March 4th English country dance

• Talent: Alisa Dodson calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
• Date: Sunday, March 4, 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)

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.

Give seven musicians and friends some English country dance music to play, and they’re Quite Carried Away! Our house band is Dick Holdstock on octave mandolin and banjo, Susan Jones and Sandra Westfall on concertinas, Arlene Jamar on piano, Jane Kostka on whistle, Martin Lodahl on viola da gamba, and David Wright on fiddle and mandolin. Their new CD will be available for purchase!

We often feature one dance with little or no teaching or calling, for folks who have previously learned it. That dance for March will be Companions, the dance that has been taught to the group over the last three dances. As an added treat, Gary Sandler will be teaching “Miss deJersey’s Memorial” to everyone.

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!

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

Upcoming events:
March 10: contra dance
March 18: English XTRA, Playford Ball workshop
March 24: contra dance
March 31: zesty contra dance

February 24th contra dance & workshop

Talent: Kelsey Hartman calling to the music of The Ladle Thieves
Date: Saturday, February 24, 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)

This evening’s fun will start early, with Kelsey Hartman teaching a class for dancers who want to learn advanced contra moves like contra corners. Music will be provided by Claudia’s Kitchen. This workshop, from 5:30-7:00 pm (cost: $5), will help get you ready to participate in zesty contra dances, which are fast-paced evenings for experienced dancers. The regular contra dance will follow from 8-11 pm, with an newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm.

Kelsey is a “contraholic,” who can often be found dancing or calling a contra dance. When calling, she considers herself a conduit between the dancers and the band, helping to channel the joy of the music through flowing, interesting dances. The Ladle Thieves are Christina Thompson (fiddle, banjo) and Darin Smith (cello, fiddle, guitar, tenor guitar), playing with guest artists Brad McClanahan (guitar), and Michael Charnes (cittern) from The Upside Sound.

The newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm is 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 4: English country dance
March 10: contra dance
March 18: English XTRA, Playford Ball workshop

February 10th contra dance & potluck

If you want to hear more from visiting musicians Ryan McKasson and Eric McDonald after this Saturday’s dance (and you probably will), they’ll be playing a house concert in Sacramento the following weekend, at 6 pm on Sunday, February 18th. For more information or to reserve a seat, email Jimmy at jlspearow@att.net.

Talent: Joyce Miller calling to the music of Ryan McKasson and Eric McDonald
Time: 8:00–11:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 7:30 pm
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2018
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)

We’ll kick off the night’s festivities with a community potluck, starting at 6:30 pm in the Nevada City Room of the Coloma Community Center. Please bring a dish to share, along with serving utensils. You may also bring your own table setting to save on disposables.

We have a special treat this week! Ryan McKasson of the Syncopaths (fiddle) and Eric McDonald (guitar and mandolin) are masters of tradition who purposefully explore the dark corners floating on its edges. Their individual artistry is enhanced when they play together, resulting in an alluring complexity, full of spontaneous musicality. Pulling from parallel strands of influence, they create a swirling intensity that traverses darkness, light, and everywhere in between.

Joyce Miller has been calling for contra dances since 2000, starting under the tutelage of Eric Curl. She has called at dance camps in the U.S. and Canada, but what she likes most is to call for her friends in the Sierra Foothills and environs.

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:
February 24: advanced contra moves workshop and dance
March 4: English country dance
March 10: contra dance

February 4th English country dance

• Talent: Lise Dyckman calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
• Date: Sunday, February 4, 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)

We often feature one dance each afternoon without any teaching or calling, for folks who have mastered it. These are the gems of our repertoire, and periodically we teach them so that everyone can learn and enjoy them. Beginning this month, we’ll announce the featured dance in advance, so that anyone who wishes can review it ahead of time. For our February dance, we’ll continue to learn Companions, the dance that was introduced at the Holiday Tea in December, and that we practiced last month. If the instructions below seem confusing, don’t worry. Lise will teach it thoroughly at the dance.

Lise Dyckman has been teaching and calling English country dance (and contra dance) for decades, in Philadelphia, New York City, California’s Bay Area, and beyond. She is known for her clear and concise calling, musicality, humor, interest in dance history and attention to welcoming community. Lise’s program this month will continue the introductory teaching that we featured at our last dance.

Give seven musicians and friends some English country dance music to play, and they’re Quite Carried Away! Our house band is Dick Holdstock on octave mandolin and banjo, Susan Jones and Sandra Westfall on concertinas, Arlene Jamar on piano, Jane Kostka on whistle, Martin Lodahl on viola da gamba, and David Wright on fiddle and mandolin. Ask to see their new CD!

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!

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

Upcoming events:
February 10: potluck and contra dance
February 24: advanced contra moves workshop and dance
March 4: English country dance

January 27th contra dance

Do you know anyone who resolved to make new friends, get more exercise, or have more fun in 2018? This month is a great time to introduce them to contra! New dancers get free admission to our January 27th contra dance simply by telling the people at the door that they haven’t been to our dance before.

Talent: Talib Huff calling to the music of Star Thistle
Date: Saturday, January 27, 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 led dances for local groups, schools wedding, festivals and dance communities. Star Thistle plays contra dances featuring Celtic, old-time, and other music. The band is Lonna Whipple (fiddle), David Wright (fiddle and mandolin), and Cheryl McKinney (keyboard), with special guest Sue Jones (concertina and recorder).

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.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.

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

Upcoming events:
February 4: English country dance
February 10: potluck and contra dance
February 24: advanced contra moves workshop and dance

January 13th contra dance

Do you know anyone who resolved to make new friends, get more exercise, or have more fun in 2018? This month is a great time to introduce them to contra! New dancers get free admission to our January 13th and 27th contra dances simply by telling the people at the door that they haven’t been to our dance before.

Talent: Mike Fynan calling to the music of Whimsical
Date: Saturday, January 13, 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)

Hailing from Santa Rosa, Mike Fynan is a flashy and innovative caller. Whimsical is an all-female contra dance band, featuring Debra Tayleur on piano, Regan Hemphill and Janette Duncan on fiddle, and Beth Christian (not pictured) on cello. The group loves to combine strong rhythmic drive with lilting melodies, playing 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:
January 27: contra dance
February 4: English country dance
February 10: potluck and contra dance

January 7th English Country Dance

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response at our last dance, we are permanently changing the time of our regular English country dances. Sunday dances will now run from  2:00 to 5:00 pm, with an introductory workshop for new dancers at 1:30 pm.

• Talent: Sharon Green calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
• Date: Sunday, January 7, 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)

The first dance of 2018 will emphasize the basics of English country dance. If you’re a regular dancer, this is an excellent opportunity to hone your skills at a relaxed pace. It’s also a perfect time to bring friends who are new to English country dancing. If you’ve come in the past, but found the pace a bit challenging, this is the perfect month to give us another try!

Sharon Green simply loves welcoming newcomers to the joys of English country dance. Having come to country dancing as a non-dancing adult, she knows what a challenge it can be for beginners; she also knows that it just gets better and better. Our house band, Quite Carried Away, is Susan Jones, Arlene Jamar, Sandy Westfall, Jane Kostka, Martin Lodahl, and Dick Holdstock.

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

Upcoming events:
January 13: contra dance
January 27: contra dance
February 4: English country dance