Program: Class Descriptions
For information on the English Dance Musicians’ Course co-sponsored by the Country Dance and Song Society and led by Anita Anderson, click here.
For details on the schedule, click here.
Click on the links below for details of the 2011 classes.
Longsword for All: Lingdale
For dancers of ALL abilities
Joanna Reiner with Charlie Hancock
Longsword is a graceful and energetic dance form for groups of linked dancers. This class, suitable for all levels, will feature Lingdale, a sword dance in three parts from Yorkshire.
English Country Dance: A Meter a Day
For dancers of ALL abilities
Gene Murrow with Reunion (Jonathan Jensen, Barbara Greenberg, and Daniel Beerbohm)
The music of England's social/folk dance tradition is unusual in its embrace of a wide variety of musical forms. Considering rhythmic structure alone, these include “duple” meter jigs, reels, hornpipes and marches; “triple” meter minuets, waltzes of several varieties, and slip jigs; and some eccentric forms that are “none of the above.” We'll explore examples of the several metrical varieties, and how to move appropriately and gracefully to each.
English Country Dance: Hidden in Plain Sight
For EXPERIENCED dancers
Gene Murrow with Jonathan Jensen and Barbara Greenberg
The many popular dances we all know and love are generally found in large published collections of dances (both historical and contemporary). In addition to the favorites, these publications include, to be sure, many dances that are rightfully ignored, but also many dances that deserve wider attention. We’ll rectify the oversights and arbitrary choices by learning and enjoying some of these gems hidden in plain sight in the most popular publications.
English Country Dance: Making It Your Own
For dancers of ALL abilities
Joanna Reiner with Charlie Hancock, Michelle Levy, and Dave Bartley
Experiment with learning old gems and new favorite dances in various ways. We will explore different learning styles and dancing from a talk-through to help you become less reliant on the caller, and more confident in your own ability to dance even the most complex patterns.
English Country Dance for All: Always in Style
For dancers of ALL abilities
Joanna Reiner with Anita Anderson, Daniel Beerbohm, and Dave Bartley
Enjoy an exploration of the breadth of English dance styles, as reflected in the music—from elegant to energetic, playful to thoughtful, flowing to frolicking. This class will focus on building your dance repertoire and style vocabulary to give you a stronger foundation in ECD.
English Country Dance Open Mic for Musicians, Callers, and Dancers
Mary Devlin and Dave Bartley
Dancers—enjoy another opportunity to do English dance and support your fellow campers who are playing and calling. Callers—get some practice calling (perhaps using what you're learning in Gene's leaders' workshop), and share favorite dances with your friends. You can choose to get feedback tailored for you from Mary. Musicians—get practice playing for dancing while having fun with your fellow campers. Dave is the band leader and he'll provide feedback. Come in one role, two, or all three—a good time will be had by all!
English Country Dance Leaders Workshop: Facing the Music
Gene Murrow
Gene “played in the band” for English country dancing for almost 25 years before stepping up to the microphone as a caller. He has since worked with many bands in the United States, Canada, England, and Europe at weekly classes, workshops, balls, festivals, weeklong camps, and in the recording studio. This workshop distills and presents in an organized way much of what he’s learned from this experience about working with musicians and crafting dance programs. You will also be encouraged to raise your own particular concerns or questions.
Waltz
Matthew Duveneck with Jonathan Jensen and Michelle Levy
The ultimate power and beauty of Waltz lies in harnessing the energy of building and releasing movement. Designed for all levels of dance experience, this class will specifically emphasize good partnering skills for leaders and followers. Matthew will introduce cross-step figures, as well as share tips for both maintaining and absorbing momentum to enjoy smoother transitions while navigating the inertia of the room. All levels welcome!
Partnering Magic
Matthew Duveneck with Barbara Greenberg and Charlie Hancock
At every dance hall we each have the opportunity to bend the energy of a room. By focusing on partnering, we can control that energy in a safe and enjoyable way. Matthew will focus on connecting music, self-awareness, community, and floor to partnering skills across multiple dance disciplines. We will explore partnering skills from Waltz to Tango, from English Country Dance, to Morris Dance. All levels welcome!
Band Workshop: Playing Well With Others
Michelle Levy
In this ensemble-playing workshop, we'll learn how to work more effectively and enjoyably in groups. Discover what role you play in an ensemble and what you can uniquely contribute to the music. Improve your improvisational ability and learn tips and techniques to respond to a specific dance move or musical riff. We may also tackle such issues as performance anxiety and dealing with difficult people such as divas and musical bullies. Plan to play for camper dance night!
Prerequisite: you should at least be familiar enough with your instrument(s) that you can play scales up to 3 flats and sharps, and you must be able to read music and/or be able to pick up complete melodies by ear. If you cannot do this yet, do not despair! There will be ample opportunities for jamming outside of this class.
Ukalaliens® Workshop
Kate Power and Steve Einhorn
Become a ukalaien! (ukalalien n. a newly converted ukulele player prone to singing and strumming on the ukulele, spurred to spontaneous acts of music and singing, both alone and with others, regardless of setting or circumstances, thereby creating a euphoric sense of wellbeing.)
If you...
- Never played an instrument (or would like to try something new)
- Don’t know anything about ukuleles (or you do and always wanted to try one)
- Haven’t sung and played an instrument at the same time (is it like riding a bike?)
- Want to play music (but don’t know how and need a good place to start)
...or you just want to have fun -- this is for you
Bring your own uke or use one brought by Kate and Steve. They'll have lots!
Singing: How to Make Beautiful Music with Everybody
Kate Power and Steve Einhorn
Learn the nuances of singing with others, the elements of music, and how to approach a song to bring out its best as part of a group. We will touch on the many ingredients of making beautiful music in a way that allows each individual to play and sing with sensitivity for greater satisfaction. All levels of singing experience welcomed.
Song Writing: Musical Theatre of Everyday Life
Kate Power
Harvesting the elements of music and imagination to capture songs that reflect life your way, this workshop leads the new songwriter into the process from the beginning coached by an award-winning songwriter. You'll come away with all the ingredients for success. All styles, genres, and backgrounds encouraged. No experience needed.
Making Art Outside the Box
Steve Einhorn
Using materials on hand, we will play with creating art in old and new traditions with creative illustrator and sculptor, Steve Einhorn. No experience needed.