HF Folk Dancing Holidays

John & Hilary started leading 'HF' folk dance holidays in 2004.
'HF Holidays Ltd' is an internationally renowned & major award winning holiday company specialising in Walking & Leisure Activity Holidays in the UK and abroad. In the UK the company runs a group of superb country house hotels at which to host its events.

All the Dancing Holidays include morning workshops, evening dances & time to explore the local countryside either via guided walks or unaccompanied. More detailed information on these holidays can be found on HF's website (see link below) or in their 'Dance Holidays' brochure. For a copy of the brochure, more detailed information, or to book one of these holidays please contact HF Holidays, phone 0845 470 7558 or write to HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, 720 Centennial Court, Centennial Park, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3SY.

In 2020 Unfortunately John and Hilary are not available to lead any HF holidays.

In 2019 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Folk Dance Weekend', Church Stretton, Shropshire. 15th Feb 2019 (3 Nights).; This was a special event aimed at more experienced dancers. Our Guest Caller (sharing the calling with John) will be "Maggie Hosking", with live music provided by the exciting duo "Double Dichotomy" (Mollie Koenigsberger & Vic Smith).; 'Folk Dancing & Walking', Brecon, Powys. 9th - 16th August 2019 (7 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing', Dovedale, Derbyshire. 27th - 30th September 2019 (3 Nights).

Recent comment from our customers:

'John and Hilary very welcoming, friendly and courteous to all regardless of ability or status in the dance scene' - Dance Playford Style, Coniston, Cumbria, April 2016.

'Superb leading for us as we were quite new to folk dancing. We have never laughed so much on a holiday. Such a sociable group of people, such inspiring leadership. Hilary's powers of observation are superb, she works so well with John - a great team!' - Folk Dancing, Coniston. July 2014.

'Up to their usual high standard. Perfect.' - Dance Playford Style, Alnmouth. Sept 2013.

'Once again a fantastic dancing week - this was the 'Folk Dancing for Fun' at Abingworth in October [2008]. It was so relaxing, enjoyable, and real fun and laughs (maybe even the beginnings of a few skills!!). Thank you both for all your enthusiasm, patience, laughter ... and knowledge & commitment, too.' - Folk Dancing for Fun, Abingworth, Oct 2008.

See below for more comments from our customers.

Previous HF Holidays

In 2018 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Folk Dance Weekend', Malhamdale, Yorks Dales. 1st June 2018 (3 Nights).; This is a special event aimed at more experienced dancers. Our Guest Caller (sharing the calling with John) will be "Maggie Hosking", with live music provided by the exciting duo "Double Dichotomy" (Mollie Koenigsberger & Vic Smith).; 'Dance Playford Style', Brecon, Powys. 3rd - 10th August 2018 (7 Nights).

Comments from some of our 'HF' customers in 2018.

'They were amazing hosts & leaders, made everything fun and accessible to all as well as skilful teaching. Can't fault them!! They must be booked again' - 'Folk Dance Weekend', Malhamdale, Nth Yorks. June 2018

'Displayed depth of Knowledge of subject with humour & social interaction. Perfect hosts' - 'Dance Playford Style', Brecon, Powys. Aug 2018

In 2017 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Folk Dancing', Church Stretton, Shropshire. 24th Feb 2017 (3 Nights).; 'Folk Dance Weekend', Malhamdale, Yorks Dales. 7th April 2017 (3 Nights).; A special event aimed at more experienced dancers. Our Guest Caller was "Geoff Cubitt", nationally known for his New England Contras & Squares.
Live music was provided by the exciting duo "Double Dichotomy" (Mollie Koenigsberger & Vic Smith).

Comments from some of our 'HF' customers in 2017.

'Fantastic!!' - 'Folk Dancing', Church Stretton, Shropshire. Feb 2017

'They were brilliant. We cannot think of anything that needed improving.
Hilary made sure that the less able dancers were encouraged & included in every dance' - 'Folk Dancing', Church Stretton, Shropshire. Feb 2017

'The Perfect Leader, Relaxed and with time for everyone.' - Folk Dance Weekend, Malhamdale, Yorks Dales. June 2017

In 2016 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Dance Playford Style', Coniston, Cumbria. 18th April 2016 (4 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing & Walking', Brecon, Powys. 18th July 2016 (4 Nights).

Comments from some of our 'HF' customers in 2016.

'Excellent Tuition' - Dance Playford Style, Coniston Cumbria, April 2016.

'Very inclusive & patient' - Dance Playford Style, Coniston Cumbria, April 2016.

'John and Hilary very welcoming, friendly and courteous to all regardless of ability or status in the dance scene' - Dance Playford Style, Coniston, Cumbria, April 2016.

