Category Archives: Contra Dance

April 8th Contra Dance

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Note that the new donation goes into effect with this dance. Adults will now pay $12.

Talent: Talib Huff calling to the music of Conundrum
Date: Saturday, April 8, 2017
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Talib Huff has been calling contra dances for over 20 years. He currently calls primarily in the Sacramento region and has led dances for local groups, schools wedding, festivals and dance communities. Conundrum is Debra Tayleur on piano, David Wright on fiddle and mandolin, Barry Angell on guitar, and Dell Eckels on percussion.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 7:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
April 22: potluck and Anniversary Dance (contra & English country dancing – & cake!)
April 29: zesty contra dance – for experienced dancers
May 6-7: Spring Dance Weekend

 

March 25th contra dance

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Come and join us for our last $10 dance before the new donation goes into effect in April!

Talent: Joyce Miller calling to the music of Hot Cider
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2017
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

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We get the whole Nevada City package this coming dance, with calling by Joyce Miller, their home caller, and music by Hot Cider, their home band. Maybe our many Nevada City friends will travel down the hill and dance with us! Joyce Miller has been calling for contra dances since 2000, starting under the tutelage of Eric Curl. She has called at dance camps in the U.S. and Canada, but what she likes most is to call for her friends in the Sierra Foothills and environs. 

Hot Cider is the house band for the Nevada City contra dance. They’ve played hundreds of contra dances in their years together. These three pickers (Rudy Darling, Barry Angell, and Rick Toles) like to mix it up. You’ll hear the best traditional Celtic, Canadian, Appalachian, and western swing tunes. Always looking for a smile, the guys take more musical chances than might be prudent, so look out for manic mandolin and foolhardy fiddle.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 7:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
April 2: English country dance
April 8: contra dance
April 22: potluck and special Anniversary Dance (contra, English, and more!)
April 29: zesty contra dance

March 11 waltz workshop & contra

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Talent: Kelsey Hartman calling to the music of Whimsical
Date: Saturday, March 11, 2017
Beginning Waltz Workshop: 5:30-7:00 pm, cost $5 per person
Contra Dance: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Dance Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

sept24contraSaturday’s fun will start with Kelsey Hartman teaching a class for dancers who want to learn the basic waltz moves. Come early at 5:30 to learn how to do this fun dance and be able to join in for waltzing at regular contra dances. Kelsey is a “contraholic,” who can often be found dancing or calling a contra dance. Her inspiration comes from Nils Fredland, whose workshop in 2012 spurred her down the caller’s path. When calling, she considers herself a conduit between the dancers and the band, helping to channel the  joy of the music through flowing, interesting dances.

Whimsical is an all-female contra dance band, featuring Debra Tayleur on piano, Regan Hemphill and Janette Duncan on fiddle, and Beth Christian (not pictured) on cello. The group loves to combine strong rhythmic drive with lilting melodies, playing New England, old time, Quebecois, and Irish tunes to make dancers’ spirits and feet fill the floor with joy.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 7:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
March 11: Playford Ball workshop for experienced English country dancers
March 25: contra dance
April 2: English country dance

February 25th contra dance

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Talent: Mike Fynan calling to the music of The Upside Sound
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Donation: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

feb25_contraHailing from Santa Rosa, Mike Fynan is a flashy and innovative caller. The Upside Sound gives new definition to acoustic music with its unique instrumentation and rhythms. The band (Darin Smith on cello, Brad McClanahan on guitar, Michael Charnes on cittern and bass, and Caleb Morelli on bass, banjo, and accordian) blends original and traditional tunes for upbeat dancing, creating new resonances with Americana, indie, Celtic, swing, and Latin jazz.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 7:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
March 5: English country dance
March 11: beginning waltz workshop & contra dance
March 11: Playford Ball Workshop for experienced English country dancers

New contra dance donation

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Because our costs have risen, the donation for the second and fourth Saturday contra dances will soon increase for the first time in almost a decade. Starting in April, the regular adult rate will be $12/person. The rates for college students, children, and families will not change.

There were two significant increases in contra expenses this year. The City of Sacramento raised the rent for the Coloma Community Center, and we increased the payments to our wonderful bands and callers. This increase allows us to stay in line with other Bay Area dance groups that compete with us for talent. As the most inconvenient venue for most bands and callers to reach, it didn’t seem wise for SCDS to also offer the lowest pay.

To maintain the contra dance’s financial stability, the Board approved a donation increase that will exactly cover these increased costs. This rate is on par with other Bay Area dances. The donation for zesty and other special dances will be considered on a case-by-case basis throughout the year, depending on the cost of the talent and other circumstances.

Another way to offset the additional expenses would be to increase attendance. The Board will continue efforts to attract and retain new dancers, and we encourage all of you to invite anyone who might be interested to come and discover the fun of contra dancing!

February 11th family dance & contra

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We’ll start early this Saturday with our family contra dance, designed for all ages, children through grandparents, from 2:00-3:30 pm. Beginners and children are especially encouraged to attend. This dance will feature easy, friendly contras called by Talib Huff to live music by Claudia’s Kitchen. The cost for the family dance is $15 per family (parents and children), $5 per child without dancing parent, and $10 per adult without children. Some contra dances taught in the afternoon will be repeated at our evening dance (separate donation) for all to enjoy.

Evening Dance:
Talent: Talib Huff calling to the music of Star Thistle
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

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Talib Huff has been calling dances for over 20 years. He currently calls primarily in the Sacramento region and has led dances for local groups, schools wedding, festivals and dance communities. Star Thistle plays contra dances featuring Celtic, old-time, and other music. The band (left to right, as pictured) is Lonna Whipple (fiddle), David Wright (fiddle and mandolin), and Cheryl McKinney (keyboard).

