Contra Dance Oct 22 and English Country Dance Oct 23

We’re hosting two dances this weekend: a contra dance on Saturday, October 22nd and an English country dance on Sunday, October 23rd. Details for both dances are below.

Contra Dance
Talent: Mike Fynan calling to the music of Magic Reelism
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022
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)

Hailing from Santa Rosa, Mike Fynan is a flashy and innovative caller. Magic Reelism plays old-time and Celtic dance music, with David Wright on fiddle and mandolins, Sue Jones on concertina and recorders, Chetani Cheryl McKinney on piano, and Del Eckels on percussion.

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.

English Country Dance
Talent: Gary Sandler calling to the music of Quite Carried Away
Date: Sunday, October 23, 2022
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm, with newcomer’s workshop at 1:30 pm
Location: Young Ladies Institute, 1400 27th St., Sacramento
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for dancers under 18; $25 maximum for families (cash or check)

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. The music will be provided by Quite Carried Away, our house band: Dick Holdstock on octave mandolin and banjo, Susan Jones on concertina, Arlene Jamar on piano, Jane Kostka on whistle, Martin Lodahl on viola da gamba, and David Wright on fiddle and mandolin.

As usual, beginners are welcome.  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.

No partners are needed, so come by yourself or with friends or with family. Both 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.

August 11th contra dance

Talent: Mike Fynan calling to the music of Nanette Fynan and Peter Tracy
Date: Saturday, August 11, 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. Nanette Fynan has been playing the violin for 47 years and teaching for 32 years. She began playing for dances after the family hosted a dancing fiddling workshop and received a grant from the Country Dance and Song Society in 2010 for the training of young dance musicians. Peter Tracy picked up an acoustic guitar at age 11 and learned from the radio how to play.  When he was drafted, he went off to Vietnam with acoustic guitar in hand. After his return, he struggled with PTSD, but in the mid-eighties, he found his musical spark again with friends who formed The Splinter Group. In addition to contra dances, he performs at Veterans for Peace events.

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:
August 25: contra dance
September 8: contra dance
September 9th (second Sunday): English country dance

July 25 Fourth Saturday Contra Dance

Half way through summer, and you probably haven’t danced enough yet! The hall at Coloma Community Center is air conditioned. Join us for the Fourth Saturday Contra Dance on July 25th. It’s the Fynam family this month, with Mike calling and Nanette and Ben providing the music. Join us!

• July 25, 2015 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Headlining are caller Mike Fynan and Plaid Menagerie (family members Nanette Fynan and Ben Fynan)
• Location: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St, Sacramento, CA 95819
• Donation: $10 for adults; $8 for college students with ID; $5 for high school students with ID; $25 maximum for families

A newcomer’s orientation is offered at 7:30PM, 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.

Plaid Menagerie and Mike Fynan: http://www.sactocds.org/wp/contra-dance/talent/plaid-menagerie/