Category Archives: Contra Dance

April 14th contra dance

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Registration is now open for Echo Summit Dance Camp 2018!

Talent: Talib Huff calling to the music of Whimsical
Date: Saturday, April 14, 2018
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)

Huff_Whimsical

Talib Huff has been calling dances for over 20 years. He currently calls primarily in the Sacramento region and has lead dances for local groups, schools wedding, festivals and dance communities. Whimsical is an all female contra dance band, featuring Debra Tayleur on piano, Regan Hemphill on fiddle, Beth Christian on cello, Roxanne Oliva on accordion, flute, and percussion, and Janette Duncan on fiddle. The group loves to combine strong rhythmic drive with lilting melodies, combining 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:
April 28: Anniversary celebration – English country dance, potluck, & contra dance
May 12: contra dance
May 26: contra dance

Zesty contra and English country dance

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We’re hosting two dances on the same weekend: a zesty contra on Saturday, March 31st, and an English country dance on Sunday, April 1st. Details for both dances are below.

The Zesty Contra:

Don’t miss one of the last chances to dance to Hot Cider! After the Nevada City dance on April 7th, the band will be retiring. This is a special zesty contra dance. Dances will be taught quickly, and dancers should be familiar with hey for four, Petronella turns, and contra corners. This is an evening for experienced dancers who want to dance with enthusiasm!

Talent: Susan Petrick calling to the music of Hot Cider
Date: Saturday, March 31, 2018
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm. No newcomer’s orientation.
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)

March31_contra

Susan Petrick has become a regional treasure with national prominence, who tours throughout the country calling for dance weekends and festivals. She is well-known for her clear teaching, efficient guidance, and expert pacing, making even complex dances accessible to all. 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 Thomas Angell) 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.

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.

 

The English Country Dance:

  • Talent: Bruce Hamilton calling to the music of Rebecca King and Jon Berger
  • Date: Sunday, April 1, 2018
  • Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
  • Location: Polish American Hall, 327 Main St, Roseville
  • Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

April1_ECD

Don’t miss this special English country dance! Bruce Hamilton is in demand all over the world because of his calling and instructional skills, and Rebecca King and Jon Berger are two of the most prominent English country dance musicians in the country. Rebecca King is a classically trained pianist with strong roots in jazz and folk music.  Her interpretations breathe strong, rhythmical energy and deeply moving grace. Jon Berger is an astonishing fiddler and button accordion player, who has toured with Tempest, recorded with multiple groups, and plays with passion and drive.

We feature one dance each afternoon with little or no teaching or calling, for folks who have previously learned it. This dance for April will be Miss deJersey’s Memorial, the dance that Gary taught to the full group in March.

As usual, beginners are welcome and no partners are necessary.  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.  All dancers are welcome at the workshop, but first-time attendees receive a coupon for half-off admission at their next dance! Potluck snacks are available at the break, and we encourage you to bring something to share.

Upcoming special event: Please join us as we introduce Galt High School students to English country dancing! The 2nd Jane Austen Ball will be held on April 21st from 6-9 pm. Those of you who came last year know how much fun we had and how much the students appreciated your presence. Lise Dyckman will again be teaching and calling to the music of Quite Carried Away. She is very keen to have experienced dancers participate. This event is our one big outreach effort this year! Tickets can be purchased at the event or online until April 20th. Look for fliers with details at our April 1st dance.

 

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

Upcoming events:
April 14: contra dance
April 28: Anniversary celebration – English country dance, potluck, & contra dance

March 24th contra dance

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Talent: Andy Shore calling to the music of The Swingin’ Chickens (Topher Gayle, Lee Anne Welch, Erik Hoffman)
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2018
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento
Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

March24_contra

With over 26 years 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 Erik Hoffman. 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, Balance & Swing, and Bandemonium! She can be heard locally at Bay Area dances and has toured throughout the United States, in Canada, and in the Caribbean. Erik Hoffman has played with The Rosin Doctors and The Erik Thor & Hands Four. After starting out calling contra dances, he took up fiddle in 1987 to learn more about the music and fell in love with the instrument. He loves the spirit and joy that is passed along with traditional music and dance, and loves to share his enthusiasm.

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 31: zesty contra dance
April 1: English country dance
April 14: contra dance
April 28: Anniversary English country dance, potluck, and contra dance

March 10th contra dance

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Talent: Erik Hoffman calling to the music of The Hook N Line String Band
Date: Saturday, March 10, 2018
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)

erik3

Erik Hoffman brings clear teaching and calling, and a sense of humor. The Hook N Line String Band is Drew Congdon (banjo), Chris Miller (mandolin and guitar), and Thomas Angell (fiddle and guitar).