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 7:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
February 25: contra dance
March 5: English country dance
March 11: beginning waltz workshop and contra dance

January 28th potluck and contra dance

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Talent: Yoyo Zhou calling to the music of Deniz Akin and Obin Sturm
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2017
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

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We’ll kick off the night’s festivities with a community potluck, starting at 6:30 pm in the Nevada City Room of the Coloma Community Center. Please bring a dish to share and serving utensils. You may also bring your own table setting to save on disposables.

Yoyo Zhou is a caller from Berkeley who is known for his thoughtful teaching and fun dances. He has been calling dances since 2012, sometimes on a few minutes’ notice. He believes in helping dancers get the most out of each dance.

Obin Sturm has been playing fiddle instead of doing his homework for 15 years.  He has participated in groups such as Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles and Southwest Fiddlers of Sunset Park, but is mostly known for serenading Downtown Davis twelve months a year. Deniz Akin is involved in just about all aspects of contra dance—calling, playing, programming, and dancing.  Also a banjoist, Deniz has been a part of the bluegrass and old-time scene for years.  If she’s not on stage, you can usually find her on the dance floor, doing anything from ceili to contra to social dance (especially swing!), or attempting to learn ragtime piano.  As a guitarist for several different contra dance bands, she draws from both Irish and American traditions to create driving, dynamic, and danceable rhythms.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 7:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
February 5: English country dance, Roseville
February 11: special family dance and contra dance
February 25: contra dance

January 14th contra dance

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Talent: Celia Ramsay calling to the music of Magic Reelism
Date: Saturday, January 14, 2017
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

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Celia Ramsay has been calling contra dances since 2002, but has been telling people what to do for much, much longer. She chooses dances that fit the people in the room, uses clarity and brevity in teaching, and has a warm personality that makes the dancers happy. Magic Reelism plays old-time and Celtic dance music, with David Wright on fiddle and mandolins, Sue Jones on concertina and recorders, Cheryl McKinney on piano, and Del Eckels on percussion.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 7:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
January 28: potluck & contra dance
February 5: English country dance
February 11: family dance & contra dance

New Year’s Eve contra dance

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Talent: Jean Gibson-Gorrindo calling to the music of Swing Farm
Date: Saturday, December 31, 2016
Time: 8:00 pm to midnight, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Special Event Cost: $15 (cash or check)

newyearseve_contraJoin us as we say goodbye to 2016! At our New Year’s Eve contra dance, Jean Gibson-Gorrindo will be calling to the music of Swing Farm. Please bring your favorite dessert to share. We will pass out non-alcoholic sparkling cider for a toast at midnight.

Jean Gibson-Gorrindo‘s strong teaching and musical skills, combined with her musical and rhythmic vocal quality, help her deliver dances that are flowing, challenging, and fun.  She has a particular knack for collecting dances with exceptional choreography designed to enhance the connectedness between us all. In her mind, that feeling of connection is what it is all about!

Swing Farm is Ray Bierl (fiddle), Charlie Hancock (piano), and Markie Sanders (bass). The band combines traditional and jazz stylings to weave an evening of fluid beauty and foot-stomping excitement. Ray is an accomplished and engaging fiddle player, drawing on traditions from throughout North America and the British Isles. As a contra dance musician, he has been in demand in the San Francisco Bay area and beyond for his inventive and playful approach to traditional and contemporary dance music. Charlie plays piano and accordion for contra, swing, and English and Scottish country dancing. From jazz to swing to Irish music, he plays with brilliance, drive, and clarity. Markie is a prominent and respected bassist, who has performed with the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, Claire Lynch, Mason Williams, Laurie Lewis, and many others, including appearances on Good Morning America and the Grand Ole Opry.

December 10th contra dance

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Talent: Andy Shore calling to the music of The Swingin’ Chickens
Date: Saturday, December 10, 2016
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

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With over 26 years of experience in teaching and leading social dance, Andy Shore has been calling contra dances since 2007. He calls both traditional and gender-role-free contra dances and loves everything from teaching beginners to satisfying seasoned dancers.

The Swingin’ Chickens are Topher Gayle, Lee Anne Welch, and Rebecca King. Topher Gayle has always enjoyed the social aspects of making music, so it’s natural that he’s in a bunch of bands with a bunch of different people playing many styles of music. Topher has played contra dances for over fifteen years, touring nationally with TheOpporTunists and locally with The Rosin Doctors. Lee Anne Welch is a sought-after contra dance fiddler who has played with several bands, including Luceo, Peak Nouveau, and Balance & Swing. Her longest-standing partnership is with Seattle-based pianist Eric Anderson in the high-energy duo Bandemonium! They can be heard locally at Bay Area dances, have toured throughout the United States, and have also performed in Canada and the Caribbean. Rebecca King is a versatile dance pianist, conductor, and composer, whose strong classical training and love of jazz shows in her rhythmic and lyric piano accompaniments. She plays English and contra dance in the Bay area and has been on staff at West Coast dance camps, weekends, and balls and at Pinewoods. By day, she teaches music in the Sonoma Valley schools.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share. These events are accessible to people with disabilities.A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 7:30 pm, perfect for people who have not contra danced before, or who could use some refresher. Experienced dancers are invited to partner with newcomers during the orientation and early dances to help integrate them into the community.

For more information, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org

Upcoming events:
(There will not be a dance on December 24th – Happy holidays!)
December 31: special New Year’s Eve contra dance
January 8: English country dance (note that it’s on the 2nd Sunday)
January 14: contra dance