Step Dance
Ewan is an accomplished English step dancer and dances on an amplified piece of plywood with the band The Servants Ball and with Eliza and Martin Carthy in The East Band. He incorporates step from various traditions including East Anglian, clog, and steps learnt at the long running session at The Swan in Falmer, Sussex led by Janet Keet Black.
What is Stepdancing?
"Stepdancing is a vernacular form of tap dancing, where individual dancers improvise a sequence of steps, most frequently to a hornpipe tune. The sound of the steps is probably the most important aspect, and the dance, although energetic is not particularly dramatic. Dancers are usually self-taught, and dance in informal settings mostly in pubs and other social gatherings where there is a suitable atmosphere and music. If more than one dancer is present, they will often dance in turn. These days, stepdancers often carry a wooden board with them, as so many floors are carpeted. Some dancers add blakeys (metal cap/sole protection) to their shoes to enhance the sound, others prefer a pair of leather-soled shoes."
- Katie Howson - EAST ANGLIAN TRADITIONAL MUSIC TRUST eamt.org.uk