Category Archives: English Country Dance

First Sunday English Country Dance!

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Caller: Gary Thomas
Music: Quite Carried Away
Sound: David Wright and Sue Jones
Date: Sunday, October 1st (1st Sunday Roseville)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Polish-American Community Hall, 327 Main St., Roseville, CA 95678
Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Dancing has been a passion of Gary Thomas for as long as he can remember. From a beginning as a square dancer and tap dancer, he added other dance forms to his repertoire, and was able to put this knowledge to good use as a choreographer for musical theater. In 1977, on moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota, Scottish Country Dancing became his “new” craze, and English Country Dancing soon followed. After moving to California, he joined the ranks of English Dance callers and, on occasion, played piano for classes. He continues to teach Scottish Country Dance, and will periodically throw in Vintage Dance, which includes Regency, Victorian, and Ragtime era ballroom dancing.

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!

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).

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. Events are accessible to people with disabilities.

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.

COVID Safety Information:

The ECD Committee has reconsidered our COVID policy:

Vaccination

COVID vaccination and boosters are highly recommended but not required.

Masks

For English Country Dances at the Polish Hall facility (1st Sunday), good quality, well-fitting masks are recommended but not required on the dance floor and other indoor spaces.

For English Dances at the YLI facility (3rd Sunday) – All dancers must wear a high-quality mask, such as N95, KN95, or KF94, when in the dance hall.  Masks with exhaust vents are not acceptable because they do not protect other dancers. No surgical or cloth face coverings are allowed.

Third Sunday English Country Dance!

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Caller: Alan Winston
Music: Special guests
Sound: TBD
Date: Sunday, September 17th (3rd Sunday Sacramento)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Young Ladies Institute (YLI), 1400 27th St, Sacramento, CA 95816 (Please note: street parking is abundant but parking rules vary from block to block. Watch the signs!)
Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Caller, choreographer, and community leader Alan Winston started with Regency dance in 1978 and has been dancing contra since 1985. He’s been calling Regency, English, Early American, and Victorian dance since 1985, and started calling contras in 2006. He’s called for balls, camps, and special events from Southern California to the Bay Area to Oregon, Washington, and Victoria BC.

Music will be provided by a special guest band featuring Bob Wren on violin, Jane Kostka on whistle, and David Syverson on piano.

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. Events are accessible to people with disabilities.

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.

COVID Safety Information:

The ECD Committee has reconsidered our COVID policy:

Vaccination

COVID vaccination and boosters are highly recommended but not required.

Masks

For English Country Dances at the Polish Hall facility (1st Sunday), good quality, well-fitting masks are recommended but not required on the dance floor and other indoor spaces.

For English Dances at the YLI facility (3rd Sunday) – All dancers must wear a high-quality mask, such as N95, KN95, or KF94, when in the dance hall.  Masks with exhaust vents are not acceptable because they do not protect other dancers. No surgical or cloth face coverings are allowed.

English Country Dance, July 16th!

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Caller: Lise Dyckman
Music:  Quite Carried Away
Sound: David Wright and Sue Jones
Date: Sunday, July 16th (3rd Sunday YLI)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: YLI, 1400 27th St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Cost: $12 for adults, $8 for college students with ID, $5 for dancers under 18, $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Lise Dyckman has been teaching and calling English Country Dance (and Contra Dance) for decades, in Philadelphia, New York City, California’s Bay Area region and beyond, and is known for her clear and concise calling, musicality, humor, interest in dance history and attention to welcoming community.

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!

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). Quite Carried Away is the home band for the English Country Dances.

As usual, beginners are welcome.  If you are bringing first-timers or know of any planning to attend, please urge them to come to the introductory workshop at 1:30pm before the dance. No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli at 916-549-7093 or via 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.

COVID Safety Information:

All dancers must wear a high-quality mask, such as N95, KN95, or KF94, when in the dance hall. Masks with exhaust vents are not acceptable because they do not protect other dancers. No surgical or cloth face coverings are allowed.

