Schedule and Workshop Descriptions

Workshop Descriptions

Saturday

9:00-10:15am

Wacky Contras and Squares                                                          Bob I & Raggedy Annes

Start your day with light-hearted dances that will be sure to bring a smile.

Philadelphia Special (Experienced ECD)                                                  Jenny & Guppies

We’ll warm up using dances written by Jenny and other Philadelphia dancers & musicians.

Campers' Northern Music Jam                                                           Camper led (no staff)

An informal session of friends (old and new) gathering to play music just for the fun of it.

10:30-11:45am

Unraveling Triple Minor Contras                                                  Linda & Rhythm Rollers

Come enjoy the glory of this wonderful formation! We'll do some historical dances, and enjoy the pleasures of recent choreography. Contra dance experience is not complete without understanding how these dances work, and how several have been transformed into their modern counterparts.

Concentrated English (Advanced ECD)                                        Jenny & Raggedy Annes

Dance patterns that take a bit more thought but are worth the effort!

Campers' English Music Jam                                                              Camper led (no staff)

An informal session of friends (old and new) gathering to play music just for the fun of it.

12:45-1:30pm

Singing                                                                                                                          Carlo

An informal singing circle with lots of choruses and songs everyone can join in on.  Bring a song to share, or just come and sing along.

1:40-2:55pm

Swing Style & Fundamentals                                   Adrienne & Charlie, Cathie, Jim, W.B.

If you get the style of swing, you can look like a swing dancer no matter how many moves you know. We'll staple down some fundamental swing moves and use them to explore the posture, timing, and musicality that define swing dance. Level will be based on participants.

Care Free English Country Dance (for All)                                  Laurie & Craig, Kathrine

A relaxed session of English Country Dancing which can be enjoyed by novice and experienced dancers alike.

Writing a Contra in 10 Steps                                                                                        Bob I

Bob Isaacs has written over 200 Contra dances; come learn 10 steps to creating your own original choreography.

3:05-4:20pm

Advanced Contras                                                                         Linda & Raggedy Annes

What makes a dance difficult or challenging? Explore various dances which offer advanced choreography, tricky timing, and "wicked" end effects!

Contra Piano ”Cheap Tricks”                                                                              Bob McQ

Bob McQuillen started playing for Contras in 1947 with the Ralph Page orchestra.  He’ll show you some ways to make your piano playing easier while adding fun to your style.

4:30-5:45pm

Put Some Zing in Your (Contra) Swing                                                     Bob I & Guppies

Variations and flourishes on the standard contra dance swings, matched with contras to illustrate them.  Learn new moves and how to be a better partner.

Homage to the Music (Experienced ECD)                    Jenny & Cathie, Laurie, W.B. Reid

Dances with particularly memorable tunes. How to adapt your style to the music. And, we hope, commentary from the musicians, too.

Composing or Decomposing - That is the Question                                              Bob McQ

Bob McQuillen has written well over 1000 tunes, many of which have become favorites in the Contra community and beyond.  Come find out how he does it.

Sunday

9:00-10:15am

The TLC of Contra Dancing                                                         Linda & Raggedy Annes

We love contra dancing because of the opportunity to be a member of a community. Learn some of the techniques which will make you an even better community member---taking care of your partner, neighbor, set, and the musicians.

The Arms Have It (Experienced ECD)                                                      Jenny & Guppies

What the heck do you do with your arms and hands when English Dancing? We’ll do dances that have lots of connection.

Campers' Southern Music Jam                                                           Camper led (no staff)

An informal session of friends (old and new) gathering to play music just for the fun of it.

10:30-11:45am

Contras On the Borderline                                                             Bob I & Craig, Kathrine

Dances that cross the border between contras and squares.  This includes squares with contra moves, contra with square moves, and formations that incorporate both contras and squares, such as 4 facing 4s, grid squares, and zias.  So what’s a zia?  Come and give them a try.
Swing Flourishes                                                      Adrienne & Charlie, Cathie, Jim, W.B.

We'll explore some of the fancier turns & flourishes that are so typical of swing dance breaks - and which can also be used (judiciously) when you're swinging your partner on the contra floor or in other couple dances. Emphasis on musicality, lead & follow, and creativity! Swing Style & Fundamentals or other swing dance experience highly recommended.

English Musicians: Where'd I Put that Phrase?                                                          Laurie

Laurie explores some of the nuances of playing for English Country Dancing.

1:00-2:15pm

Twin Contras                                                                                 Bob I & Rhythm Rollers

Twin contras are dances that are mirror images of each other. These are two-dance medleys where only the first dance is walked through, but the second is similar by changing neighbors/partners, ladies/gents, or lefts/rights.

Making Your Partner Happy (Experienced ECD)                        Jenny & Raggedy Annes

A selection of flirtatious dances and partner-centered dances.

Contra Callers: The Joy of One Night Stands                                                              Linda

There are many ways in which we can help inexperienced dancers enjoy an evening of dancing. From weddings, to school groups, to benefit dances.....we will discuss tips, and dances,which are sure-fire crowd pleasers.