Full Biography
Alex Cumming (she/they) is a traditional singer, accordionist, pianist, dance caller, and educator whose work bridges the folk traditions of England and North America. Originally from Somerset, England and now based in Brattleboro, Vermont, Alex has spent more than a decade and a half performing, teaching, and leading dances across both sides of the Atlantic. Known for her warm stage presence, powerful voice, and deep knowledge of traditional repertoire, she brings songs and tunes to life with authenticity, humor, and heart.
Alex performs widely as a solo artist and as a member of several acclaimed ensembles, including the award‑winning UK a cappella quartet The Teacups, the duo Alex & Audrey, and the Celtic trio Bellwether with Eric McDonald and Louise Bichan. She is also a familiar face in the contra dance world, playing with Red Case Band, Crossover, and multiple duo projects. In 2024, after years of touring and recording with various groups, Alex released her debut solo album Homecoming, featuring Audrey Jaber, Max Newman, and longtime collaborator Pete Ord.
In addition to her musical work, Alex is an active dancer and teacher of English ritual dance. She currently dances with Marlboro Morris & Sword, plays for Harbour Steel, and helps run the children’s team Marlboro Minis. Her past teams include Maple Morris, Morris Offspring, Newcastle Kingsmen, Star & Shadow, and Taunton Deane Morris. She teaches Cotswold, Border, Longsword, Rapper, Northwest Morris, beginner English clog, and ritual dance musicianship, often collaborating with her wife, Alice Kaufman.
Alex’s work has also reached television and theater audiences. She has appeared on BBC prime‑time programs including Edwardian Farm and performed live sessions for BBC Radio. Her theater collaborations include projects with Revels Inc., California Revels, Exeter University, and Promenade Promotions. From 2021–2025, she served as Artistic & Music Director of Revels North.
Alex holds a BMus (Hons) in Folk & Traditional Music from Newcastle University—the only degree of its kind in England at the time—and is certified at Grade 8 in Voice and Grade 6 in Piano Accordion.
A dedicated teacher and workshop leader, Alex has taught for organizations such as the English Folk Dance & Song Society, Folk Arts Center of New England, Country Dance & Song Society, Folkworks, Folk South West, and numerous schools, camps, and festivals. Her teaching résumé includes Maine Fiddle Camp, ESCape, BACDS Hey Days, CDSS English Week, Youth Trad Song Weekend, Sidmouth Folk Festival, Harmony of Song & Dance, and many others. From 2019–2022 she served as Program Director for CDSS English Week, and in 2020 she co‑founded the Virtual Accordion Camp with Jeremiah McLane and Rachel Bell.
Alex is also a seasoned dance caller with twenty years of experience, specializing in English and Scottish ceilidhs, English and New England barn dances, and family folk dances, while also calling for contra, English country dance, and couples dancing. Before moving to the US, she was a popular caller on the UK ceilidh circuit, appearing at Sidmouth, Broadstairs, Shrewsbury, Oxfolk, and more. In the US, she has called for Old Songs Festival, New World Festival, BACDS Family Week, Quechee Highland Games, TradMad at Pinewoods, BIDA, and many community dance