Food and Drink

Hydration is important while dancing, and dancers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. The dancer may step six feet away from other dancers and briefly move the mask aside to drink water inside the hall, or go outside to drink. Dancers are encouraged to bring snacks to share with the community, but must step outside to eat.

English Country Dance, June 18th!

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Caller: Yvonne Couvillion
Music:  Quite Carried Away
Sound: David Wright and Sue Jones
Date: Sunday, June 18th (3rd Sunday YLI)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: YLI, 1400 27th St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Yvonne Couvillion began dancing (waltz, twist, and swing) at age 9 with her mother. She first performed dance in junior high school, and continued dancing in high school and college. She took a class in teaching International Folk Dance in graduate school, and began calling 30 years ago. She met her husband Andre at a contra dance in Bastrop, Texas 26 years ago. They now live in Sacramento where they regularly attend, teach and host a variety of dance events including English Country Dance.

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!

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). Quite Carried Away is the home band for the English Country Dances.

As usual, beginners are welcome.  If you are bringing first-timers or know of any planning to attend, please urge them to come to the introductory workshop at 1:30pm before the dance. No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli at 916-549-7093 or via 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.

COVID Safety Information:

The SCDS Covid safety policy requires full vaccination, including boosters. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the building. We recommend N95, KN95, or KF94 masks and do not allow masks with exhaust valves (because they don’t protect others), cloth masks, or surgical masks. Please bring your own water and snacks, and plan to step outside to eat or drink, except when we’re in the “green” (low risk) zone, as we are this week. Windows and doors will be open to ensure good ventilation, so please dress accordingly. Most importantly, if you’re not feeling well, stay home and join us next time. If you haven’t been to a dance yet, please email a photo of your vaccination card to Laura Leonelli at lauraleo524@gmail.com before the dance. Please also print a copy of our waiver form, sign it, and bring your paper copy to the dance. You only need to do this once; we will record that you have provided this information, so that it will be valid for future dances.

English Country Dance, June 4th!

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Caller: Gary Sandler
Music:  Quite Carried Away
Sound: David Wright and Sue Jones
Date: Sunday, June 4th (1st Sunday Roseville)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Polish-American Community Hall, 327 Main St., Roseville, CA 95678
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Gary Sandler‘s first exposure to dance was when he learned ballroom style in college. Decades later, his son’s involvement in a youth dance program introduced him to International Folk Dance. Over the years, he’s learned a variety of dance styles and developed a particular love of English Country Dance. Gary likes helping dancers get more fun out of their dancing through safe and comfortable hand-holds, practical demonstrations, and clear direct instruction.  Gary likes to vary the dance format for English Country Dances, shifting from lines to circles to squares. Through his local International Folk Dance group’s weekly dance, Gary calls and teaches Romanian, Israeli, Balkan, and Scottish dances in addition to English Country.

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!

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). Quite Carried Away is the home band for the English Country Dances.

As usual, beginners are welcome.  If you are bringing first-timers or know of any planning to attend, please urge them to come to the introductory workshop at 1:30pm before the dance. No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Events are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli at 916-549-7093 or via 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.

COVID Safety Information:

The SCDS Covid safety policy requires full vaccination, including boosters. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the building. We recommend N95, KN95, or KF94 masks and do not allow masks with exhaust valves (because they don’t protect others), cloth masks, or surgical masks. Please bring your own water and snacks, and plan to step outside to eat or drink, except when we’re in the “green” (low risk) zone, as we are this week. Windows and doors will be open to ensure good ventilation, so please dress accordingly. Most importantly, if you’re not feeling well, stay home and join us next time. If you haven’t been to a dance yet, please email a photo of your vaccination card to Laura Leonelli at lauraleo524@gmail.com before the dance. Please also print a copy of our waiver form, sign it, and bring your paper copy to the dance. You only need to do this once; we will record that you have provided this information, so that it will be valid for future dances.