In 2015 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Dance Playford Style', Selworthy, Somerset. 11th May 2015 (4 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing & Walking', Whitby, Nth Yorks. 3rd August 2015 (4 Nights).

Comments from our 'HF' customers in 2015.
'Improve? - Nothing. Would like more holidays with them at HF' - Dance Playford Style, Selworthy, Somerset. May 2015.

'John & Hilary - Brilliant dancing, fun & teaching' - Dance Playford Style, Selworthy, Somerset. May 2015.

'John & Hilary created a friendly atmosphere and taught us a wide variety of dances' - Dance Playford Style, Selworthy, Somerset. May 2015.

'All made the time entertaining & informative. We never laughed so much !' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Whitby, Nth Yorks. Aug 2015.

'Combined all his skills & experience with a sense of humour, giving us the support we needed.
Observed us as we tried out something new and demonstrated when needed' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Whitby, Nth Yorks. Aug 2015.

'Made things amusing & fun whilst also learning a lot' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Whitby, Nth Yorks. Aug 2015.

In 2014 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Folk Dancing', Coniston, Lake District. 5th July 2014 (7 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing & Walking', Brecon, Powys. 2nd August 2014 (7 Nights).; 'Dance Playford Style', Malhamdale, Yorks Dales. 13th Sept 2014 (4 Nights).

Comments from our 'HF' customers in 2014:
'Superb leading for us as we were quite new to folk dancing. We have never laughed so much on a holiday. Such a sociable group of people, such inspiring leadership. Hilary's powers of observation are superb,she works so well with John - a great team!' - Folk Dancing, Coniston. July 2014.

'John & Hilary are true professionals. We would use the word "outstanding" rather than "very good" to describe them' - Folk Dancing, Coniston. July 2014.

'Perfect leaders, they are the main reason we come on the dancing holidays' - Folk Dancing, Coniston. July 2014.

'Very instructive & enjoyable with much laughter' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Brecon. Aug 2014.

'A superb couple! Brilliant Dancers & Leaders ' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Brecon. Aug 2014.

'Wonderful' - Dance Playford Style, Malhamdale. Sept 2014.

In 2013 John and Hilary led the following holiday:: 'Dance Playford Style', Alnmouth, Northumberland. 28th Sept 2013 (4 Nights).

Comments from our 'HF' customers in 2013:
'Excellent holiday. Very relaxed & inclusive' - Dance Playford Style, Alnmouth. Sept 2013.

'They were brilliant, cared for everyone, made it fun & taught us a great deal.' - Dance Playford Style, Alnmouth. Sept 2013.

'Up to their usual high standard. Perfect.' - Dance Playford Style, Alnmouth. Sept 2013.

In 2012 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Folk Dancing & Walking', Whitby, Nth Yorks. 12th May 2012 (7 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing & Walking', Dovedale, Derbyshire. 14th July 2012 (4 Nights).

Some of the comments from our 'HF' customers in 2012:
'John & Hilary - Great sense of humour. This was my 20th holiday with them' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Whitby. May 2012

'Very friendly & helpful' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Whitby. May 2012

'A week full of friendliness, laughter, knowledge & learning' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Whitby. May 2012

'Excellent leaders in every way' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Dovedale. July 2012.

'All very good, in fact fantastic' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Dovedale. July 2012.

'John & his wife Hilary were very helpful and made sure everyone was included in the dances' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Dovedale. July 2012.

John and Hilary led the following holidays in 2011:: 'English Country Dancing & Walking', Keswick, Cumbria. 2nd July 2011 (4 Nights).; 'English Country Dancing & Walking', Brecon, Powys. 24th Sept 2011 (7 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing for Fun & Walking', Malham, Nth Yorks. 7th Nov 2011 (4 Nights).

Some of the comments from our 'HF' customers in 2011:
'John gives 110% all the time. He is an exceptional caller and Hilary is very sociable & helpful with beginners?' - English Country Dancing & Walking, Brecon. Sept 2011

'Excellent all day and every day' - English Country Dancing & Walking, Brecon. Sept 2011.

'John & Hilary - great teaching and knowledge - lots of laughter & fun' - English Country Dancing & Walking, Brecon. Sept 2011.

In 2010 John and Hilary led the following HF dance holidays:: 'Folk Dancing for Fun', Keswick, Cumbria. May 2010 (5 Nights).; 'English Country Dancing', Freshwater, IoW. Aug 2010 (7 Nights).

Some of the comments from our 'HF' customers in 2010:
'Leaders created a very friendly & good humoured atmosphere, which was enjoyable & instructive' - Folk Dancing for Fun, Keswick, Cumbria.

