Young Miscellany Folk Dance Group - About Us



"YM is a rare thing - a beneficial activity for young people that also gives the children's parents the chance to contribute. We have many cherished, shared memories of YM events enjoyed by the whole family."- YM parent.

Young Miscellany (YM) is a Hertfordshire-based folk dance group for young people between the ages of 6 and 18.

We meet to practice in Harpenden on average two Sunday mornings a month from 10:30am to 12:30pm. We also perform at about half a dozen events each year, including at festivals, carnivals and fetes in the South East of England and occasionally abroad.

Local folk enthusiast Lynda Swain formed the group in 1992 to teach children from the adult group English Miscellany dances that were more suitable for younger people.

YM's approach to teaching folk dance is one of offering a broad experience of a number of different styles, so that young people can make informed choices about future directions they may take. Former YM members have gone on to dance Step Clog, North West style, Cotswold and Rapper, sometimes to competition-winning standards.

While we teach traditional English folk dances, our members come from a mix of heritages, and we warmly welcome newcomers from all communities.