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Return to the Light A dance trip to America 2006

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Return to the Light
by Sue Constance

Taking its inspiration from life itself, Return to the Light is a unique sequence of dances conceived by Lesley Laslett. On a frosty Saturday in January about thirty-eight people gathered together for a workshop. For many, it was the first time, while others had danced it before and relished the thought of what was to come. The idea of this set of dances is to take us on a journey through the many and varied experiences of life-experiences we all share. We began with the spirit before birth and a gentle dance, called Still in Time. Feeling our way into the world was the theme of the journey into the unknown. Lesley gave each of us the opportunity to explore this dance in the way which best suited our personalities-to be outgoing and join with others, or be reserved and remain on our own.

The dawn of life was expressed in a beautiful dance to Morning Has Broken and the joy of our youth in the exuberant Le Printemps. This dance engenders such happiness and energy which was radiated on the face of each dancer. With so many people, it could have been chaotic but, with Lesley's teaching, we managed it first time, with no hiccups. In the next dance, which included some tricky foot-work, we moved in the manner of a cocky teenager, to some exciting Greek music.

We were then led on to the moment of our first love and the pain and pleasure that can bring. The Union acknowledged commitment to a partner in life and then we experienced bringing up children and having fun in the woods. Whilst dancing Tsadik Katamar to Teddy Bears Picnic, the music stopped suddenly but we continued to dance unaccompanied.

There are times in life when nothing seems to go right. Dark of the Moon was one of the dances through which we experienced those moments. Special friends, even though we are sometimes parted, are always there for us when we need their love and support. The Snows ofNew York acknowledged the closeness we have with friends.The last two dances are simple but the most powerful. Saying goodbye to a loved one is a difficult time of our life and lesley conveys all this emotion with a simple but evocative hand gesture. We reach out to hold on to them, yet we have to let go. The day was completed as we danced the beautiful Return to the Light. Her choreographies are masterly and her interpretation of music is sensitive. She is extremely versatile and it is hard to believe that one person could create so many wonderful dances. One cannot fail to be moved by the whole range of emotions she inspires. She always says that you can dance with your body and your mind but, if you don't dance with your soul and your emotions, you are not complete.
This is what she strives for in her work and that she achieves superbly here.

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A dance trip to America 2006 by Hilary White.

On Saturday 22nd July four of us, Anne, Keith, Hilary and Tony set off from Heathrow to the Big Indian dance camp in up-state New York which was to be facilitated by our friend and teacher Lesley Laslett. We had no idea what to expect!

As we arrived at the camp the sun was shining, (which it continued to do for the duration of the camp), and a substantial meal awaited us. Our accommodation was basic but fit for purpose, with plenty of hot water and showers - very important when you spend the day dancing!

The dancing began on Sunday evening and was held in a large marquee with a central pole decorated with ribbons, lights and flowers. There were about 50 people there, mostly American and Canadian ranging from expert dance teachers, experienced dances and some not so experienced but all there to enjoy the magic of Circle dancing.

Lesley's skill and personality succeeded in joining all these diverse people together. She amended the programme continuously to suit all needs, so by the end of the week all were "hooked" on her unique choreography, her eclectic choice of music, but most of all to the love,energy and emotion which encompass all her dances: A resounding sucess for Lesley of which she should be justly proud.

Anne and I have been Lesley's groupies for many years and to see her bringing her unique dances to our fellow dancers "across the pond" was a privilage and we were both told how lucky we were to have Lesley as our teacher. We have known this for a long time and hope that her trip to America will allow her dances to reach a wider audience. Thankyou Lesley and all our dancing friends for a memorable lifetime experience.