a very long tinic ago since fourteen of us embarked for Sweden to represent Wales at the Lingaid. Though so far distant certain things still stand out in my memory. The anxiety that accompanied us the whole way was our luggage as it included a collossal wooden box containing one harp and a large skip containing our costumes including Welsh hats. Every custom official was convinced they contained contraband and would not rest till they had observed these innocent contents. Alhough we have been frequently informed by all and sundry that it is not correct to dance in a Welsh hat, it was this part of our costume which caused delighted interest wherever we danced. Many foreigners has never seen a complete Welsh costume before and it proved a far greater novelty than the more familiar Scottish kilt. We were assured that during the March Past no less a personage than the Crown Prince himself enquired who we were. A group of British Dances was given by us together with England, Ireland and Scotland. Our contribution consisted of The Llanover Reel. which the harp accompaniment rendered very effective. Very large and very beautiful halls were used for our demonstrations, one having a green rubber floor. The custodians of this hall looked askance at the heels of our buckled shoes. After much argument we were graciously allowed to dance, on condition we did not stamp. As a triple stamp occurs continually throughout the Llanover Reel this was a little difficult. I have no space to tell you of the lovely reception given to the leaders of the teams, which we attended complete with flag in the beautiful town Hall. Nor yet can I dwell upon the amount of rain that fell upon us during the Festival. All of us have very happy memories of the fortnight spent in Stockholm and the great kindness of the Swedish people. D. FREEMAN. ( 12 ) |
