The Maypole Manual — Mike Ruff
Complete guide to Maypole Dancing including teaching notes
Classification: Dance
Reviews
A well-presented book to help teachers teach maypole dancing and students/ pupils learn. It will be very useful for classes and groups such as Guides/Brownies/Rainbows and Scouts/Cubs/Beavers. The book shows how wonderfully inclusive maypole dancing is and how people of all ages and abilities can enjoy it.
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Description
The Maypole Manual — The Complete Guide to Maypole Dancing for Teachers, Schools & Community Groups – Step-by-Step Instruction, Photos, Diagrams & Inclusive Dance Routines
Unlock the joy and tradition of maypole dancing with The Maypole Manual by Mike Ruff & Jenny Read — a practical, easy-to-use dance instruction book perfect for teachers, instructors, schools, community groups, youth organisations, and folk dance enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide breaks down traditional and modern maypole dance routines, helping even absolute beginners confidently lead maypole performances and workshops.
Ideal for anyone searching for a folk dance teaching resource, dance curriculum support, or cross-curricular arts activity guide for children and adults, this manual includes clear visuals, step-by-step instructions, and expert teaching notes that make maypole dancing accessible, fun, and educational.
Inside this essential maypole dance resource:
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Step-by-step maypole dance instructions with photos, diagrams, and “Dance at a Glance” teaching features — perfect for dance teachers, educators, and leaders.
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Traditional and modern routines graded from simple to advanced, helping you plan sessions for all ages and skill levels.
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Cross-curricular ideas that connect dance to history, music, PE, and creative learning.
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Insight into non-ribbon dances from Victorian and Tudor history, bringing cultural heritage alive in your classroom or community event.
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A user-friendly format designed for novices and experienced dancers alike.
Whether you’re planning maypole workshops, school May Day events, summer fetes, community festivals, or simply want to learn how to teach maypole dancing with confidence, The Maypole Manual is your go-to folk dance guidebook and interactive instructional resource.
Perfect for:
- Dance educators & school teachers
- Community group leaders & youth club organisers
- Folk dance clubs & cultural festivals
- Parents & caregivers seeking creative activity ideas
- Anyone interested in traditional folk dance and inclusive movement activities
Make maypole dancing easy to teach, inspiring to learn, and fun for everyone — from classrooms to community halls, summer celebrations, and more.
A website and lively CD complete the package.
“Easy to use manual, even for a novice” – Folkestone Primary Academy
“This is an excellent, clearly presented maypole teaching resource which is attractively and thoughtfully presented, user-friendly and modern in its outlook. I am very happy to recommend this for anyone wanting the essential information on how to lead maypole dancing with young people and adults alike.” – Rachel Elliott, Education Director, English Folk Dance and Song Society
“This is the answer to our prayers! A really well written book and entertaining music CD to get people of all ages maypole dancing” – Paul James, Formally Halsway Manor, National Centre for the Folk Arts
The accompanying Maypole Manual Music album can be purchased as a CD or as a download.
Further details
197 pages
We also publish on Amazon in their proprietary Kindle format.
Reviews
A well-presented book to help teachers teach maypole dancing and students/ pupils learn. It will be very useful for classes and groups such as Guides/Brownies/Rainbows and Scouts/Cubs/Beavers. The book shows how wonderfully inclusive maypole dancing is and how people of all ages and abilities can enjoy it.
Verified Purchase