Contra in Columbus!

If you happen to be in the Columbus area, there's a wonderful selection of music and dance. On March 17, Golden Griffon played down there for the Big Scioty Contra Dance. The First Congregational Church is another of our favorite locations, mostly because of the wooden dance floor. Wooden floors are easier to dance on. You can just move better. What I like most, though, is the sound when the dancers get going and the couples happen to have a balance. The sound of the feet on the floor really does build the excitement.

We always have lots of dancers here, too. There were about eighty for this one and that's the magic number that I always choose when I say how many dancers make a favorite dance for me. There is so much energy generated from the dancers having a great time. The band and the dancers start to bounce the energy back and forth. What a great feeling that is!

Our friend, Mark Hillegonds, that we know from Ann Arbor, called this dance. He had quite a selection of fun dances. He's a very talented caller, so if you get a chance, definitely get out to one of his dances. He's always so relaxed and so smooth. He's a pleasure to dance to while he's calling, and a pleasure to dance with.

Sam and Dave are masters of the sound. We can always count on them to set up our mix so it's the best and so we can hear ourselves. This skill can sometimes be rare . . .

Being St. Patrick's Day, there were several leprechauns and leprechaunettes dancing. Lots of green was shown, and there were a couple of wild outfits, too.

Check out the Big Scioty Columbus site for their schedule and more information about their organization and contra dancing in general.

The dance: a minimum of explanation, a minimum of anecdotes, and a maximum of sensations (Maurice Béjart)

In January, we blogged about the new Dance Lab series. The Dance Lab Series is designed with several purposes in mind:

 - allow new, learning and inexperienced callers to get time behind a microphone calling to real dancers,

 - allow experienced callers to try out dances that are new to them,

 - allow callers and choreographers to try out original dances to see how ideas they’ve been thinking about actually work on the dance floor,

 - allow aspiring dance musicians to get experience in an open band playing with more experienced musicians.

This past Friday marked the third workshop in the series. We talked some about the goals of the "students" and also had a session on using the microphone.


Now the exciting part -- I (Loretta) actually called a dance. Who would have thought I could ever do that? It looks so easy when someone else is doing it. I knew it wasn't, which is one reason why I never tried it until now. There is so much to know and so much going on that you have to pay attention to -- serious multi-tasking!!

All hands go forward and back

During the month before, with Jim's help, I worked on an abbreviated version of the dance "Haste to the Wedding". I had to get the calls in just the right place, on just the right beats. I had to make sure I was in the right place with where the music was. I had to make sure I had the "who" and then the "what" -- meaning that first you say who you want to do something and then tell them what they're supposed to do. This is all in just a few beats of the music! And don't get this wrong, or the entire dance could disintegrate. And all of this trains the dancers, too. 

Face your partner . . .

People that have danced before expect things a certain way. They've had some patterns established over their dancing history that they're accustomed to. You might think that you're going to come in as a new caller or a non-local caller and introduce your styles. Well, that might just be fine. But you might just be told that's not how it's done here, or that's not how they're used to hearing that particular instruction.

I consider myself very fortunate for that night. I had a great teacher at home, and the experienced callers that have been presenting the workshop -- especially Marlin Whitaker, and this month, Don Theyken for microphone and voice tone help, and a fantastic group of dancers. Everyone loved (or so they said) the dance, and said I did a good job.

No - I haven't ever done this before! I do plan to try it again in April, though. The next workshop is April 20, 7:00pm, at Concourse Hall in Ann Arbor. Come out to try the dancing or learn some about calling. Remember -- it's free, too!!

 

Lots of Traditional Dancing This Week in the Ann Arbor Area

There is so much dancing going on this week! Beginner or advanced, you'll find something here. These are all listed on the Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance site (AACTMAD). For most, no experience is necessary, but if you are brand new and would like to try this for FREE, come to the dance on Friday night at Concourse Hall. You'll meet friendly new people and you'll also have a great time!!

We'll be there, trying out our calling! That should be most interesting to see . . .


Mon Mar 12, 2012

• Scottish Dancing Beginners' Class (Tartan and Thistle Scottish Country Dancers).
  Learn Scottish Country Dancing in this eight-week beginners' class. Learn the basics needed to join in on jigs, reels, and strathspeys--an introduction to a lifetime of fun! Families welcome. No partner necessary. Live music from fiddler Susie Lorand.
  7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. $5 per week; $30 for eight-week class. 734.395.7782. EMail: mwesselwalker@gmail.com. Gretchen's House Child Care Center #5 Barn (2625 Traver Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI).

