Collaborative workshops connecting the rhythms of song, dance, body percussion and beatboxing
Guest blog by Sophie Stephenson

Collaborative workshops connecting the rhythms of song, dance, body percussion and beatboxing

Guest blog by Sophie Stephenson

Using our bodies to create sound and rhythm has been intrinsic to oral cultures across the globe for generations. In Gaelic and Scots culture there is a long tradition of this through work songs, playground rhymes, vocal dance tunes and audible percussive movement which is driven by a human impulse to create and experience rhythm.

The close relationship between voice and movement is established from the very moment we are first cradled in our mother’s arms as she sings a song. This is evident in Scotland from our rich repertoire of lullabies and mouth music. I remember as a toddler being bounced on my mother’s knee whilst she diddled tunes. In this manner we are exposed to music and dance simultaneously from birth. Modern society often likes to categorise music and dance as separate disciplines, but they are very much interlinked. Indeed, percussive movement such as step dancing is akin to a percussive instrument which can be both a response to the music and provide the rhythmic impetus behind the melody.

With TradBeats I wanted to tap into this groove which is so innate to our very beings whilst drawing from a rich repertoire of songs and steps in Scotland. I hoped to showcase the rhythmical connection between the Gaelic language and the song and dance traditions, whilst also encompassing beatboxing and body percussion to establish links across genres and create a new context for traditional dance. Many dance tunes commonly known today were passed down as puirt-à-beul (mouth music) and come from an oral tradition which dates back further than the instruments they are now played on.

The concept behind TradBeats comes from this idea of creating music without instruments. It is a tuition festival which brings together voice and movement in an organic way within the context of aural, oral and visual cultural transmission. Participants are introduced to puirt-à-beul, diddling and lilting alongside step dance, body percussion and beat-boxing. These elements are then brought together through group collaboration which allows for improvisation. The format of TradBeats differs from typical music tuition. The workshops all take place in one room without tables or chairs or music stands or white boards – just a big space with everyone together. Within the circle it is hoped that we create a relaxed and informal environment and a feeling of togetherness in which participants are free to experiment with rhythm and harmony. This is important to the ethos of TradBeats which is to be inclusive regardless of experience or ability.

One of the best things about TradBeats is that it offers people access to traditional music without requiring them to have any previous experience, or even to own an instrument. They can turn up just as they are – no equipment, no prescribed footwear – and get involved right away. TradBeat’s ethos of inclusion and collaboration means it is open to everyone, especially those who have been unable to afford an instrument or to access music lessons until now. At the same time, however, TradBeats can be of great benefit to accomplished and technically skilled musicians and dancers, challenging them to approach rhythm and melody in a new way.

To date TradBeats has delivered workshops at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Skye, TradFest in Edinburgh and the Borders Book Festival in Melrose, all with great feedback and responses.

“I loved all the separate activities and the way everyone got to work together and incorporate the different skills to create something cool. It was also great being able to bring along friends who didn’t have much knowledge before that of playing trad instruments but they could still join in with everyone and have a fun time because everyone was learning new skills. I’d never really done any beat boxing before. And that was a whole new experience. Also it was fab to learn some new Gàidhlig songs and get more in depth help with step dancing and body percussion.”
(Frieda, Age 16)

I am extremely excited for the future development of TradBeats and would love to hear from any festivals, arts organisations or educational institutions who would be interested in bringing TradBeats to their communities.

For more information on Tradbeats visit www.sophabulous.co.uk/tradbeats.

Sophie Stephenson is a step dancer, tutor and workshop facilitator working across Scotland. 

Contact:
sophie@sophabulous.co.uk

Website:
www.sophabulous.co.uk

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