Dancing In Portugal

Viv Sanderson (Modern Jive Demonstrator & Dancer and assistant teacher) Sheffield
(Viv and Harry) 11th - 18th April
Portugal au Naturel!
Sunshine
Peace - Relax - Slow Down
Countryside nature
Stunning Views
Beautiful architecture
Clean, well maintained properties
Lack of commercialism
Few people - not 'touristy'
This was my first visit to Portugal and, although Yolande promised me that I'd find myself in unspoilt countryside, offering beautiful walks, I wasn't full prepared for what I actually found.

First of all, the location:
If we hadn't been following Yolande in her 'Dance Mobile' that dark Monday night, we would never have believed that we were on the correct road; bumpy, stoney single track!, edged on either side by enormous boulders. When a gate was eventually reached and we swung onto Yolande's land, parking on a grassy area under a starlit sky, I had absolutely no idea where I was. On waking to the sound of birds and bright daylight shining in through the windows, I was very keen to get outside to discover where it was that I had come to. I wasn't disappointed. What did I see? ~ olive trees, hills, boulders, vineyard, blue sky, grassy areas, and one solitary house other than Yolande's. For me, a little piece of heaven on earth. In the week we stayed in Portugal, we walked though beautiful, unspoilt countryside where you get the sense that things haven't changed for hundreds of years.
Companionship:
Having said that the location is very isolated the time spent here was never too quiet or lonely as Yolande has four delightfully, entertaining dogs, two cute cats, four rapidly growing goslings, two sheep and two brown lambs that wouldn't drink from the bottle when I got up at 7am to help feed them!, several chickens and some other birds that weren't as pretty with no feathers on their necks, and one very cuddly lop-eared rabbit. You can imagine the greeting new visitors get on arrival!!
Apart from her animal friends, Yolande has many human friends who were very good company, coming from all walks of life and from all corners of the world.
As I have already mentioned, there is a wealth of beautiful countryside to explore so it's time to slap the suncream on, pick up my big, floppy hat, and camera in hand, set off to explore some more !
Dancing:
Of course, the chance to actually be here came about because of Yolande's desire to dance in Portugal. I was in the first group of dancers to bering Modern Jive to San Antonio. We danced in a local bar 'Taberna Santo Amaro (Castelo de Vide), helped to teach the second only dance class and, in Castelo de Vide danced on the band stand in the park. I'm not sure what the local people made of it all but I had a thoroughly enjoyable time! - especially in the park as the setting was glorious.
The sun shone, we danced, we walked, we sat chatting and we relaxed! Thank you Yolande for allowing me the whole experience. I wish you bundles of luck for your dancing venture.
Viv x.

Harry Cartwright (Modern Jive Teacher & Dancer) Sheffield
(Harry & Viv) 11th - 18th April
We arrived on Monday evening and met Yolande at a bar just outside Portagem as arranged. We followed her van back to her house. I could not believe where she was taking us. It was no more that a grass (with bits of tarmac, chippings and stones every now and then) track which was very narrow in places. The stones from the dry stone wall on the left seemed to overhang when the rock face encroached from the right to make the opening very tight! It was also quite winding (and steep!) in places. Yolande's house is absolutely idyllic, set in 8 acres of beautiful land, with superb views all around. We were made very welcome by Yolande's 'helpers' Ben, Mona and Sophie who proved to be excellent company.
The week flew by as there is so much to do. Viv and I love walking and found so many excellent walks but not enough time to do them all. We did a couple of dance 'demos', first in the larger town of Castelo de Vide, one afternoon. Our 'dance floor' was the bandstand in the town centre and we atracted some curious looks from the passers-by. I'm sure they would not have seen 8 people jiving to Katie Perry's Hot n' Cold before. In the evening we descended on a very small bar in Castelo and danced the evening away, even managing to get some of the 'regulars' to join us.
Thursday evening was the first 'class night'. Yolande and I taught a 'beginnes lesson' to a group of about 16 English, Portuguese, Dutch, German, French, Spanish and Scottish in Santo Antonio a much smaller town. Yolande's Portuguese was certainly tested but, fortunately most the nationalities could understand my English!!!
Our most memorable walk was from Yolande's, up the 'track' and then following the Roman road, up and up and up to the walled town of Marvao where the views from the top of the castle were quite breathtaking. The narrow cobbled streets in the town reminded me of the old town of Malcesm on Lake Garda where we had visited previously.
Saturday night was 'party night' at the dance venue in Santo Antonio. We had no idea how many people would turn up as Yolande had publisised it far and wide. You could not go in a shop or bar within a 15 mile radius and not see of her posters! As well as to (belatedly) celebrate Yolande's birthday it was also to raise money for the Bombeiros, which is the local fire service, manned entirely by volunteers, with no public funding. On the night I estimated between 80 and 100 people of all nationalities turned up. The band were very good (and very loud!), playing a varied collection of ald favourites from the Stones to Van Morrison. As they say 'a good time was had by all' - so much so that the adjoining bar ran out of their regular beer. I'm sure Yolande will be under pressure to organise similar events on a regular basis.

