Period One 9:00 am – 10:00 am
A. The Line is a Couple (Contras) Frederick Park (B/I)
Why dance? The poetry of motion, the camaraderie, the aesthetic connection? Visiting many options within the form called “contra,” leading each and all in satisfying, fun-filled contra dances, we’ll share many paths answering “why dance?” This class is for novice dancers through those wishing to visit contra dance as teachers (learning-by-doing). Bring an open mind, your best smile and the capacity to say “YES”! Let’s see how far we can go!
B. Morris Dance for All John Mayberry (U)
Using the particular take on the Bampton tradition of The Marlboro Morris Men, we will work on dancing together – keeping the flashes of the hankies uniform and moving as lines and sets. The stepping is not overly vigorous, but we will drill it to unify our timing and movements so that, in a figure, we can really experience the unity that makes the performance of a dance worth watching. All are welcome.
C. Dances of Late 18th Century America Jim Morrison (U)
Country Dances, cotillions, and reels were the social dances inherited by the newly independent United States from European emigrants. In the last decades of the 18th century Americans began to adapt these dances to suit practical necessities as well as a desire for cultural independence. This class will be a happy one for those who like learning footwork and appreciate a generation specific approach to dance history.
D. Recorder for the Next Level Wayne Hankin (I/A)
Some old music, some new, some old friends and a great opportunity to make new ensemble partners. We’ll also work on technique. This class is open to players who can play beyond soprano and alto. Some experience in tenor and bass recorders welcome.
E. Mountain Harmonies from the Balkans and Beyond Betsy Platt (U)
We will explore the amazing harmonies of the Balkan and Caucasus Georgian communities through traditional songs of work, love, healing and celebration. Songs will be taught by ear; sight reading is not required, but scores will be available for most. This class is appropriate for all skill levels.
I. Beginning Rapper David Macemon (B)
Fast paced and energetic, Rapper sword is loads of fun! This class is targeted at dancers who want to start dancing rapper, or only have a couple of workshops under their belt. We will look not only at figures, but also what it takes to dance well and dance as a team. Figures will be an interesting mix of traditional and new. A great time will be had by all! Hard-soled shoes work best for this dance, but anything will work.
Period Two 10:15 am – 11:15 am
A. Advanced English Country Dance Brad Foster (A)
Style, dance technique and figures for advanced dancers, with dances ranging from old favorites to challenging new material. For dancers familiar with basic English figures who can dance with a minimum of teaching and walkthroughs.
B. Intermediate English Country Dance David Macemon (I)
Have you wondered what makes “good” dancers “good”? It is not only knowing the figures, but also knowing how to move in the style of the dance, how to dance with/to the music (timing and transitions), and how to appropriately help your partner and others through the dance. This year’s Intermediate English Country Dance Class will help you take your dance skills to the next level, while having fun with old favorites, as well as dances that will be new and fun for you. An intermediate-level dancer is comfortable with the basic figures of English dance. You also should be ready to think about dancing those figures with style, energy, and good timing.
C. Beginning English Country Dance Mary Harrell (B)
In this class, the fun and sociability of the dances will be stressed, along with learning the recurring basic figures, to build a beginning repertoire. The fundamentals of the waltz will also be taught.
E. Songs From the Past to the Present Donna and Lewis Lamb (U)
This class will be a sharing time for old and new folk songs and bluegrass. Come all and have fun with singing. If you play an instrument, bring it along.
F. I Can Tell a Story! Jim Pfitzer (B)
This workshop for beginners will introduce participants to short, simple stories from cultures around the world that they can tell. Some of the stories we use will be familiar folk tales, others are sure to be new to students. We will have fun finding our individual voices, playing with the stories, and engaging in sometimes silly exercises. Before the week is over, every participant will have at least one story they can tell.
G. Trump Familiar Basics and Some New Tricks Wayne Hankin (U)
For trump (Jew’s harp) enthusiasts or newcomers, we review the basics and introduce some new tricks. If you don’t have a trump we’ll be providing instruments in the keys of D, C, and G. Also if you have an electric toothbrush, don’t leave home without one.