Tue Mar 13, 2012

• English Country Dance (Ann Arbor Tuesday English Dance).
  Bronwen Gates and Greg Meisner lead dancing with music by Debbie Jackson, Brad Battey, and Betsy Foote. All dances taught and prompted. Informal; no partner or experience needed. Dress comfortably; bring flat, non-slip shoes (like running shoes). First-timers come early. Right on Burbank from Green Rd; park "Clubhouse Parking" on Burbank. 734-665-7704. 7 - 9:30 pm. $7 adults; $4 students; under 14 free with parent. Chapel Hill Condominium Clubhouse (3350 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI).
  7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. EMail: . Chapel Hill Condominium Clubhouse (3350 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI).

Wed Mar 14, 2012

• Howell Opera House Contra Dance (Ruffwater Stringband).
  Ruffwater Stringband members Judi Morningstar and Carl Visconti join with Michigan's Troubadour Neil Woodward to generate great acoustic dance music. Glen Morningstar Jr. leads the contra dances. All dances taught and walked through. No partner required...bring 5 friends if you can. Dance in this grand Opera House...wood floor...mood lighting...snacks available...wow!
  Doors open at 6:30 pm. 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. $5 donation at the door. 517-540-0065. EMail: gmorning@aol.com. Howell Opera House (123 W Grand River Ave, Howell, MI).

Fri Mar 16, 2012

• Calling Class, presented by Dance Lab (AACTMAD).
  The second in a series of one-hour sessions for aspiring and novice callers. You can learn the art of calling, and, when you are ready, try out your new skill at the Dance Lab that follows. Advance registration is not required, but it would be helpful if you indicate your interest by emailing dancelab@aactmad.info.
  7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Free admission. 734-994-6494. EMail: dancelab@aactmad.info. Concourse Hall (4531 Concourse Drive, Ann Arbor, MI).
• English country dance (Red Barn).
  Leading by Drake Meadow with music by the Red Barn English Orchestra. There is a staffed toddlers area with activities. Refreshments are served at the break.
  7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. $4 students; $6 adults; and $15 per family. 734-665-7704. EMail: rbantle@comcast.net. Red Barn gymnasium (in the Domino Farms complex) (Via Sacra Drive, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Allegan Woods Third Friday Contra Dance (Allegan Woods Folk Arts Cooperative).
  The wonderful band Puddingstone plays live music; and Grand Rapids caller Julie Warners leads an evening of contra dance. Everybody welcome... Singles, Families, Beginners. "If you can walk, you can Contra Dance." All dances taught and walked through before the music begins. Introduction to contra dancing at 7:00, dance starts at 7:30. Bring a snack to share.
  7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Adults $8Students $5Family maximum $20Kids under 6 are free. 616-402-6434. EMail: thompete@gmail.com. Ottawa County Fairgrounds - Park Township Hall (1286 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI).
• Friday Night Swing (AACTMAD Friday Night Swing).
  Weekly Swing Dance to DJed music FREE beginner lesson 8:00pm; Open dancing from 9:00pm to 12:00am.
  8:00 pm to 11:55 pm. $5 general admission; $3 students;AACTMAD members: $1 off. EMail: . The Phoenix Center (220 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Dance Lab (AACTMAD).
  Open stage for callers to try out new and new-to-them dances and for novice callers to practice in a supportive setting. Music by the Pittsfield Open Band. Admission is FREE for dancers. Best suited to dancers with some experience. For more information, to submit a dance you have composed, or if you would like to call a dance, please send an email to dancelab@aactmad.info. (However, advance notice by callers and choreographers is not required.).
  8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Free admission. 734-994-6494. EMail: marlin.whitaker@aactmad.info. Concourse Hall (4531 Concourse Drive, Ann Arbor, MI).

