The Sacramento Country Dance Society, building community through lively dances, live music, and friendly people, proudly presents:
Caller: Gary Thomas
Music: Quite Carried Away
Sound: Sue Jones and David Wright
Date: Sunday, October 4th, 2026 (1st Sunday, in ROSEVILLE!)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm
Location: The Masonic Lodge, 235 Vernon St., Roseville
Cost: $15 for adults; $10 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $30 maximum for families (cash or check, ask at the desk for Venmo or Paypal)
Online tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/121637118039
We’re now resuming our usual practice of first Sundays in Roseville, and third Sundays in Sacramento!
Gary Thomas Bio:
Dancing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. It all started in Sioux Falls,
South Dakota, with a lady who traveled from park to park with her little record player and stack
of records that included children’s stories and dance music. Suddenly, we were no longer
children, but fierce tigers or magic elves, or pioneers dancing the Virginia Reel. I was hooked
and became an avid Square Dancer and tap dancer.
Over the years, other forms of dance were added to the repertoire, and I was able to put this
knowledge to good use as a choreographer for musical theatre. In 1977, on moving to
Minneapolis, Minnesota, Scottish Country Dancing became the “new” craze for me, and English
Country Dancing soon followed.
After moving to California, I joined the ranks of English Dance callers and, on occasion, play
piano for classes. I continue to teach Scottish Country Dance, and periodically throw in Vintage
Dance, which includes Regency, Victorian, and Ragtime era ballroom dancing.
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body.”
Martha Graham
Six musicians and friends under the direction of David Wright and Sue Jones. Just give them English Country Dance music to play, and they’re Quite Carried Away! Unfortunately, four of these six are unavailable for this dance, but we were fortunate enough to get the brilliant fiddler Kathrine Gardner to sit in.
The members of QCA are (clockwise from upper right): Martin Lodahl (viola da gamba), Susan Jones (English concertina), Jane Kostka (whistle), David Wright (violin and mandolin), Arlene Jamar (piano), and Dick Holdstock (octave mandolin and tenor banjo), who has, alas, just retired after two glorious decades with the band. He is deeply missed.
Quite Carried Away is the home band for the English Country Dances.
As usual, beginners are welcome. If you are bringing, or know of any, first-timers, please urge them to come at 1:30 for the introductory workshop that precedes the dance. No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. While events at the Masonic Lodge are fully handicapped-accessible, events at the YLI are somewhat accessible to people with disabilities, but not perfectly. Ask for help within.
It’s always nice when folks bring snacks to share–please bring items that don’t require plates or utensils. Please bring your own water bottles.
For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org. Our schedule of future dances is always available at https://sactocds.org/calendar/. You may join our email list on groups.io at https://groups.io/g/SactoCDS/. Please enter your name when joining.
Food and Drink
Hydration is important while dancing. Dancers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
Please bring snacks to share with the community. Dancers may eat in the area near the food table or outside. Please don’t spill food or water on the dance floor.
Follow us, and tell your friends!
We’re on Instagram and Facebook at sacramentocountrydancesociety !
Our website is at sactocds.org!