H. Basketry for All (One) Janet Northern (U)
We will be using oak handles to make traditional style baskets, woven with reed and other materials. A variety of colors and sizes of reed will be available to choose from so that each basket will be unique. You can keep it basic or feel free to experiment with your own ideas. ($10 material fee payable at class)
I. Introduction to Team Clogging Abby Ladin (B)
Beginning Appalachian clogging skills meet smooth and simple traditional circle and square dance. Learn the basic rhythmic elements of clogging, individual style and group patterns.
Period Three 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Morning song & Stories Patty Tarter (U)
This is a time for the entire CCDS community to gather together for music and fellowship. Participants are welcome to share songs or stories, or just come for the joy of singing together.
Period Four 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
A. Mind bending Contras and More Cis Hinkle (A)
For those who want a little more spice in their dancing experience, we’ll explore some tricky moves, unexpected twists, and challenging timing in a variety of dance formations.
B. Kerry Sets Owen and Jim Morrison (U)
We will focus on dances from the Sliabh Luachra region of Ireland, on the borderlands of Cork and Kerry. These Irish cousins of American square dances are danced to fast paced polkas and slides along with the occasional hornpipe. No experience is necessary.
C. Recorder for New Students Wayne Hankin (B)
Now is the time to get introduced to the instrument. Learn the basics of music, how to sight read, fingerings and enjoy playing with others. Recommended recorders which employ English or Baroque fingerings.
D. English Callers Workshop Brad Foster (U)
This workshop will include time for practice teaching and the discussion of various topics. Topics will include dance programming, teaching figures and steps, working with beginners and mixed-experience crowds, working with your band, stage presence and crowd control.
E. What Do I Do With This?/Intermediate Storytelling
(2 hours) Jim Pfitzer (I/A)
Have a moment in your life, an anecdote, or just an idea that you think might make a good story? This workshop for the storyteller with some experience is the opportunity to find, expand, and tell that story you always wanted to share but weren’t sure what to do with. We will look at what the elements of a good story are and work together to turn those ideas into real stories. Every participant will receive one-on-one feedback from Jim and work with other students in creating his or her story.
F. Intermediate Temari Craft Eric Crowden (I)
Ready to take temari to another level? You will learn a more complex division of the ball that will lead to even more intricate and fascinating designs. This class is suitable for people who have had the Beginning Temari class at Dance School or who have learned temari basics elsewhere. ($10 material fee payable at class)
G. Mummers Play John Mayberry (U)
If you’ve seen a Mummers’ Play before, you know that it’s essentially a loud performance of some nonsensical doggerel presented by a group of people in disguise. It comes to us here and now mostly from the collected versions of seasonal, community-based plays that are still done in parts of England and Ireland. What you may not know is that many communities and cultures all around the world have traditions of allowing certain kinds of excess, breaking of taboos, and doing things that are disruptive. These traditions often include disguising and saying ritualistic things. John will guide the class in finding our own way to present a brand new play to share with everyone at the end of the week. No acting experience necessary, just a willingness to play.
H. C3 *Rapper Laurie Cumming (I/A)
This class will focus on learning classic and challenging combination figures Dancers are also encouraged to bring their favorite combinations to share with the others in the class. Nearing week’s end dancers will decide how to sequence these combinations to create a brand new rapper dance. Experience in rapper dancing, including stepping is necessary for this class as we’ll be moving through the figures quickly.
*C3 = Classic, Challenging Combinations
Period Five 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
A. Pat Shaw Dances Brad Foster (U)
Patrick Noel Shuldham-Shaw (1917- 1977) was an amazingly talented man — music composer, song arranger and teacher, dance composer, historical dance interpreter, traditional dance collector… and there is a huge body of work that came from Pat. Near the end of his life, in 1974, he visited Kentucky where he composed the dance and tune titled Levi Jackson Rag; earlier he wrote Miss de Jersey’s Memorial, reconstructed Prince William, and presented to the world the traditional dance Foula Reel, plus many more besides. We’ll explore the wide range of dances that make up the legacy of Pat Shaw. For all levels.
B. Kentucky Running Set Dave Napier (B/I)
All ages will enjoy this type of dancing. Dance figures taught in this class are those that were included in the book Kentucky Mountain Square Dance by Patrick E. Napier. Many of the figures have not changed since the Appalachian Mountains were first settled.