English Country Dance April 16

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Caller: David Newitt
Music: Humuhumunukunukuapua’a and Strathspey Society Band (Heather MacKay, fiddle; David Newitt, concertina; Bruce Herbold, percussion & clarinet; Patti Cobb, piano; Betsy St.Aubin, flute)
Sound: Mark Heitlinger
Date: Sunday, April 16 (3rd Sunday Sacramento)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Young Ladies Institute (YLI), 1400 27th St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

David Newitt teaches and plays music for regular Scottish and English dances and calls contras and the occasional square dance by night, while doing research in Magnetic Resonance Imaging at UCSF by day. One of the most accomplished country dance teachers in the Bay Area, David is known for his mastery of dance geography and his ability to make complicated dances seem simple.

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a and Strathspey Society Band (Heather MacKay, fiddle; David Newitt, concertina; Bruce Herbold, percussion & clarinet; Patti Cobb, piano; Betsy St.Aubin, flute). As far as we know, we are the world’s best Hawaiian-themed Scottish music band! YOU can engage us to lead & play for Ceilidh dancing, English dance, Contra dance, parties & weddings.

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. 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. 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.

COVID Safety Information

The SCDS Covid safety policy requires full vaccination, including boosters. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the building. We recommend N95, KN95, or KF94 masks and do not allow masks with exhaust valves (because they don’t protect others), cloth masks, or surgical masks. Please bring your own water and snacks, and plan to step outside to eat or drink. Windows and doors will be open to ensure good ventilation, so please dress accordingly. Most importantly, if you’re not feeling well, stay home and join us next time.

If you haven’t been to a dance yet, please email a photo of your vaccination card to Laura Leonelli at lauraleo524@gmail.com before the dance. Please also print a copy of our waiver form, sign it, and bring your paper copy to the dance. You only need to do this once; we will record that you have provided this information, so that it will be valid for future dances.

English Country Dance April 2

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Caller: Alisa Dodson
Music: Quite Carried Away
Sound: Sue Jones
Date: Sunday, April 2 (1st Sunday Roseville)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Polish American Community Hall, 327 Main St, Roseville, CA 95678
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Alisa Dodson has been English country dancing since 1980 and calling since 1990. She was involved in BACDS dance in the Bay Area for many years before moving away, and she now lives in the old gold mining town of Murphys.

The music will be provided by Quite Carried Away, our house band: QCA is 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).

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. 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. 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.

COVID Safety Information

The SCDS Covid safety policy requires full vaccination, including boosters. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the building. We recommend N95, KN95, or KF94 masks and do not allow masks with exhaust valves (because they don’t protect others), cloth masks, or surgical masks. Please bring your own water and snacks, and plan to step outside to eat or drink. Windows and doors will be open to ensure good ventilation, so please dress accordingly. Most importantly, if you’re not feeling well, stay home and join us next time.

If you haven’t been to a dance yet, please email a photo of your vaccination card to Laura Leonelli at lauraleo524@gmail.com before the dance. Please also print a copy of our waiver form, sign it, and bring your paper copy to the dance. You only need to do this once; we will record that you have provided this information, so that it will be valid for future dances.

English Country Dance March 19

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Caller: Bruce Herbold
Music: Quite Carried Away
Sound: Sue Jones
Date: Sunday, March 19 (3rd Sunday Sacramento)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Young Ladies Institute (YLI), 1400 27th St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Bruce Herbold started dancing Scottish country dance in 1977 in Berkeley and got seriously into English country dance in the 90s. He teaches two SCD classes each week and calls ECD all around the Bay Area.  His overarching goals as a caller and a teacher are to make the dancing sociable and fun. He believes that every good dance tells a story.

The music will be provided by Quite Carried Away, our house band: QCA is 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).

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. 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. 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.

