This film of Green Ginger founder members Lynette Eldon and Sue Mortimer (Jenkinson) was made in July 1979. It was produced by New Zealander Pam Burns, a Green Ginger member at that time, as an aide memoire to take back home. Pam worked in the Media Department of The University of Hull so she was able to use the expertise of colleagues and the technical facilities of the department.
The film clearly and accurately shows the Northumberland and Durham Hornpipe steps danced by Green Ginger at that time. Most of the steps were learned from Johnson Ellwood as were some of the names, Other names were those given by the team.
8 breaks are shown followed by 36 steps grouped by step characteristics,shuffles, stamps, slices, circular and combination steps. They show the engaging breadth of rhythmic and visual variety that characterise North East Clog Dance.
After the breakdown of the steps, Sue and Lynette dance four Hornpipe routines devised and performed by Green Ginger at that date.
Pam asked Lynette and Sue to add Green Ginger versions of Cumberland and Westmorland dances and 2 Waltz routines from the team repertoire.
Over the final credits, Sue sings the song composed by Johnson`s father, Jimmy. Johnson sang the song before his performances.
Though the original purpose of the film was to be an aide memoire for Pam, it now stands as a clear teaching aid, as a snapshot of Green Ginger`s 1979 dancing and as an entertaining journey through North East Clog dance.
The film has been edited into short clips to facilitate ease of use.
Lynette and Sue are working on the notations for all these and many more Ellwood Family steps. In due course these will be available on the IRT website.
Breaks
Eight breaks are shown. Johnson Ellwood called the last two bars at the end of a step a "break" as it was used as a break form the rhythm of the step. Some of these are used for the hornpipe steps danced in the following clips.
Steps Based Around Shuffles
Ten hornpipe steps, based around the shuffle, danced by Sue and Lynette. The musician is Jim Eldon.
Stamp Steps
Four hornpipe steps, starting with a stamp movement, danced by Lynette. The musician is Jim Eldon.
Steps Based Around Slices
Nine hornpipe steps, utilising the slice, danced by Sue and Lynette. The musician is Arthur Rawe.
Circular/Turning Steps
Five turning hornpipe steps danced by Sue. The musician is Arthur Rawe
Combination Steps
Nine hornpipe steps using a combination of elements, danced by Lynette Eldon and Sue Mortimer (Jenkinson). The musician is Arthur Rawe.
Hornpipe Number 1
A hornpipe routine consisting of six steps and double shuffles, danced by Lynette and Sue The musician is Arthur Rawe.
Hornpipe Number 2
A hornpipe routine again consisting of six further steps and double shuffles, danced by Lynette and Sue The musician is Arthur Rawe.
Hornpipe Number 3
Another six step hornpipe routine again with double shuffles, danced by Sue The musician is Arthur Rawe .
Hornpipe Number 4
A final six step hornpipe routine again with double shuffles, danced by Lynette The musician is Arthur Rawe .
Pam Burns also asked Lynette and Sue to add Green Ginger versions of Cumberland and Westmorland dances and 2 Waltz routines from the team repertoire. The waltz steps were learned from Johnson Ellwood.
The “Cumberland” and “Westmorland”were learned from Lindsay Smith and are representative of the style now commonly called Lakeland. The exception is step 2 of the Cumberland routine which is from William Adamson’s Clog Hornpipe, from East Fife. When interviewed, collector Tom Flett’s daughter, Lindsay, confirmed that she had occasionally taught the step at Lakeland workshops, hence it’s attribution.
Waltz Routine 1
A six step waltz routine danced by Sue The musician is Arthur Rawe .
Waltz Routine 2
A further six step waltz routine danced by Lynette The musician is Arthur Rawe .
Lakeland (Cumberland and Westmorland) Steps.
Sue dances a series of steps known to the team as "Cumberland" steps, with musician Arthur Rawe. Lynette then performs a routine of "Westmorland" steps with musician Jim Eldon.
Credits with song
Sue performs Jimmy Ellwoods's clog dancing song "Where is Dan Leno Now?" over the films credits.
The film was shot at the University of Hull. Camera: John Tarrant, Jim Lambert and Nick Jennings. Sound: Nick Jennings. Video: Peter Everett. Graphics: Lee Elliott. Vision Supervisor: Alec Worrell. Lighting: John Tarrant. Direction: Pam Burns.