C. The Clock is Square Frederick Park (U)
Time-travel is the paradigm for our investigation in this week-long visitation of Square Dances. Tempered by region, we’ll tour the country seeking the most fun dances possible! From visiting couple squares to quadrilles to “grid squares” (if enough are present!), the chorus of options will be our playground!
D. Intermediate/Advanced Dance Band Elke Baker (I/A)
For all instruments. We’ll work on playing as an ensemble, rhythm, creating variation through changes in texture, how to choose tunes that suit the figures of a dance, and how to arrange medleys of tunes. We’ll also try to address your specific questions about dance music.
E. Beginning Dance Band Charlie Pilzer (B)
Here’s your opportunity to learn to play for dancers and improve your band skills. We’ll learn some contra, English country dance and ceilidh tunes, and perhaps a waltz or two! We’ll discuss what it is that makes music exciting to dancers. All instruments and skill levels are welcome – drag out those long-neglected instruments from the closet and under the bed – we’ll find a place for you; some proficiency with your instrument is helpful. Andrea Hoag will visit the class to share ideas on melodic variations and harmonic improvisations. Tunes learned in class will be played at the evening After Dance sessions.
F. What Do I Do With This?/Intermediate Storytelling
(2 hours) Jim Pfitzer (I/A)
Have a moment in your life, an anecdote, or just an idea that you think might make a good story? This workshop for the storyteller with some experience is the opportunity to find, expand, and tell that story you always wanted to share but weren’t sure what to do with. We will look at what the elements of a good story are and work together to turn those ideas into real stories. Every participant will receive one-on-one feedback from Jim and work with other students in creating his or her story.
G. Calling Contras and Squares Cis Hinkle (U)
If you’ve ever considered calling a dance, have been calling for years, or perhaps are just curious how callers think, this class is for you. We’ll focus on teaching, calling technique, dance selection and program planning, working with musicians, microphone use, and other fine points about improving your skill. There will be “flight time” to practice in a supportive setting during class, and suggestions to prepare for the open calling sessions available during the week.
H. Basketry for All (Two) Janet Northern (U)
We will be using the same materials and techniques as in the first class to create one-of-a-kind baskets. If you have taken this class before, I will encourage you to try different patterns and weaving styles. There will be a basic basket for those who have not made baskets before. You can choose to keep your basket very basic or feel free to experiment and try new things. ($10 material fee payable at class)
Period Six 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
A. Contra Dance Open Mic/Open Band C is Hinkle/Andrea Hoag (U)
For dancers, this is another time in the day to enjoy contras and squares called by your peers. For callers, this is a chance to get more practice time and to receive constructive feedback on your calling from Cis Hinkle. For musicians, come and join the band under the guidance of Andrea Hoag.
B. The Oldest Dance Tradition Frederick Park (U)
Circle dances of the Blue Ridge region of Appalachia are the heart of these sessions. Lending energy to community, to strength and diversity in programming and to the realm of the spirit of the circle’s presence in dance, we’ll dance a wide variety of two-couple figures within the context of the Appalachian Big Circle – and we’ll dance one circle mixer each day too!
C. Harmony Singing in the Square: Shape Note Singing for One and All Kent Gilbert (U)
With rich harmonies and complex melodic structures, Shape Note (or Sacred Harp) music is a 4-part a cappella American singing tradition with roots dating back more than 2 centuries. So-called because of the use of different shapes on the note-heads, we will learn and sing primarily from the 4-shape tradition. Anyone is welcome to join! Previous experience and the ability to read music —while helpful—is not required.
D. Beginning Temari Craft Eric Crowden (B)
Temari is an ancient Japanese handcraft of first thread-wrapping a ball and then embroidering colorful designs across the surface. You will learn to create the base, some basic stitching techniques and different patterns that can open up endless design possibilities. ($10 material fee payable at class)
E. Clogging Intermediate Abby Ladin (I)
If you have solid basic footwork in tap or clogging come explore syncopation and phrasing. We will work on attack and precision to improve the overall quality of our percussive sound.