Anniversary dance, April 28th

Note special time and location. To celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Sacramento Country Dance Society, we are hosting an English country dance in the afternoon (2-5 pm), followed by a potluck dinner with Board election, and then a contra dance in the evening (7-10 pm). Please join us at Camp Pollock for this special event!

Date: Saturday, April 28, 2018
Time: 2:00–10:00 pm, see below for complete schedule
Location: Camp Pollock, 1501 Northgate Blvd., Sacramento
Cost: For adults, $10 for the English dance, $12 for the contra dance, or $15 for both; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18 (cash or check)

 

Schedule (see below for details):

1:30 pm – English newcomer’s orientation

2:00 – 5:00 pm – English country dance

4:30 – 5:00 Maypole dance — all invited!

5:00 – 5:30 garden tour

5:30 – 6:30 potluck dinner

6:00 Board election

6:30 contra dance beginner session

7:00 – 10:00 contra dance

 

At the English dance, Yvonne Couvillon, Gary Sandler, and Joyce Uggla will call to the music of our house band, Quite Carried Away. Yvonne Couvillion has been dancing since age 9 and began calling over 30 years ago. Gary Sandler came to folk dancing through his son’s involvement and discovered a great love of English country dance. Joyce Uggla was one of the founders of the Bay Area Country Dance Society and has been on the Playford Ball Committee for years. This dance will replace the English country dance normally held on the first Sunday in May.

 

More of a chamber orchestra than a band, Quite Carried Away has been honing its consensus of pitch, rhythm, and drive since 2002. The group is David Wright on violin and mandolin, Arlene Jamar on piano, Martin Lodahl on viola de gamba and recorder, Sandra Westfall on concertina, Susan Jones on concertina and recorder, Jane Kostka on penny whistles, and Dick Holdstock on cittern, mandolin, and banjo.

 

For the potluck between the two dances, please bring a dish to share with serving utensils. We will provide plates, napkins, and utensils. Bring your own beverage.

 

At the contra dance, Susan Petrick will call to the music of StringFire (Patti Cobb & Eric Ievins with Caroline McCaskey). 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.

 

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.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. 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:
Note: no English country dance in May
May 12: contra dance
May 26: contra dance
June 3: English country dance

Jane Austen Ball April 21st

Stay tuned for more information about our Anniversary Dance on April 28th, with a new format, at a special time and location!

This Saturday, April 21st, from 6 to 9 pm, students at Liberty Ranch High School (12945 Marengo Road) in Galt will be having a ball, with a little assistance from the Sacramento Country Dance Society. Come out and help us introduce a new generation to the fun of English country dancing.

Caller Lise Dyckman will make this event unforgettable! Music will be provided by our house band, Quite Carried Away. Those of you who attended last year’s ball remember how much fun we had, and Lise is keen to have experienced dancers participate again this year. Instruction for new dancers will begin at 6 pm.

The cost is $5 for high school students with ID and $10 for everyone else. Tickets are available online until April 20th or at the door (cash only).

The Jane Austen Regency Ball will benefit the school’s creative writing and British literature classes. Historical dress is admired but not required. Light refreshments will be offered. For questions, contact Anngela Schroeder at aschroeder@ghsd.k12.ca.us.

April 14th contra dance

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)

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

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)

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)

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

Talent: Andy Shore calling to the music of The Swingin’ Chickens
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)

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 18th Playford Ball workshop

• Talent: Alisa Dodson calling to the music of Rebecca King and Maggie Moore
• Date: Sunday, March 18, 2018
• Time: 2:00–5:00 pm
• Location: YLI Clubhouse (1400 – 27th St, Sacramento)
• Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID (cash or check)

Special Program:  This special English XTRA workshop is a fast-paced afternoon for experienced English country dancers, which will NOT include an introductory lesson before the dance. Caller Alisa Dodson, who is this year’s Dancing Mistress for the BACDS Playford Ball, will review most of the dances in the upcoming Ball program.  To experience the lengthy program with extra work on the more challenging dances, the pace of the afternoon will be more lively than usual.  This is not a dance for beginners!  (Please bring your first-timer friends to the next regular dance on April 1st).  Whether or not you intend to go to the Playford Ball, this Sunday’s dance is a wonderful opportunity to learn or review many dances in one afternoon.

Special Music:  We are honored to have Rebecca King on piano and Maggie Moore on violin for this special dance.

Special Price and Location:  Admission to this workshop is $12 for adults. Please note that the workshop will be held at the YLI Clubhouse (1400 – 27th St, Sacramento), not at our usual location. We will begin dancing promptly at 2:00 pm. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to change shoes and check in so that we can start the program on time. It’s always nice when people bring a snack to share!

Parking: Please take special care to check parking signs, or you may find yourself with a hefty ticket. In general, the streets to the south and west of the hall have unrestricted parking; whereas the streets to the north and east have meters and/or time limits that are operative on Sundays. Look carefully for signs, and plan to walk a block or two.

For more information, and lost and found, call Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org.

Upcoming events:
March 24: contra dance
March 31: zesty contra dance
April 1: English country dance

March 10th contra dance

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)

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