November 17th English country dance

Save the date for our Annual Holiday Tea on December 15th! We will dance our favorite dances from 2019, and the food will be delicious as always.

Talent: Alisa Dodson calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
Date: Sunday, November 17, 2019
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Camp Pollock, 1501 Northgate Blvd, Sacramento
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. 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 about their 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:
November 23: contra dance
December 1: English country dance in Roseville
December 14: contra dance
December 15: Annual Holiday Tea and English country dance in Sacramento

November 9th contra dance

Talent: Kelsey Hartman calling to the music of The Swingin’ Chickens
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2019
Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 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)

Kelsey is a “contraholic,” who can often be found dancing or calling a contra dance. Her inspiration comes from Nils Fredland, whose workshop in 2012 spurred her down the caller’s path. 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 Swingin’ Chickens are Topher Gayle, Lee Anne Welch, and Rebecca King. 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. 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.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:30 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:
November 17: English country dance in Sacramento
November 23: contra dance
December 1: English country dance in Roseville

November 3rd English country dance

Don’t forget to change your clocks back to standard time this weekend, so you’ll be on time for this week’s English country dance!

Talent: Kalia Kliban calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2019
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)

Kalia Kliban is in such high demand that this weekend will be the first time she’s called for us in 2019. Her clear and humorous teaching style has gotten feet tapping at camps and gatherings in California and beyond. She’ll be introducing our group to several new dances, along with some from our dancers’ request list. Quite Carried Away provides the perfectly matched music, and their CD will be available, so you can bring the magic home!

As usual, beginners are welcome and no partners are necessary.  Please bring a snack to share at the dance. 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:
November 9: contra dance
November 17: English country dance in Sacramento
November 23: contra dance

October 26th contra dance

If you love Camp Pollock, consider attending the Sacramento Valley Conservancy’s fundraising dinner on Thursday, October 24th. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door.

Talent: Lynn Ackerson calling to the music of The Crabapples
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2019
Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 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)

As usual at our Halloween dance, costumes are admired, but not required! Lynn Ackerson from Oakland, California, brings a huge and ever-expanding contra dance repertoire. Her gracefully efficient walk-throughs and delightful programs reflect her philosophy: to build the relationship between the band and the dancers and then get out of the way. The Crabapples are Norm Cotton (piano and fiddle), Marta Lynch (fiddle), Bob Silberstein (mandolin, piano, and doumbek), and Teresa Fife (string bass). They have been described as, “a lively band known for playing a variety of traditional tunes. The Monterey-based band has garnered an enthusiastic following on the Central Coast and beyond. From Irish to French Canadian to old-time, from driving to floating to playful tunes, the Crabapples can do it all and do it delightfully!”

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:30 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:
November 3: English country dance in Roseville
November 9: contra dance
November 17: English country dance in Sacramento

October 20th English country dance

Save the date for our Annual Holiday Tea, to be held on December 15th at Camp Pollock!

Talent: Gary Sandler and Yvonne Couvillion calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
Date: Sunday, October 20, 2019
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Camp Pollock, 1501 Northgate Blvd, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

Come and help us celebrate the first anniversary of our Sacramento English country dance with our two favorite local callers and our house band. Yes, there will be cake! Gary Sandler believes in helping dancers get more fun out of their dances, whether through safe and comfortable hand-holds or clear direct instructions.  He likes to vary the dance structures, shifting from lines to circles and squares.  Yvonne Couvillion began calling 30 years ago. She met her husband Andre at a contra dance in Bastrop, Texas 26 years ago. They now live in Sacramento where they attend, teach and host a variety of dance events, including English country dance. Quite Carried Away, is Susan Jones, Arlene Jamar, Sandy Westfall, Jane Kostka, Martin Lodahl, and Dick Holdstock. Ask about their 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:
October 26: contra dance
November 3: English country dance in Roseville
November 9: contra dance

October 12th potluck and special contra dance

Don’t miss the amazing talent at this Saturday’s contra dance! We’ll host two special guests — pianist Jeff Spero of The Syncopaths and fiddler Rodney Miller of The Stringrays — courtesy of the members of our dance community who contributed to SCDS on the Big Day of Giving. And Pam Wade is going to bring chocolate cake for the break!

Talent: Susan Petrick calling to the music of Rodney Miller and Jeff Spero
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Time: 7:00–10:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 6:30 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)

We’ll kick off the night’s festivities with a community potluck, starting at 5:30 pm in the Nevada City Room at Coloma Community Center. Please bring a dish to share, along with serving utensils, and whatever you want to drink (non-alcoholic). You may also bring your own table setting to save on disposables. We will provide plates, napkins, and utensils.

Susan Petrick is 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.

Jeff Spero is one of the premiere dance pianists on the west coast. Known for his energetic style and creative arrangements, Jeff has brought his talents to dances and festivals throughout the nation. His accompaniments bring a fresh perspective to traditional forms. Through performances with The Syncopaths and The Rhythm Raptors, along with renowned fiddlers Richard Greene (Bluegrass), Kathleen Keane (Irish), Laura Risk (Scottish), and Tom Sauber (old-time), Jeff’s reputation as a highly sought after pianist has been well established.

Rodney Miller was designated a “Master Fiddler” in 1983 by the National Endowment for the Arts and is widely considered to be the foremost exponent of New England-style fiddling, a unique American blend of French Canadian and Celtic influences. He has toured the US, British Isles, Australia and Denmark, performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and appeared on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. He founded the influential contra dance band Airdance and is presently enlivening the contra dance scene with The Stringrays, The Rhythm Raptors, and the Blue Ribbon Dance Band.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 6:30 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:
October 20: English country dance in Sacramento
October 26: contra dance
November 3: English country dance in Roseville

Winters contra and English country dances

We’re hosting two dances at the same time on the afternoon of Sunday, October 6th: a special contra dance in Winters and an English country dance in Roseville. Details for both dances are below.

 

Winters contra dance

Talent: Erik Hoffman calling to the music of Sactown Revelers
Date: Sunday, October 6, 2019
Time: 2:00–5:00 pm, with newcomer’s orientation at 1:30 pm
Location: The Palms Playhouse, 13 Main St, Winters, CA
Cost: $12 for adults; $8 for college students with ID

Local favorite Erik Hoffman brings clear teaching and calling, and a sense of humor. Formerly known as Contrapositive, the Sactown Revelers are Cynthia Llano on guitar, Allen Barnes on rhythm mandolin, and Kathrine Gardner, who has been a dedicated dance fiddler since the mid 80’s, and has played in many great Bay Area bands. Many have fallen in love with her ethereal yet driving fiddle playing.

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 1:30 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.

 

English country dance:

Talent: Alisa Dodson calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
Date: Sunday, October 6, 2019
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!

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 on either dance, and lost and found, contact Laura Leonelli, 916-549-7093, or email info@sactocds.org.

Upcoming events:
October 12: potluck and contra dance
October 20: English country dance
October 26: contra dance