Pig Dyke Molly

What to expect

Not much is known about the origins of Molly dancing, but it seems to have started in the 1800s in East Anglia as a form of rough country dancing, where the dancers dressed up humorously or against social expectations. Modern groups have individual costume styles; you can see Pig Dyke's in the photos and videos!

Pig Dyke Molly practice most Monday evenings at Fletton Woodston & Stanground Ex-Service & Working Men's Club in Peterborough, from 8:00pm to 9:30pm.

They perform throughout the year, mostly at weekends from May to September.

You can join as a dancer. No previous experience is necessary; if you can hop, you can dance!

You can join as a musician. They have used instruments such as melodeons, drums, saxophones, recorders, violins and sousas. Don't feel that you have to be a highly accomplished musician.

Or you can join as both!

At practice sessions they practice, learn new dances, and prepare for upcoming performances. If you are new, they have a dedicated team to get you on the road to learning the dances or music.

Come along for a taster session on their practice evenings. It is best if you contact them beforehand, so that they can ensure you get their full attention. If you have any questions or concerns you are welcome to contact them.

You do not need any special equipment or clothing when you come to a taster session or for practice sessions, except for suitable footwear to dance in such as trainers.

They hide their identity when performing with hats, wigs and face paint; most members find that being anonymous when performing in public boosts their confidence. When you are ready to perform in public you will need to create your own costume; most members create them from what they find in charity shops or second-hand retailers, but you don't need to be skilled with a needle, you will get plenty of help from other members.

More information

What age range do you have to be to join?

Minors are welcome to join but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The group leaders decide whether to accept minors on a case-by-case basis, so please contact them to discuss.

There is no upper age limit except for nature. They have members who dance into their 70s, but inevitably people eventually reach an age where they no longer have the speed or agility to keep up and decide to hang up their dancing shoes.

Is this activity accessible?

Their practice room is fully accessible, but they cannot guarantee that performance venues will be. Pushchairs and well-behaved dogs are welcome at practice sessions, but dogs may not be allowed at the venues they perform at so are best left home for those.

Is there food/drink?

Refreshments are available to purchase at the bar at the practice venue.

Where do I park?

There is no carpark at the practice venue, but there are plenty of free spaces in the surrounding streets.

Taster sessions are free and there are no membership fees for the dance group.

Those accompanying the main attendee can attend free of charge and just sit and watch, or can become a member if they wish.

When you decide you like the group and want to become a member, you will need to join the Fletton Club which will cost you less than £20 per year.

You will have to pay your own costs to attend performances (travel, food accommodation etc.).