Period One | Period Two | Period Three | Period Four | Period Five | Period Six
Period One 9:00 – 9:55a
Storytelling – Working on Our Work (B) Mary Hamilton
Do you already know how to tell a story? Do you have a story you’ve been wanting to work on and receive some help with? If yes to both questions, this class is for you. You’ll be introduced to, and guided in using, a peer coaching method that keeps the artist (you) in charge of your work while you receive help from your instructor and classmates. So come with a story and some idea of the help you want. Along the way, as time permits, you’ll also hear story examples from a variety of different genres.
Harmony Singing Playground (U) Jacob Chen
Love to sing but not sure how to build a harmony? Want more ideas and tools to add extra color to your harmony lines? This session will explore harmonies from the inside out–singing satisfying, given harmonies and learning methods for finding your own harmonies! All teaching will be by ear, using rounds, drones, common musical patterns, and familiar choruses as the playground to our learning. Rather than chasing a “perfect” harmony, we’ll explore harmony as a process of listening, experimenting, and responding. You’ll learn where your voice fits, try out supportive lines, and grow comfortable making creative choices in the moment. No prior music theory knowledge required–just curiosity, a willingness to sing, and openness to play with your voice!
Beginning English Country Dance (B) Katy German
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 and technique, and discover how a simple right hand turn can become something magical. Basic waltz will also be taught. Skeptical contra dancers welcome!
Beginning Recorder (B) Wayne Hankins
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.
Beginning contra dance (B) Darlene Underwood
Let’s have fun together learning dance moves and vocabulary of dance. The Patterns will create flowing, continuous movement that keeps us all moving and everyone engaged.
Intermediate Step Dance/Clogging (I) Hannah Shira Naiman
We’ll learn a mix of steps from Ontario step dancing and Appalachian Flatfooting traditions, and play with the unique rhythms they create together. Hard-soled shoes or taps are recommended.
Beginning Dance Band Nathan Wilson
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
Set Dances of Cork and Kerry (U) Jim Morrison
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.
Basketry (U) Janet Northern
All the basket classes are geared towards a beginner level but students are encouraged to use their imagination and create their own one of a kind baskets. An egg basket is where the class usually starts but, who knows where we will end up. Join in the fun and make as many baskets as time will allow.
Advanced Performance Rapper (A) Bryce and Dana Carlberg
For those who are comfortable with stepping, basic figures, and learning new figures and stepping patterns. We’ll work on bringing the dance to life and focus on performance aspects of Rapper: set cohesion, timing, and melding the dance with the music. Be prepared for a fast-paced class and to dance in different positions.
Period Two 10:15a – 11:10a
Cotswold Morris (U) Joe Wilkie
This class will focus on dances from the rich Cotswold morris traditions that originate in western England. This class is for all levels. Whether you routinely do hook-legs in the grocery checkout line or have just occasionally suspected you’d look cool with bells strapped to your legs, this class should have something fun and interesting to offer.
Old Time Couple Dance (B) Susan English and Erik Erhardt
We’ll start with the basics such as turns, parallel, pivots, polka, and more.
Intermediate Recorder (I) Wayne Hankins
A gathering of recorders open to those with playing experience from soprano to bass recorders. Repertory will be focused on an intermediate level. Sacred and secular music are in the forefront. Technique and exercises round of the daily classes. Reading music is required.
Advanced English Country Dance (A) Brad Foster
The beauty of English country dance is often in the fine details. We’ll explore a wide variety of historical reconstructions and modern compositions with a focus on the timing and transitions that bring out their beauty.
Beginning Dulcimer (B) Jennifer Escobar
Learn to play the Appalachian Lap Dulcimer with easy, traditional tunes like some of the ones you’ll hear at Parlor and on the dance floor! We will be using the old school D-A-A tuning, learning basic noting and strumming techniques, and playing several melodies. Toward the end of the week, we’ll learn a few chords and try them out on various songs we can sing together. Maybe we’ll even challenge Wayne’s recorder class to a Dueling Randos medley! Bring your own dulcimer if you have one, or borrow one of my cardboard dulcimers – it’s amazing how good they sound.
Contra Caller Course (U) Darlene Underwood
If you are curious about calling contras or you have been calling, Let’s get together and improve your teaching, dance choices, timing, working with the band and of course there will be time to call in a safe, fun and learning place. For dancers, this is another time in the day to enjoy Contra dancing called by your peers.
English for Everyone Else (U) David Macemon
If you’re new to English dance, have been dancing a little while or even a long time, this will be a great class for you. We’re going to explore the many styles of English country dance, while also spending some time learning about dancing with style, using the phrase of the music to complete figures, and making connections from one part of the dance to the next. Be ready for a fun time!
Basketry (U) Janet Northern
All the basket classes are geared towards a beginner level but students are encouraged to use their imagination and create their own one of a kind baskets. An egg basket is where the class usually starts but, who knows where we will end up. Join in the fun and make as many baskets as time will allow.