Sat Mar 17, 2012

• Pittsfield Open Band jam (contradance music) (AACTMAD Pittsfield Open Band).
  Free open jam of contra dance music. All instruments welcome. Bring the Ruffwater Fakebook, the Portland Collection volumes, & the Waltz Books if you have them.
  3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (734) 994-9307. EMail: . Pittsfield Grange (3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Young Contra Dance (Ann Arbor Young Contra Dancers).
  Contra dancing for young people (students/20s/30s). Beginner friendly, no partner necessary; all dances taught and prompted. Please bring clean, flat, non-marking shoes. Band: Brad and Alex / Caller: Glen /.
  4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Cost: $10, $9 for AACTMAD members, $5 for students$4 off for new dancers with coupon (see new dancer section of this website). 248-417-7968. EMail: ziembajr@yahoo.com. AACTMAD Concourse Hall (4531 Concourse Dr, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Wheatland - St Patrick's Day Ceili Dance (Karen Dunnam).
  Music by Hurry the Jug, Patti Loveless calling. All ages and beginners welcome. $6 per person at the door, under 18 free.
  These dances will feature live old-time traditional acoustic music provided by local musicians and callers. Dances will begin at 7:30 PM in the Gladys Wernette building on the Wheatland Music site near Remus, and are open to the public. All dances are taught and beginners are welcome. No partner is required.
  Potluck 6 pm. 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. 989/967-8879. EMail: wmo.office@wheatlandmusic.org. Wheatland Music Organization (7251 50th Avenue, Remus, MI).
• Pittsfield Grange Contra Dance (Pittsfield Grange).
  Third Saturday Contra Dance: Pittsfield Grange. Peter Baker will prompt dances to live music by Pix 'n Stix. Wear cool, casual clothes and bring flat, smooth-soled shoes for dancing. Beginners are welcome; instruction at 7:30. No partner needed.
  8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. EMail: . Pittsfield Union Grange (3337 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Looking Glass Contra and Square Dance (Looking Glass Music And Arts Association).
  CALLER - BEV BERNBAUM ; BAND - HANNO AND FRIENDS Come to an old-time contra and square dance hosted by the Looking Glass Music and Arts Association. No need to bring a partner we switch around after each dance. Please wear clean, soft soled shoes and dress for active movement. All dances are taught by our caller and danced to the wonderful sounds of live string band music. New dancer intro lesson (not required) at 7:30pm. Prices, General $9, Members $8, Students $4.
  8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. 517 337 0235. EMail: bonhanno@gmail.com. Central United Methodist Church (215 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI).
• International Folkdancing with Ann Arbor Folkdancers (Ann Arbor Folkdancers).
  Russ Ericksen will be hosting this dance; teaching of easier dances from 8 - 9 p.m. There will be 'open' dance from 9 - 11 p.m., with requests encouraged. Russ has a large repertoire of recorded music. No partners necessary! Come, get some good exercise, meet new people and have fun! Questions? 734-995-0011 or 734-709-8748.
  8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. $5; students: $3. EMail: igruhl@provide.net. Gretchen's House Childcare Center (2625 Traver Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI).

Sun Mar 18, 2012

• Grange Family Dance (Pittsfield Grange).
  Dances suitable for parents or grandparents with children. Live music by David West and Donna Baird. Calling by two or three of our regular callers: John Freeman, Ed Vincent, Dave Smith, Marlin Whitaker. Followed by Grange-baked cookies.
  2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. $12/family. 734-769-1052. EMail: hellmann@umich.edu. Pittsfield Union Grange (3337 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI).

Contra Dance Nearby This Saturday!

There is a contra dance tomorrow night, March 10th in Rossford, Ohio. This is only about 40 minutes from Detroit Metro Airport.
The band will be Golden Griffon Stringtet (us!!) and the caller will be Barry Dupen.
Please bring a snack to share at the break.
The dance will begin at 7:30 PM (preceded by instruction for beginners 7:00) at The Rossford United Methodist Church in Rossford @ 270 Dixie Highway in Rossford, OH 43460

January's Rossford Dance -- Lots of Fun -- Everyone can do it!!

Come one! Come all!  And bring your friends, relatives and neighbors!

8th Arkansas Civil War Ball in Lansing

Here are more photos of the dancers that attended the civil war ball on February 25.

This is a wonderful location for dancing. Note the smooth wooden floor and the balcony.

Beautiful ball gowns

All having an enjoyable time

Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln are visiting in the back room. All of the adjoining rooms are set up for visiting and refreshments.

Grand MARCH

What a wonderful civil war ball in Lansing last Saturday, hosted by the 8th Arkansas regiment. Here's video from the annual event in 2007: 12th Annual 8th Arkansas Ball. This last Saturday would have marked the 17th annual ball; Golden Griffon has provided the music for at least eleven.

Jim, Loretta & Tommy -- Lansing

There were about 100 people in attendance, including the honorable President and Mrs. Lincoln. What a lovely couple, and always a pleasure to talk with.


Before moving to this wonderful venue in Lansing -- the Central United Methodist Church, in view of the Michigan Capitol, we were at Port Huron's beautiful Harrington Inn. How grand!

Last Monday, Golden Griffon conducted a 2-hour presentation at the Western Campus of Wayne County Community College in Belleville for a music appreciation class. We discussed our instruments, some history of our music and instruments through history, and played tune leading us up to what we do today. What a nice and very attentive audience! We had a fun time, and they seemed to, as well!

Next Saturday, March 10, we're heading down to Rossford (What to expect) to play for their monthly contra dance. Barry Dupen will be teaching and calling all dances. You don't have to bring a partner or have any experience. It isn't difficult, and it is lots of fun. Join us! The dance begins at 7:30pm, with instruction for beginners at 7. The location is the Rossford United Methodist Church. Admission is $7 (adults), $ (students), $3 (under 14), $6 (members). For new people that have never attended before, mention that Loretta invited you and I will cover half of your entry!! But also, you have to come and introduce yourself to me. See you there!!