The Bay Area Country Dance Society Website

BACDS Spring Fling Dance Weekend

March 19 - 21, 2010

Seth Tepfer is "Atlanta's Dance Magician," calling dances for adults and children like you've never seen before. Known for his infectious energy, his short walk-thru's, and his 'hash-contras', Seth's warm enthusiasm is contagious, and gets everyone moving, smiling, and having a great time. Whether squares, contras, or other folk dances, you can be certain that all involved - novices and experienced dancers alike - will amble away happy and eager to dance more!  Seth has been calling since 1997. In that time he has called over 500 gigs and delighted dancers from 5 to 95 across the country and in Canada, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica.

Tom Roby began folk dancing as an undergraduate at Swarthmore College and has been passionately pursuing it ever since.  With a teaching style that’s clear, lively, and fun, Tom’s infectious enthusiasm and relaxed attitude are enjoyed by all levels of dancers. His sense of humor and quick wit speak for themselves.   His teaching style is clear, lively, and fun. He gets people moving to music as quickly as possible and communicates styling points efficiently.

Tom has called English dances with Bare Necessities in Dartington Hall (Devonshire) and the Assembly Hall in Bath, England. He was on staff for the 2004 BACDS Spring Weekend and we're glad to have him back.  Tom also regularly teaches balkan, international, and improvisational Hungarian dances, and has a keen interest in other couple dances, both choreographed and led/followed, e.g., waltz, zwiefache, Scandinavian, and lindy.

James Hutson is known for his clear instruction, precise timing, and high energy calling. Aided by his encyclopedic knowledge of country dance history, his programs of popular and unique contras, fast-moving squares, and lively and elegant English country dances have become favorites throughout Southern California.

His programs encompass traditional, historical, and modern styles, connecting the dancers to the music with clear, concise instruction and abundant enthusiasm. He has taught at many of the California Dance Co-operative's dance series, and was the Dance Master for the 2001 Los Angeles Playford Ball and the BACDS 2002 Fall Ball, and has taught at the California Traditional Music Society's yearly Summer Solstice Festival, the Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival in San Diego, and the Santa Barbara Country Dance Society's Sprung Floor Dance Weekend.  Along with Jeff Spero, he is co-editor of contra compendeum "California Twirls."

The Syncopaths fuse traditional tunes with an inventive, driving groove that creates total ecstasy on the dance floor, in a style sometimes referred to as "American Celtic". Jeff Spero brings creative harmonies and rhythmic power on the piano. Ryan McKasson provides thrilling fiddle pyrotechnics and melodic sweetness. Percussionist and singer Christa Burch’s non-traditional bodhrán style lends power and groove to the Syncopaths’ sound. Ashley Broder, known for her clean, melodious sound as well as her driving rhythm on mandolin, will be joining the band for this event.

In 2005 the band released the contra CD "Rough Around the Edges - the Syncopaths Live!" and is in the process of recording recording their second CD.

Waverley Station is a dynamic country dance band that plays for Scottish, English, and American contra and square dances. Pianist Liz Donaldson is known for her innovative back-up style incorporating exciting rhythms, textures, and harmony lines. Liz also teaches ensemble-playing workshops and has composed many memorable tunes. Fiddler David Knight will amaze you with his high energy playing.

Kevin Carr's powerful fiddling has formed the backbone of many popular Bay Area bands. He now lives in Ashland, Oregon, where he continues to pursue what he calls “the spiritually lucrative field of traditional music.”

Rebecca King is a classically trained pianist with strong roots in jazz and folk music, providing rhythmic energy and deeply moving grace.

Multi-instrumentalist Jim Oakden is active as a musician in more musical styles than one can comfortably conceive.

Bruce Hamilton has been dancing and teaching Scottish Country Dance for as long as he’s been doing English Dancing. He will help us explore the Scottish-English-contra connection.

Singing will be led by Tony Elman, the creator of Mokalé, a fun, magical journey into a world of rhythm and song, and well known for his "Shakin Down the Acorns" CD