Beginning Temari Craft Eric Crowden
Temari is an ancient Japanese handcraft of first thread-wrapping a ball and then embroidering colorful designs across the surface. On a pre-wrapped base you will learn 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)
Period Three 11:30a-12:15p
Morningsong & Stories (U) Patty Tarter
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 1:45p – 2:40p
Storytelling – Working on Our Work (I, A) (two hours/double session) Mary Hamilton
Do you already know how to tell a story? Do you have a story you’ve been wanting to work on and receive some help with? If yes to both questions, this class is for you. You’ll be introduced to, and guided in using, a peer coaching method that keeps the artist (you) in charge of your work while you receive help from your instructor and classmates. So come with a story and some idea of the help you want. Along the way, as time permits, you’ll also hear story examples from a variety of different genres.
Songs of the Ritchie Family (U) Patty Tarter
This singing class will be a mixture of traditional Appalachian songs sung by the Ritchie family of Perry County, Kentucky. We will also learn songs written by Jean Ritchie, who became well known in the folk singing world during the sixties and throughout her long performing career.
Old Time Couples Dance (I/A) Susan English and Erik Erhardt
We’ll build on the basics with more waltzes, polkas, schottisches and more.
Zesty and Challenging Contras Darlene Underwood
Folks who know the basic moves without having to have a walkthrough. This will take it to the next level, diagonal moves with fun lost and found partner dances. Have your caffeine and join me for fun and mind bending contras.
Long Sword (U) David Macemon
We’ll be learning the longsword dance from Salton using the some for the dance styling developed by Boston’s Orion Longsword. The dance will involve dancing under and over swords, while using a polka step (one-two-three-hop).
English Callers Workshop Brad Foster
This workshop will include time for practice teaching and the discussion of topics including dance programming, teaching figures and steps, working with beginners and mixed-experience crowds, working with your band, stage presence and crowd control. For dancers, this is another time in the day to enjoy English country dancing called by your peers.
Basketry (U) Janet Northern
All the basket classes are geared towards a beginner level but students are encouraged to use their imagination and create their own one of a kind baskets. An egg basket is where the class usually starts but, who knows where we will end up. Join in the fun and make as many baskets as time will allow.
Intro-Mediate Rapper (B/I) Bryce and Dana Carlberg
Rapper sword dancing is a fast-paced, percussive, and challenging dance form from England. Dancers are connected by flexible swards and weave intricate patterns while stepping briskly. Beginners will learn basic stepping and figures, while intermediate dancers will focus on set cohesion and timing. Please bring hard-soled shoes and be prepared for a great workout.
Period Five 3:00p – 3:55p
Storytelling – Working on Our Work (I, A) (two hours/double session) Mary Hamilton
Do you already know how to tell a story? Do you have a story you’ve been wanting to work on and receive some help with? If yes to both questions, this class is for you. You’ll be introduced to, and guided in using, a peer coaching method that keeps the artist (you) in charge of your work while you receive help from your instructor and classmates. So come with a story and some idea of the help you want. Along the way, as time permits, you’ll also hear story examples from a variety of different genres.
Shape Note Singing Kent Gilbert
Shape note singing is a 4-part unaccompanied tradition accessible to all. Using special “shaped” printed notes, this centuries-old way to sing in community helps both beginners and experts learn new music quickly. Musical knowledge is helpful but not required and beginning singers are especially welcome. The class will use the 4-shape system and will primarily draw from the Sacred Harp hymnal.
Square Dance (U) Susan English
New England Squares, Western Squares, Cotillon (18th Century), and more will be danced during our time together.
Kentucky Set Running (U) Jim Stites
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!
Intermediate Dance Band (I/A) Charlie Pilzer
Here’s your chance to play for dancers and improve your developing band skills. We’ll discuss what it is that makes music exciting to dancers. We’ll learn some old classics and new favorites, and discuss how to make our playing more danceable. Proficiency with your instrument is essential.
Unusual Formations (U) Erik Erhardt
Step out of the long lines and into something stranger. Across contra, squares, and English country, we’ll explore dances built around tempests, zia stars, Sicilian circles, donuts, grids, and a few shapes that have no name at all — drawn from the chestnut canon, the English tradition, and modern composers. The fun is in the moment you realize where the figure is taking you. Bring your curiosity; all experience levels welcome.
Mummers Play (U) Sarah Jo Jacobs
Get ready to create, design, and perform in this high-energy Mummers Play class! We’ll explore the basics of acting, dive into the history of mumming, and embrace the spirit of mischief and tom foolery. Along the way, you’ll rehearse what just might be the most thrilling Mummers Play ever staged (who’s to say since we haven’t written it yet). So grab your imagination, hold on to your hats, and get ready to make some theatre magic!
Advanced Temari Craft Eric Crowden
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. $15 material fee payable at class (25 person limit for the class)
Period Six 4:15p – 5:10p
Intergenerational Dance (U) Hannah Shira Naiman
Come one, come all to the daily dance for all ages! We’ll move in circles, squares, and all kinds of fun shapes. Join us each day — or drop in whenever you like — to dance alongside the littlest dancers of the next generation and celebrate the joy of community dance.
Morris Tour (I/A) Joe Wilkie
We’ll spend the first two sessions establishing our repertoire by finding out what traditions and dances we’re familiar with and teaching each other enough to fill in most of the gaps. After that, we’ll take it to the street, dancing out in different locations around town. This class is best for people with some Morris experience. Bring your own kit if you have it—if not, we’ll have some available. The working assumption is that we’ll be doing Cotswold Morris, but we may do other styles as well if there’s enough interest in the group.