'Excellent Leadership' - Folk Dancing for Fun, Keswick.

'John & Hilary were excellent at teaching & making it fun. I learnt a lot & will definitely do it again' - English Country Dancing, Freshwater, IoW.

In 2009 John and Hilary led the following HF dance holidays:: 'Dance Playford Style', Dovedale, Derbys. March 2009 (4 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing & Walking', Whitby, Nth Yorks. July 2009 (7 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing for Fun', Keswick, Cumbria. October 2009 (3 Nights).; 'Dance Playford Style', Bourton, Cotswolds. Nov 2009 (4 Nights).

Some of the comments from our 'HF' customers in 2009:
'As usual Hilary and John were excellent leaders, made for a very enjoyable holiday' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Whitby.

'I have already booked three holidays for next year with John & Hilary' - Folk Dancing & Walking, Whitby.

'John & Hilary are excellent hosts - it was such good fun and people felt easy in their company.' - Dance Playford Style, Bourton.

'The leadership & friendliness made the holiday a total success and was over too soon' - Dance Playford Style, Bourton.

In 2008 John and Hilary led the following HF dance holidays:: 'Dance Playford Style', Selworthy, Somerset. April 2008 (4 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing for Fun', Brecon, Powys. May 2008 (4 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing & Walking', Conwy, Snowdonia. August 2008 (7 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing for Fun', Abingworth, Sussex. October 2008 (4 Nights).

Some of the comments from our 'HF' customers in 2008:
'John & Hilary are excellent. Superb dancing holiday.' - Dance Playford Style, Selworthy.

'John worked hard to make the learning of the dances very enjoyable. An excellent & enthusiastic teacher, full of passion for the subject' - Dance Playford Style, Selworthy.

'I didn't want the holiday to end. Please offer more holidays by them.' - Dance Playford Style, Selworthy.

'John is excellent at getting everybody involved and has a wide knowledge of dances. He really puts the fun into the course.' - Folk Dancing for Fun, Brecon.

'Cannot praise enough - I have never laughed so much. I shall go on one of their folk dancing {only} holidays' - Folk Dancing and Walking, Conwy.

'Once again a fantastic dancing week - this was the 'Folk Dancing for Fun' at Abingworth in October. It was so relaxing, enjoyable, and real fun and laughs (maybe even the beginnings of a few skills!!). Thank you both for all your enthusiasm, patience, laughter ... and knowledge & commitment, too.'

'It was my first HF Folk Dance Holiday. I was very impressed.' - Folk Dancing for Fun, Abingworth.

In 2007 John and Hilary led the following HF dance holidays:: 'Dance Playford Style', Abingworth, Sussex. March 2007 (4 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing & Walking for Fun', Haytor, Devon. August 2007 (7 Nights).; 'Folk Dancing for Fun', Dovedale, Derbyshire. Nov 2007 (4 Nights).

Comments from our 'HF' customers in 2007:
'Overall holiday really fantastic'.

'Dancing & Walking leaders were excellent'.

'Dancing programme was excellent'.

In 2006 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Folk Dancing for Fun', a 4 night event at Brecon, Powys. May 2006;; 'English Country Dancing', a week long event at Selworthy, Somerset. Sept 2006;; 'Folk Dancing for Fun', a 4 night event at Keswick, Cumbria. Nov 2006;

Some comments from our customers in 2006:
'Most excellent as always'.

'Hilary was good support. They are brilliant'.

'John worked his "magic" once more and I became a dancer, if only for a week. Marvellous!'.

In 2005 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Folk Dancing and Walking for Fun', a week long event at Haytor, Devon. July 2005;; 'Folk Dancing for Fun', a 3 night event at Haytor, Devon. Oct 2005;

A few comments from our customers in 2005:
'We always have a wonderful time with John & Hilary, who get the balance of learning something challenging but at the same time they make it fun.

'A brilliant week, really fun; John & Hilary worked as a team with enormous patience & good humour'.

'Plenty of good humour - hope to meet them again in 2006!'

In 2004 John and Hilary led the following holidays:: 'Dance Playford Style & Walking', a 3 day event at Alnmouth (Northumberland), April 2004;; 'Folk Dancing & Walking for Fun', a 3 day event at Brecon (Powys), June 2004;; 'Folk Dancing for Fun', a 6 day event at Freshwater (IoW), Oct 2004.

Comments from our customers in 2004:
'A splendid addition to your leaders, I hope they enjoyed it as much as me'.

'Thoroughly enjoyed the activity, leaders were top knotch!. They helped to create a very friendly atmosphere conducive to learning the subject'.

'It really was fun. Booked another one as soon as we got home'.