A Journey into the Unknown!
Andy Dennis - Modern Jive Dancer Sheffield

Andy & Lynne (11th - 18th April)

First met the 'crazy' woman with the red hair at a dance weekender in Scarborough, and it was there that the first seeds of a dance holiday in Portugal were sown. I was particularly struck by how ambitious this lady was and is, in wanting to set up a dance school in Portugal within 5 years and was immediately attracted to the idea of going out to help, even if we could do so in only a small way.

Just over 2 months later, the flights were booked for me and Lynne to join 6 others, in April 2011, for what was to be Yolande’s first steps (after the initial promoting, red tape, bureaucracy etc) in achieving her ambition.

We knew from Yolande’s description that we would be based in quite a remote part of Portugal, so if the hustle and bustle of European ‘City Breaks’ or the popular coastal resort areas are more your ‘cup of tea’, then this may not be for you. However, if you have ever fancied winding down, almost totally, in a very peaceful, tranquil environment, then this is it. A hire car is recommended though for getting out and about.

We were very fortunate to be invited to stay in Yolande’s own house, with her 4 very dear friends, (Margot, Cherry, Wilma and Dazzle) the dogs, not to mention the sheep, the lambs, the chickens, the geese, the floppy eared rabbit Winston and at least 2 cats that I counted. Yolande is also assisted by Ben and Mona, and whilst we were there, by Sophie, who are all on an ‘exchange scheme’.

Everyone made us feel very welcome especially our hostess, despite a thousand and one things happening all at once for her.

There is much beautiful scenery in the vicinity which can be enjoyed on a number of walks from Yolande’s. However, the best way to take in the views is to visit the local towns of Marvao and Castelo de Vide. Marvao especially, is a beautiful place, with the whole town encapsulated within the castle walls. A walk round the castle walls is recommended for those with no fear of heights, as the views are spectacular.

On the odd occasion we did eat out (lunchtimes), the best places we found so far were the Cafe Bar near the Tourism Office in Marvao, and Doce & Campahnia Cafe in the main square in Castelo de la Vide. Both had English speaking staff, very useful for those with special dietary needs.

During our stay we promoted dance events already arranged by Yolande by handing out leaflets and doing a couple of ‘demos’ in Castelo de Vide. We attended the weekly class session in San Antonio which was only in its second week, and a further dance event, including a live band, at the same venue.

I can honestly say this has been one of the best travel/holiday experiences I’ve ever had and would have no hesitation about returning at some time in the future. Many thanks, Andy

Holiday in Portugal – Courtesy of Yolande
Lynne Buchanan (Modern Jive Dancer) Sheffield
Lynne & Andy (11th - 18th April)

