We hope these testimonials give you an idea of what Tribe of Doris is all about.
If you would like to share what Doris means to you please email us at [email protected] and include a photo
Fiona
2014 was my first time at Doris and I was amazed by the choice of workshops, places to be, people to chat to, stories to hear, music to play. Such a rich environment to be lucky enough to be in. A great setting and relaxed atmosphere. The Saturday night performances where everyone shows what they have been learning was amazing, moving, hilarious and full of joy, people being free to be themselves! Fiona
Mike and Squirrel
I have been to many festivals and twice now to Tribe of Doris with my son and I can honestly say it’s the only festival I will be going to this year . If you’re looking for a real community feeling in the outdoors go to Tribe of Doris. It’s like a Forest School Camp with lots of great music and dance, perfect for me and my family. It gets away from the mainstream festivals. Mike
Julian Davis
Doris provides a unique experience to immerse and enrich ones self in different world cultures. This brings you closer to a global community who share a passion to learn and grow through new world art forms. Doris is a living indomitable spirit; a beacon of truth, integrity and a home for free thinking spirits. Julian
Rachel
I met one of the founder’s, Deasy, in a club in Bristol in the early 1990’s. I was on stage performing and saw this wild woman dancing and feeling the rhythms so clearly! I invited her to join us on stage and she did a spot of free styling. After that we dancing and talked and our friendship began. She invited me as a guest to the Tribe of Doris event while it was still at Shepton Mallet. I had the best time ever.
One day I was asked to step in for a teacher who had not turned up to teach their session. I ended up dancing for 5 hours non-stop - so much so that my knees ‘locked’ I spent the rest of that event hobbling around with two women with a similar diagnosis. We had never met before, but together held on, trying to gracefully stay on our feet. We sealed our Doris friendship forever with laughs and rum! It was my first real festival experience… but I was very happy as I had danced fully to my hearts content for the first time in my life. I have been to every single Doris since then, although now much better equipped for camping and a week dancing in a field!
Apart from teaching at Doris for a few years, I took on the role of chairperson. Doris is very much part of my life, a place where I feel at home, it is my family and community as well as a place where I go to learn, to relax, work hard, recharge, be inspired. I get to be creative, share my knowledge and do what I love most which is to dance and enable others to dance! Rachel
Elisabeth Winkler
I have been going to Tribe of Doris festivals since the mid-1990s, first as a mother then as an older woman. It is a magical event. For a few days, I am transported to another world, a safe and friendly world, where human beings get together across generations to dance, sing and make music (mostly outdoors or under canvas).
This mix of camping, community and creativity feels so unusual. It is unlike any other festival I know because it is about participation - you can do as many workshops as you like (free!) and there is a communal show at the end where you get to perform (if you like) in a supportive, fun atmosphere.
The teachers are top-notch. It is such a privilege to receive instruction (and encouragement) from experts in flamenco or Isadora Duncan, for instance. Or to hear world-class (and World) musicians gathered around a fire, jamming together.
I have an abiding memory of a firelight night time performance under the stars. The experience of human beings gathering together to make music and entertain each other feels timeless and a taste that “another world is possible.” Elizabeth
Mimi Bior
Doris to me is a much needed retreat , a place where I go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life ” the boring stuff”. Its a place where I can be whoever I want to be, surrounded by people of all cultures and walks of life who take so much pride in sharing their arts forms. My soul is happy and my heart is replenished . Doris should be a blueprint for all of humanity. Mimi
Deasy Bamford
Tribe of Doris has allowed me to be part of a community of musicians and dancers from all over the world . I’ve met people from across the UK who believe like me that we are blessed to be from a country with many cultural roots and histories and that sharing time and space together is a deeply enriching experience for us all . At Tribe Of Doris events friendships are forged that can last decades. Music and culture are the magic ingredient, mixed around community fires that take place under the stars. Deasy
Ursula Monn
Doris has become an important part of my life during the last 11 years of participating in the yearly Intercultural Summer School. It is an extraordinary opportunity to meet people from all cultures and backgrounds, that I would not otherwise have had and that has informed and enriched my life very deeply. It enables me to learn from some wonderful teachers from all round the globe to expand and improve my own musical skills. It has contributed enormously to my understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. It celebrates a sense of unity and harmony through the finding of what is truly human, through the use of music, dance, song and ceremony. I do not know of anything that is in any way as community building as Doris. Ursula
Gina James
Tribe of Doris for me has been a refuge, a safe space , a place where I am able to do 10 new things a day without feeling overwhelmed . I can go to Doris to see familiar faces and all the new faces are just as familiar to me . Gina James ( participant since she was 3) Gina
Richie Bryan
The Tribe has been one of the most important influences on my life since I first volunteered with them in 2002. Through this delightful network of wonderful people I have made life long friends and been inspired by amazing musicians from all over the world. I would never miss a Tribe of Doris event, for me it feels like coming home. If you have never been before, you will be welcomed with open arms, it’s amazing how many people come on their own because they know it’s a safe space to do so. Richie
I need Doris because it affects my mood and behaviour at home. The vibe is wonderful, it bring together people from different cultural backgrounds and there is a certain freedom. Also I can see friends I meet each year even if they live a long way away. Tai