Last Sunday, July 20, fifteen people danced to the song Wuthering Heights in The New Inn in Winchelsea and it was just fantastic. Lots of laughs as they recreated Kate Bush’s iconic dance and video in a day celebrating the singer all over the world.
Ok, it wasn’t Folkestone where thousands filled the Harbour Arm dancing in red dresses, but there was just as much passion in Winchelsea. Like the singer herself it was very individual. Just as it should be.
The heavy rain meant a move indoors with the New Inn’s chandeliers in danger during rehearsals in the tight space for dancing by the bar. Arms everywhere. An occasional cry of “ouch” after a bump into the piano.
The rehearsals and the dance itself were led by Katy-Jo Murfin whose parents live in Winchelsea. Before the midday start, she showed the amateur dancers all the moves in the song’s video, with each part of the dance given a name – speedskater, go catch some chickens, pterodactyl etc. How did she rate her trainees? “They’ve been absolutely brilliant. It’s a long routine with lots to do so it needs practice, but Kate Bush is such an inspiring dancer and a massive influence.”
Some came ready in red dresses, others were grateful for a piece of red cloth to wrap around. Glen Marks enjoyed the experience, organised by wife Jo. “It’s such a random thing to do, there’s absolutely no reason to do it at all. We’ll probably be in the Guinness Book of Records for the smallest Kate Bush event in the world! But watch out Folkestone, Winchelsea is coming after you.”
Two of the dancers explained the appeal of taking part. “It was really good fun, though we kept hitting the candelabras on the piano,” said Danielle Tournes. “I’m a non-dancer and thought I wasn’t going to get up after the first move,” said Jean Constable. “Neither of us had a clue. Really lovely though.”
“I was very impressed,” said Jo Marks, who organised the event with Hilary Roome. “The way everybody understood the dance after just 25 minutes. It’s hard to do but it’s fun and it’s brought people together.”
For Hilary it was worth it, even if the dance was challenging. “We got it and it was really good to be doing it after practicing. We were all out there giving it a go, men and women, in our red dresses. It was fabulous!”
Money raised on the day is being given to the housing charity Shelter.
Image Credits: James Stewart .