The Old Dance School began in 2006 as a gathering of friends in the garden of the old Betty Fox school of ballet in Birmingham, from where they take their name. Among the nettles, each would bring along a tune or a song for the group to experiment with. Three years, 30,000 miles, nearly forty festivals, and several trips to A & E later, the young seven piece ensemble’s second album Forecast delivers a startling take on contemporary folk that is both firmly-rooted and unashamedly forward-thinking, though right at the heart of the music, a close group of friends with a vivid
collective ear for a good tune.

Harnessing energy from the elements, and inspiration from their adventures across wild British Landscape, the much anticipated colourful new release from The Old Dance School offers evocative images, blistering tunes and vivid songs with a virtuosity and vitality which draws from their classical and jazz informed backgrounds.

Their debut album Based on a True Story, in 2008 was met with terrific reviews in the national press, championed by BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, and has secured The Old Dance School as one of the most exciting young bands to have emerged in recently.

Having all studied formally at Birmingham Conservatoire, and met amongst the vibrant young music scene that surrounds it, the seven members of The Old Dance School may seem fresh faced, but don’t let them fool you – the diversity and scale of each one’s musical journey is quite remarkable. From international jazz festivals to European opera tours, film score commissions to classical recitals, green festivals to tattoo conventions, members of The Old Dance School have performed, recorded and toured with artists such as Martha Wainwright, Graham Coxon, Zoe Rahman, Neil Yates, Jim Perrin, The Destroyers, Martha Tilston, Kevin Dempsey, Joe Broughton and Chris While.
Helen Lancaster
Violin/Viola
After studying with world renowned soloist Rivka Golani, Helen formed the Nero String Quartet with whom she has won numerous awards and performs both in the UK and abroad. In demand for her viola playing as well as her fiddle skills, Helen has been involved in many projects such as BBC Radio 2 'Rubber Folk' as featured on the Mike Harding Folk Show. This has led to much recording and touring.
Samantha Norman
Violin
Samantha combines her playing with The Old Dance School with many orchestral projects, including the Britten-Pears Orchestra and the CBSO’s training scheme as well as being Co-Principal 2nd Violin of the London-based YMSO.
Adam Jarvis
Double Bass
Having studied Bass at both Royal Academy of Music in London and Birmingham Conservatoire, Adam Jarvis is now actively involved and in demand on the Birmingham scene as well as working hard with his up and coming London Pop trio, 'Show Without Punch.'
Robin Beatty
Guitars/Live Loops/Vocals
Robin grew up in Hope Valley, in the Peak District. Alongside studying jazz, Robin has maintained his active role in both traditional music and outdoor scenes. Described by National Geographic Magazine as “The Nick Drake of The Mountain World”, these two loves have gone hand in hand throughout his career so far – Robin appeared in duo with writer Jim Perrin at The World Environment Concert at Camden Palace, has toured film festivals in the UK, USA and Canada, through his work composing and producing soundtracks for wild nature films and enjoyed a week’s solo residency at the Bannf Mountain Festival in Canada.
Aaron Diaz
Trumpet/Flugel/Live Loops
Growing up on the hills of Dartmoor he moved to the city in 2004 to attend Birmingham Conservatoire, where he studied trumpet and composition with such luminary musicians as Dave Holland, Mike Gibbs, Hans Koller and Neil Yates. Since graduating in 2008 Aaron has leapt into a career that spans both genre and setting.

Aaron is a key orchestrator in Birmingham’s Cobweb Collective, running their residency at the Yardbird Jazz Club. Other projects include The Destroyers, Sid Peacock & SURGE, Steve Troman’s Debop Quartet, Diaz/Mather/Hurley, Rustin Brass Band , Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra, Hoover the Dog Big Band, Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Orchestras

Tom Chapman
Cajón/Cymbals/Vocals
Tom is fast becoming one of the most in-demand percussionists on the UK folk and acoustic scene. Although the cajón is rapidly growing in popularity, Tom was one of the first UK musicians to use his drum kit and hand percussion background to exploit its potential and take it on as a serious instrument.

Tom is sponsored by De Gregorio Cajónes and represents the UK in Paolo De Gregorio’s groundbreaking documentary “Los Caminos Del Cajón” which charts the instrument’s history and its global spread. Tom has played, recorded and toured with artists such as The Chris While Band, The Violent Femmes, Darren Black, While & Matthews, The Urban Folk Quartet and Neil Yates.
Laura Carter
Whistles/Recorder/Vocals
Laura studied the recorder under the excellent tuition of Ross Winter, Annabel Knight and William Lyons (Dufay Collective). Having won the Birmingham Recorder Competition in 2007, Laura decided to develop her skills as a music education specialist. Laura is currently undertaking a Post Graduate Diploma in Performance Arts Leadership through the Royal Northern College of Music as well as continuing to teach woodwind instruments. If not out teaching or gigging with the band Laura is most likely to be found in the Moseley dress shop hunting for another sparkly jumper.