I met Yolande whilst attending jive classes and a dance weekend last year, when she initially mentioned the dance holiday opportunity in Portugal. I was pleased to accept, because Yolande is a lovely, friendly and extrovert person and I haven’t been on holiday for over 12 years. One month prior to flying out, I endured a nasty fall in London and badly sprained and bruised both my ankles. I was advised to rest and not dance for at least 4 weeks to allow healing. Because I love dancing and was eager, I listened to the Doctor.
We arrived with some other people from the UK and 4 more arrived the next day. The weather is fantastic. Yolande lives on a gorgeous property with a vast amount of scenery. Yolande and her helpers, Ben, Mona and Sophie, made our stay very relaxed and comfortable. I wasn’t sure what to expect, because unfortunately the ‘detailed’ email Yolande had sent to me was lost in cyber space. Nevertheless, the house and grounds were lovely. You have to be aware that it is not a lively place, bustling with night life or people. But a very slow paced time, very tranquil and peaceful. The only noise is from the birds and Yolande has 4 lovely, very excitable and affectionate dogs, 2 cats, chickens, lambs etc, a gorgeous little rabbit, and it’s lovely. I felt at home immediately and it wasn’t long before I felt relaxed and de-stressed after the past stressful few weeks.
The scenery is breathtaking, I was expecting to do a lot of dancing, but we had leisurely walks and meals in and out, walk or drives up to Castelo de Vide and up to the top of the Castle. The scenery was vast and wide spread and the view was panoramic and spectacular and took my breath away. We explored some of the town. And to the castle at Marvao, again a nice effect but it didn’t have the same effect as Castelo. The group of us did a dance demo in a picturesque park on a bandstand in Castelo de Vide. A lovely setting and it was lovely to dance. Unfortunately there were not a lot of people about. However, the few that passed by observed and took a leaflet. Hopefully by word of mouth will recommend the dancing to their friends and family. One evening we had a dance get together at a quaint little bar called Taberna Amaro. Really enjoyable and the locals were having a lovely and enjoyable time participating in trying to learn some of the dance moves with us the ‘UK helpers’.
The locals are pretty friendly and receptive when we have been ordering meals or handing out leaflets to promote Yolande’s first dance social evening due to take place on the Saturday, with live music and dance music in between.
I have a dietary requirement due to wheat intolerance and have to have a gluten free diet. Yolande went out of her way to accommodate this and made sure I had plenty of gluten free products too. And even ascertained that a cafe/restaurant called Paladar and a couple of other places, cater for coeliacs (like me) or other food intolerances if prior warned.
Yolande and Harry, (UK dance teacher) taught a beginner class in Castelo at a venue Yolande will use regularly. I made my debut as it was my first time taking on the lead (man’s) role for the class, due to needing another ‘man’. I enjoyed helping the people there. I felt the class went very well and Yolande made the newbie’s/beginners feel relaxed and translated the moves in Portuguese and English. I really hope the new venture succeeds for Yolande. She is ambitious, motivated and determined, in pursuing the dance holidays venture, as it is a lovely gesture for all walks of life / nationalities to come together. She is a lovely person and one of my valued friends. I would definitely come again to help wherever I can. The hospitality of Yolande and her helpers was much appreciated and welcoming. We became a part of the everyday life during our weeks stay. I would gladly have done more dance demos, class and social nights. Yolande offers more than she expects in return which is sweet and endearing.
The final dance was held at the class venue in Castelo, a nice place with a stage, large dance floor and a balcony. There was a live band called The Outsiders playing a mixture of rock and some jive music. In between there sets some normal music was played, whereby the helpers could demonstrate some dance moves and routines for everyone to see what they could learn and achieve to do with practice and time. Plus some dancing for people that preferred to do instead. Overall I think everyone enjoyed interacting and coming together as a community. Everyone brought food to share and some people were selling their own products to promote their local business. For example I noticed a lady selling jewellery, I was so pleased that all Yolande’s hard work and dedication was paying off. Because I believe that it was a success and the first of many successful events hosted by Yolande. I enjoyed the social evenings that Yolande hosted with meals and invited everyone round for a social gathering with her friends and helpers and UK helpers.
The week has flown and due to return back home to England tomorrow back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I have happy memories of staying with Yolande and been welcomed with open arms into her home and dance world. The company was pleasant,the weather gorgeous, the food enjoyable and the dancing great (and I would have gladly done A LOT MORE). The surrounding areas, towns, castles, and more importantly the views were breathtaking. I am amazed at how calm and rejuvenated and revitalised the week away has made me feel. Thank you Yolande for making it possible, and for inviting me over and taking good care of me. It has been a pleasure and look forward to seeing you again. I can’t wait to see the photos and video clips taken. The memories though are firmly implanted on my brain. I have loved it. I wish you happiness and prolonged success in your new endeavour and I look forward to seeing all of your wonderful classes etc on facebook. I love all your dogs. They will probably soon forget me, but the welcome and fuss they give out is lovely. Margo and Cherry were sweet, Dazzle and Wilma were adorable and I will miss them and my favourite ‘Winston’ the baby rabbit. It’s been great Yoyo and a big hug and kiss.
Love Lynne

Below are reviews from Helpx volunteers. These are all people from an amazing world wide organisation. They arrive as strangers and invariably leave as friends.
**Several more reviews still need to be written up.

Below are the reviews from Helpx (www.helpx.net - I am host no.6376) & Workaway (www.workaway.info) Volunteers. These are all people who arrived as strangers & invariably left as friends.

Jason McGlynn (Helpx - August 2010) Ireland
Where can I start! My time at Yolande's has been very enjoyable & fun experience from the moment I arrived. I was made to feel very welcome. It was like a home away from home. Yolande is a very obliging, fun & easy person to get along with and cooking is great, second to none. I also enjoyed the 5 dogs Gypsy, Margo, Dazzle, Cherry & Wilma and the cats Elvis & Titch. All the animals have great characters. Yolande has a great passion for animals as I also do. Yolande is a very welcoming host who included me in socialising with her friends. I have made many friends here & I'm sure we will keep in touch.
Work was very easy going thanks to the relaxing atmosphere of Yolande's home. Working with the animals didn't seem like work as I love to work with animals.
I have been invited to return to look after the animals & homestead while she takes a well deserved break. I look forward to returning. I am sad to leave this place but will be happy to e here again. I recommend the helpxing folk out there who love animals, nature and enjoyable company to visit Yolande's. It is truly a wonderful place to stay and I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I have.

** 8 more reviews still to come - I need a 48 hour day to find the time to type them up!