COVID Safety Information

The SCDS Covid safety policy requires full vaccination, including boosters. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the building. We recommend N95, KN95, or KF94 masks and do not allow masks with exhaust valves (because they don’t protect others), cloth masks, or surgical masks. Please bring your own water and snacks, and plan to step outside to eat or drink. Windows and doors will be open to ensure good ventilation, so please dress accordingly. Most importantly, if you’re not feeling well, stay home and join us next time.

If you haven’t been to a dance yet, please email a photo of your vaccination card to Laura Leonelli at lauraleo524@gmail.com before the dance. Please also print a copy of our waiver form, sign it, and bring your paper copy to the dance. You only need to do this once; we will record that you have provided this information, so that it will be valid for future dances.

English Country Dance March 5

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Caller: Yvonne Couvillion
Music: Quite Carried Away, with special guest fiddler Lonna Whipple
Sound: David Uggla
Date: Sunday, March 5 (1st Sunday Roseville)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Polish American Community Hall, 327 Main St, Roseville, CA 95678
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

See dance program videos below.

Yvonne Couvillion began calling 30 years ago. She met her husband, Andre, at a contra dance in Bastrop, Texas 26 years ago. They now live in Sacramento where they attend, teach and host a variety of dance events, including English country dance.

The music will be provided by Quite Carried Away, our house band: QCA is 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). Lonna Whipple will be joining as a guest fiddler.

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. 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. 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.

COVID Safety Information

The SCDS Covid safety policy requires full vaccination, including boosters. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the building. We recommend N95, KN95, or KF94 masks and do not allow masks with exhaust valves (because they don’t protect others), cloth masks, or surgical masks. Please bring your own water and snacks, and plan to step outside to eat or drink. Windows and doors will be open to ensure good ventilation, so please dress accordingly. Most importantly, if you’re not feeling well, stay home and join us next time.

If you haven’t been to a dance yet, please email a photo of your vaccination card to Laura Leonelli at lauraleo524@gmail.com before the dance. Please also print a copy of our waiver form, sign it, and bring your paper copy to the dance. You only need to do this once; we will record that you have provided this information, so that it will be valid for future dances.

Dance Program (animal theme)

Cockle Shells

Minnows, or Bother the Fish

The Playful Puffin (new)

The Hen Run

Kappy’s Dual Porpoise

Horseplay

Movement Afoot -tango waltz

Butterfly Meadow

Winds on the Tor -sacred circle scarf dance

The Black Cat

Eastbourne Rover

▶ Black Nag – YouTube

Mad Robin -view from bottom of set

The Wood Duck -Y&A

English Country Dance February 19

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Caller: Alan Winston
Music: Quite Carried Away, with special guest Marilyn Cooper
Date: Sunday, February 19 (3rd Sunday Sacramento)
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Young Ladies Institute (YLI), 1400 27th St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Caller, choreographer, and community leader, Alan Winston started with Regency dance in 1978 and has been dancing contra since 1985. He’s been calling Regency, English, Early American, and Victorian dance since 1985, and started calling contras in 2006. He’s called for balls, camps, and special events from Southern California to the Bay Area to Oregon, Washington, and Victoria BC.

The music will be provided by Quite Carried Away, our house band: QCA is 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). Marilyn Cooper will be joining as a guest to substitute for Arlene Jamar on piano.

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. 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. 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.

COVID Safety Information

The SCDS Covid safety policy requires full vaccination, including boosters. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the building. We recommend N95, KN95, or KF94 masks and do not allow masks with exhaust valves (because they don’t protect others), cloth masks, or surgical masks. Please bring your own water and snacks, and plan to step outside to eat or drink. Windows and doors will be open to ensure good ventilation, so please dress accordingly. Most importantly, if you’re not feeling well, stay home and join us next time.

If you haven’t been to a dance yet, please email a photo of your vaccination card to Laura Leonelli at lauraleo524@gmail.com before the dance. Please also print a copy of our waiver form, sign it, and bring your paper copy to the dance. You only need to do this once; we will record that you have provided this information, so that it will be valid for future dances.