Sibby (Rob Sibthorpe) began calling in Hampshire, having become a popular figure on the local folk scene through his appearances at folk song clubs and his regular programmes on BBC Radio Solent. He was soon to be seen at many festivals, including Sidmouth. Then he moved to Essex and work commitments led to a temporary retirement from folk dancing. In 1997, Bursledon Village Band asked him to call at their 20th birthday celebration – and the bug bit. Sibby returned to calling, and within a few years became just as busy as ever. Now his bookings send him all over the country and abroad. He has also returned to the festival circuit: Sidmouth, Broadstairs, Whitby, Chippenham, Eastbourne and others. And to add to a busy schedule, he is currently the Chairman and Dance Teacher of the Leigh-on-Sea Caledonian Dancers (see link below).
His repertoire ranges from barn dance through ceilidh to club level and advanced - including playford, contra, Scottish and originals. His 14th book of dances was released in 2008. Sibby is an avid collector of dances, and has about 10,000 notations in his database. His own dances (in excess of 200) are an eclectic mix of styles.
Whatever the occasion, Sibby adds humour and originality to the favourite standards of the folk dance world.