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 18: English XTRA, Playford Ball workshop
March 24: contra dance
March 31: zesty contra dance

February 24th contra dance & workshop

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Talent: Kelsey Hartman calling to the music of The Ladle Thieves
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2018
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)

24Feb_contra

This evening’s fun will start early, with Kelsey Hartman teaching a class for dancers who want to learn advanced contra moves like contra corners. Music will be provided by Claudia’s Kitchen. This workshop, from 5:30-7:00 pm (cost: $5), will help get you ready to participate in zesty contra dances, which are fast-paced evenings for experienced dancers. The regular contra dance will follow from 8-11 pm, with an newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm.

Kelsey is a “contraholic,” who can often be found dancing or calling a contra dance. 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. The Ladle Thieves are Christina Thompson (fiddle, banjo) and Darin Smith (cello, fiddle, guitar, tenor guitar), playing with guest artists Brad McClanahan (guitar), and Michael Charnes (cittern) from The Upside Sound.

The newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm is 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 4: English country dance
March 10: contra dance
March 18: English XTRA, Playford Ball workshop

February 10th contra dance & potluck

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If you want to hear more from visiting musicians Ryan McKasson and Eric McDonald after this Saturday’s dance (and you probably will), they’ll be playing a house concert in Sacramento the following weekend, at 6 pm on Sunday, February 18th. For more information or to reserve a seat, email Jimmy at jlspearow@att.net.

Talent: Joyce Miller calling to the music of Ryan McKasson and Eric McDonald
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2018
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)

10Feb_contra

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, along with serving utensils. You may also bring your own table setting to save on disposables.

We have a special treat this week! Ryan McKasson of the Syncopaths (fiddle) and Eric McDonald (guitar and mandolin) are masters of tradition who purposefully explore the dark corners floating on its edges. Their individual artistry is enhanced when they play together, resulting in an alluring complexity, full of spontaneous musicality. Pulling from parallel strands of influence, they create a swirling intensity that traverses darkness, light, and everywhere in between.

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.

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 24: advanced contra moves workshop and dance
March 4: English country dance
March 10: contra dance

January 27th contra dance

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Do you know anyone who resolved to make new friends, get more exercise, or have more fun in 2018? This month is a great time to introduce them to contra! New dancers get free admission to our January 27th contra dance simply by telling the people at the door that they haven’t been to our dance before.

Talent: Talib Huff calling to the music of Star Thistle
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2018
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)

Jan27_contra

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 is Lonna Whipple (fiddle), David Wright (fiddle and mandolin), and Cheryl McKinney (keyboard), with special guest Sue Jones (concertina and recorder).

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:
February 4: English country dance
February 10: potluck and contra dance
February 24: advanced contra moves workshop and dance

January 13th contra dance

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Do you know anyone who resolved to make new friends, get more exercise, or have more fun in 2018? This month is a great time to introduce them to contra! New dancers get free admission to our January 13th and 27th contra dances simply by telling the people at the door that they haven’t been to our dance before.

Talent: Mike Fynan calling to the music of Whimsical
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2018
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)

Jan13_contra

Hailing from Santa Rosa, Mike Fynan is a flashy and innovative caller. 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:
January 27: contra dance
February 4: English country dance
February 10: potluck and contra dance

New Year’s Eve contra dance

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Talent: Susan Petrick calling to the music of Uncle Farmer
Date: Sunday, December 31, 2017
Time: 8:00 pm–midnight, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $15 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

NYE_2017

Please bring a dessert or appetizer to share at this special dance.

Susan Petrick has become a regional treasure with national prominence, who tours throughout the country calling for dance weekends and festivals. She is well-known for her clear teaching, efficient guidance, and expert pacing, making even complex dances accessible to all. Uncle Farmer is Ben Schreiber on fiddle and Michael Sokolovsky on guitar. With an Irish and New England sound at its core, the duo is known for its original dance tunes, modern twists on old favorites, and sets mixed with pop rhythms and improvisational flair. Their performances range from sweet and nostalgic to gritty and energetic, and their sound truly fills both the room and the hearts of dancers.

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 7: English country dance
January 13: contra dance

December 9th contra dance

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Talent: Erik Hoffman calling to the music of StringFire
Date: Saturday, December 9, 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)

Dec9_contra

Erik Hoffman brings clear teaching and calling, and a sense of humor. StringFire’s infectious spirit of musical fun infiltrates the hearts and feet of musicians and dancers alike. The combination of classical training, tune writing, and superb improvisational skills creates an out-of-the-ordinary groove you won’t want to miss! The band’s dynamic, wide-ranging repertoire is driven by Patti Cobb’s bluesy piano and Erik Ievins’ vibrant bass and sonorous, sparkling cello. The fiery, intricate work of Caroline McCaskey’s fiddle completes StringFire’s signature sound.

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:
December 31: New Year’s Eve contra dance
January 7: English country dance
January 13: contra dance