Period One 9:00 – 10:00
A. Advanced Contras Darlene Underwood (A)
Experienced dancers, put on your dancing cap and let’s explore basic moves that are combined in challenging ways. These dances will teach fundamentals of how to successfully dance advanced contras.
B. Scandinavian Dance Basics Roo Lester w/Kent Gilbert (U)
Looking for something new and different? Try Scandinavian dance. This class will introduce you to the richness and variety of the dance and music of Scandinavia. Most of the dances taught in class incorporate turning of some sort. Key themes of the class include developing balance both alone and as part of a dancing couple and learning techniques for leading and following. In this class we will focus primarily on dances in 2/4/ and ¾ including waltz, schottische, polka, mazurka and introduce some of the special regional dances from Norway and Sweden. Hard soled, low heeled shoes recommended. Shoes that you can turn on the balls/soles of your feet.
C. Harmony Singing by Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly (U)
Aubrey and Elwood will introduce a variety of lovingly curated folk songs that lend well to group singing, call-response, and harmony. Joyous, self-taught singers who sing mainly by ear, Aubrey and Elwood offer intuitive techniques for breathing, pitch control, rhythm, lead singing, and identifying intervals for harmony, sharing what they have gleaned through decades of social singing, performance, and experimentation. Lyrics with and without written music will be provided. Participants may also bring their own songs and musical questions. Come join the chorus! (All Levels, All Voices)
D. English Callers Workshop Joanna Reiner Wilkinson (U)
This class is for current ECD callers of any experience level and those considering a career in ECD calling. Each day’s class will focus on a different topic: writing an English dance program, working with musicians, building repertoire, teaching vs. calling, etc. The class is open to leaders and callers of other dance forms, but will focus on ECD
E. Intermediate Recorder Wayne Hankin (I)
Open to all with abilities to play different sizes of recorder. Must be able to read music as we’ll be exploring music from several centuries, including a few new works by Wayne.
F. Beginning Rapper Jim Morrison (B/I)
Period Two 10:15 – 11:15
A. Advanced English Country Dance – Making the Magic Joanna Reiner Wilkinson (A)
This class will explore what it means to be an advanced dancer, focusing on skills and techniques including and beyond mastering complex choreographies. Selected topics: flow, end effects, changing roles, phrasing, recovery, supporting your partner and your major and minor set, and that ever-elusive concept of “style.”. Knowledge of ECD figures and basic repertoire is expected.
B. Intermediate English Country Dance Brad Foster (I)
For dancers comfortable with the basics, in this session we’ll look at some other elements that bring choreography to life and make music visible: connect discrete figures into seamless flow, acknowledge and support partners and neighbors, move in a variety of moods, and spread joy as you travel … in short, how to dance! We’ll revisit familiar older dances and explore many recent compositions.
C. Beginning English Country Dance David Macemon (B)
This class will be a fun and easy introduction to English Country Dancing. We will learn many basic recurring figures, and steadily build up a repertoire as the week progresses. Beyond mere execution of figures, we will delve into style, timing and technique. We’ll discover the difference between walking patterns and dancing to the music. All are welcome!
D. Contra Callers Workshop Darlene Underwood (U)
Through the week we will break it down! How to call, What to call, When to call and have fun calling!
E. JUBO Wayne Hankin (U)
Learn To Play The Easy Way: A new way to introduce instrument music instruction to people of all ages. Easy to play and learn with a sweet sounding 4-hole flute small enough to hang around your neck. So if you want to get started fast in music or if you’re 80 and think now’s the right time to start something new in your life- or if you just want to introduce the gift of music to your grandchildren, this course will please you, not to mention change your life. Jubos will be available to purchase.
F. Open Singing Jam (U)
G. 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.
($15 material fee payable at class) (20 person limit for the class)
H. Beg Appalachian Flatfooting and Clogging Phil Jamison (B)
This class, for beginners, is an introduction to Appalachian flatfooting and clogging. We will cover the basic movements, “step-by-step,” building a repertoire of steps as we go. Come ready to dance in smooth-soled shoes (leather soles if you have them).
Period Three 11:30 – 12:15
Morningsong & 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 – 2:45
A. Beg/Int Contras Darlene Underwood (B/I)
If you are curious about why contra is so popular or if you just want to dance… Come join this class for smooth and fun dances while working on your timing and grooving to the music.
B. Kentucky Set Running Jim Napier Stites & Ben Napier (U)
All ages and experience levels will enjoy this class. Dance figures taught will be those included in Kentucky Mountain Square Dancing by Patrick E. Napier. Many of the figures have not changed since the Appalachian Mountains were first settled. Some figures will be familiar to those with experience dancing Appalachian Big Set. Beginners will learn enough figures to dance all night long, and experienced dancers will enjoy dancing to the finest music around!
C. Fun Nordic/Scandinavian-Delving Deeper Roo Lester w/Kent Gilbert (I)
We will continue to develop and refine our turning dance skills while exploring the variety and richness of the dance (and music) of Scandinavia. Some waltz variations? How about a schottische with a “wrinkle?” Again, all of the dances taught in class incorporate turning. We will build upon the key themes introduced in the Scandinavian Dance Basics class. This class will delve further into the richness of the dances of Norway and Sweden. The skills used for these dances are applicable to many other dance forms. Come one, come all. Bring your hard soled shoes for turning dances and a spirit of adventure. Previous experience with Scandinavian turning dances recommended.
D. Deliver the Rhythm! – Playing Dance Tunes with Oomph and Grace (For all) Anna Patton (U)
This class is for dance musicians who want to work on the rhythmic aspects of their playing in a playful, exploratory way. There are so many different ways to play rhythmically: even sweeping legatos can be rhythmic. How can we create more rhythmic variation? How can a melody player find a niche in the rhythm section and vice versa? How to approach dragging or speeding tendencies? How to deliver the most satisfying kinds of oomph for different kinds of choreography? Rhythm-based improvisation!? Come explore these eternal questions and more.
E. Beginning Recorder Wayne Hankin (B)
If you ever wanted to get your basics down, this is a good starting point. Learn the proper techniques to get you started off on the right foot and we’ll explore music you can play right away.
F. How to Lead Shape Note Singing Ray Turner (B)
Joining the singing square is delightful, but leading songs from the center is powerful as waves of sound roll inward and conjoin in swelling tides. Honestly, the Leader (while standing) gets the best seat in the house. You too can learn how to heist the tune and direct the singers with skill. No prior experience required, and music is provided.
NOTE: The class also welcomes singers who only want to sing and are willing to support beginning leaders.
G. 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 have learned temari basics elsewhere.
($15 material fee payable at class) (25 person limit for the class)
H. Longsword Dance – Bampton Weavers Joanna Reiner Wilkinson (I)
Longsword is a graceful and energetic dance form for groups of linked dancers. This class, suitable for all levels, will feature Bampton Weavers, a dance from the northwest corner of England dating back to the 18th century. The dance is done in sets of 5 to a sprightly slip jig, using a smooth walking step. Please wear sturdy-soled shoes and either pants or shorts for this class.
Period Five 3:00 – 4:00
A. English Dance & the Art of Reconstruction Brad Foster (U)
A survey of English country dance reconstruction from Cecil Sharp to Andrew Shaw, with many stops in between. Cecil Sharp in particular worked with limited information. As the 20th Century progressed, more was been learned about the historical meaning of figures and instructions from the old dance books, but much is still guess work. The art of reconstruction is in the choices made to make often incomplete instructions work for today’s dancers. Warning – this class will include an occasional modern dance for variety. For all.
B. Hambo Skills and Dancing Roo Lester w/Kent Gilbert (U)
Want to Hambo? Want to work on making your Hambo better than it is? Are there more dances like the Hambo? In this class we will spend our time working on the skills useful for happy Hambo dancing in a Swedish way. We will work on turning alone, as part of a dance team/couple and with the music. We will practice our skills in the Hambo, and if time permits, experience some additional Hambo dances. Wait, is there more than one Hambo? Yes, indeed! Flat hard soled shoes strongly recommended. Shoes that allow you to turn on the soles/balls of your feet. (Scandinavian Dance Basics strongly recommended prior to Hambo class.)
C. Appalachian Square Dance Phil Jamison (U)
About 100 years ago the big circle dance style began to spread throughout the southern highlands and surrounding flatlands. This session will dance through different periods in barn dancing’s history. Simple flatfoot dancing will be taught for the dances that need it.
D. Beginning Dance Band Nathan Wilson (B)
BAM! Does this sound like you? . . . You play an instrument . . . on the sidelines perhaps . . . and you can do some things. You can keep a beat and you can play some chords or tunes . . . or bits of some tunes. Hmmm? Is that you? . . . I knew it. Just do it! . . . JOIN THE BAND! We’ll discuss how the dance band works and how you fit in. We’ll learn some easy tunes and some favorites. All instruments and skill levels are welcome. Proficiency with your instrument is extra helpful. Please contact me with your questions or for more information. Take this class and you’ll have a blast! 100% Guaranteed.
E. Songs of the Ritchie Family Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly (U)
Join Aubrey and Elwood for a feast of songs learned from the Ritchie family, known as the remarkable and historical “Singing Family of the Cumberlands” of eastern Kentucky. Aubrey and Elwood have had the privilege of knowing Jean, Edna and other Ritchie elders as well as younger family members since 1992 and have spent a great deal of time reading biographies and learning and listening to the 300+ documented Ritchie family songs as well as mountain dulcimer techniques and tunings. Come sing, collect, laugh, cry, and explore the cultural history and context of the Ritchie family story and repertoire. We will cover songs of love, protest, play, holidays, and religion; ballads, lullabies, Jean’s original songs, and so much more. Bring your voices and any instruments you like! (All Levels, All Voices, All Instruments)
F. storytelling Bruce Spencer (B)
The class will concentrate on storytelling tools and story sharing. We’ll start each class with story building tools and a quick exercise, and then share some stories. I’ll have some folktales available for anyone who doesn’t have a prepared story.
G. 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 simple or feel free to experiment and try new things.
($15 material fee payable at class) (20 person limit for the class)
H. Intermediate/Advanced Rapper David Macemon (I/A)
For those who have experience dancing Rapper. We’ll be learning Swearsdell. ‘Swearsdell’ is a complicated blend of the traditions of Swalwell and Earsdon dances that Cecil Sharp connected in 1910. The Newcastle Kinsmen created Swearsdale to mark the centenary of the publication of his first sword dance book.
Period Six 4:15 – 5:15
A. English Dance Open Mic/Open Band David Macemon/Dean Herington (U)
For dancers, this is another time in the day to enjoy English country dancing called by your peers. For callers, this is a chance to get more practice time and to receive constructive feedback on your calling from David Macemon. For musicians, come and join the band under the guidance of Dean Herington.
B. Social Dances of Early America Jim Morrison (U)
Country Dances, cotillions, and reels were the ballroom 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. Dust off your rigadoons and contretemps (or come prepared to learn them.)
C. Cotsword Morris for All Crispin Youngberg (U)
In this class we will explore a variety of Cotswold Morris dances, both traditional and contemporary, with a focus on fun figures and creative choreography. All dancers are welcome, including total Morris beginners, but we’ll be sure to include a few tricks to keep experienced dancers on their toes too!
D. Shape Note Singing Ray Turner (U)
Experience a wonderful American four-part a capella tradition! Notes on the staff are given one of four shapes and aid singers learning tunes and singing in harmony. Sing new and old songs from The Sacred Harp 1991 edition; The Sacred Harp 2012 revised Cooper edition; and Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. No prior experience or music knowledge is necessary. Music and good company provided.
E. Mummers Play Sarah Jo Jacobs (U)
This class will explore the history of mummery with all the fun twists and turns typical of any traditional or not so traditional mummers production. Not only will we be working on stage but we will discover all the aspects that make up the mummers world. Costumes and props and set oh my! Bring lots of ideas and be ready to explore.
F. 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.
($15 material fee payable at class) (25 person limit for the class)
F. Int/Adv Appalachian Flatfooting and Clogging Phil Jamison (I/A)
The goal of this class, for intermediate or experienced dancers, is to take your dancing to the next level. We will start with a review of the basics, but then move on to learning additional steps to build a larger vocabulary of percussive footwork and add more musicality to your dancing. Wear smooth-soled shoes (leather soles if you have them); no taps, please.