American Dance & Music Week at Pinewoods
Tentative Schedule
| 7:45-8:15 | Hot Breakfast served cafeteria style |
| 8:15-8:45 | Cold Breakfast Coffee/Tea available |
| 9:00-10:00 |
You, Everyone's Favorite Partner: Rick MohrMusic by: Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, Owen Marshall, Jeremiah McLane Wouldn't it be great to be everyone's favorite dance partner? Learn skills and secrets of partner harmony while we enjoy some superb contras and fun rule-benders. |
Contra Dance Piano: Dave WieslerThis class is open to any pianists of any level who want to learn how to play contra dance backup, refine and improve their playing, or get some more ideas to put into their bag of tricks. Depending on who shows up and what they want to do, we'll use the time for individual lessons or group lessons on topics ranging from the basic (e.g., finding chords, simple rhythms, bass runs) to the more advanced (e.g., inner voicing, more complex rhythms, textures, harmony lines, and incorporating different styles like Cape Breton, Quebecois, ragtime and swing). Along the way we'll go over ideas for strong transitions, building excitement and laying down a strong rhythmic groove. |
|
Guitar: Adam BroomeApproaches to backing contra dance tunes in DADGAD guitar tuning. Explore various techniques that will provide both solid and lyrical accompaniment. Experiment with picking styles, melody, countermelody and bass lines. Discover progressions, variations and ways to create atmosphere. A workshop designed to improve your playing and increase your listening awareness. Open to all levels. |
|
| 9:00-11:30 |
Contra Dance Callers Course (Pre registration): Lisa GreenleafPre registration required |
| 10:15-11:15 |
Lindy Hop: Josh Van Vliet, Tresne HernandezMusic by: Anna Patton, Jeremiah McLane, Will Patton Swing dancing is all about energy in motion. Experience the juicy stretch, the graceful sharing of weight, the glorious exchange of dance ideas that makes Lindy Hop so addicting. We'll start this class by diving into the 8 count swing out, the basic of Lindy Hop. From here, we'll add turns, connections to other styles of swing dance (including East Coast) and some special surprises! All levels of dance experience welcome! |
Harmony Singing: Suzannah ParkAh the sweet joy of singing in harmony! In this class we will sing songs in 2, 3 and 4 part harmony mostly in English, with a song or two from South Africa to spice things up. We will also spend time playing with how to create harmony and get comfortable with just jumping in. All levels of singers are welcome! |
|
Fiddle (Intermediate): Ruthie DornfeldThis class is open to anyone who already has some experience on the violin, whether it's one year or 20. We'll cover general technique, how to stay relaxed to conserve energy while still producing a big sound, discuss bowing as it affects dance rhythm, and some of the ways you can decorate and vary tunes. We'll also try out several approaches to playing second fiddle (accompaniment/harmony rather than melody). And last but not least, learn a nice variety of dance tunes from different fiddling traditions. |
|
| 11:15-12:00 | Swimming, Bookstore staffed, spaces available |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 1:30-2:30 |
I Dare You Dances: Lisa GreenleafMusic by: Jeremiah McLane, Ruthie Dornfeld, Owen Marshall Challenging contras and squares for those with a quick mind, a sense of humor, and knowledge of contra/square basics. These aren't "head" dances, but rather dances whose challenge might lie in points of style as well as unusual figures. Unsure if you should come? Try it! You are sure to learn something and have a good time in the process. |
Blues Dancing: Josh Van Vliet, Tresne HernandezMusic by: Suzannah Park, Anna Patton, Dave Wiesler, Will Patton Blues Dancing originated around the same time as Lindy Hop and represents the slower, smoother side of swing dancing. We’ll start with the basics of moving with a partner, add some key techniques for partner connection and musical interpretation (which you can bring to any partner dance!), sprinkle in a few uber smooth blues moves, and stir it up to create a delicious blues stew. All levels of dance experience welcome! |
|
Composing and Arranging Tunes: Adam Broome, Nicholas Williams, Jaige TrudelHere is an opportunity to explore music composition embodying traditional characteristics, both for dancing and performance. Once we have some fine new tunes to work with, we will delve into arrangement techniques and spend time with our instruments trying ideas, playing in ensembles and developing our creations! |
|
| 2:45-3:45 |
Let's Get Worked Up with Jesse's Favorite Dances: Jesse EdgertonMusic by: Adam Broome, Nicholas Williams, Jaige Trudel We will gently ease into this mid-afternoon session with a big, refreshing glass of cool and groovy goodness. Once we feel rejuvenated and invigorated, we will get worked up with more briskly paced, excitingly choreographed dances just in time to cool off with afternoon tea. Perfect for all levels of dancer, this session will get you going for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. |
Love, Loss & Length - Ballad Singing: Suzannah ParkThis class will focus on ballad singing from the Appalachian Mountains as well and jumping over to the British Isles for a ballad or two. These story songs are rich and haunting and a joy to sing. We will spend time focusing on singing style and ornamentation and the process of learning and personalizing a song while staying in the tradition. All songs will be taught by ear with the aid of word sheets and all levels of singers are welcome. |
|
Musical Improvisation: Will Patton, Anna PattonCome mess about with improvising on well-known songs and dance tunes. We’ll explore music theory as it relates to real hands on playing, including chords, scales and rhythmic ideas. A safe and fun place to ask questions and conduct harmonic experiments. Open to all instruments and vocalizers too! |
|
Writing Great Contra Dances: Rick MohrWhat makes a contra dance great, and how do you create one of those rather than another mediocre one? We'll learn the answer, discuss the specifics, and (with a bit of luck) create some. Everyone is welcome. |
|
| 3:45-4:15 | Tea |
| 4:15-4:45 |
Gathering: Jesse EdgertonEnjoy staff mini-concerts and participate with jokes, songs and silly games. Hosted by the hilarious and bodacious Jesse Edgerton. |
| 5:00-5:45 |
Dance Potpourri: Dave Wiesler, Ruthie DornfeldDave Wiesler and Ruthie Dornfeld will present rotating themes to be announced. |
Choose Your Own AdventureCamper-organized activities, featuring YOU, with Rick Mohr and Ethan Hazzard-Watkins available for support. |
|
| 5:45-6:30 | Swimming and Bookstore staffed |
| 6:30 | Dinner |
| 8:00-11:00 | Evening Dance Party including a couple dance interlude |
| 11:00 | After-dance Activities |
July 28 - August 4, 2012
Is there still room?
For up-to-date info about availability and wait lists,
see our main Dance & Music Camps page.
Program Description
American Dance & Music Week at Pinewoods promises to be a wonderful week of dancing, music, singing and good times with friends old and new. We've assembled a fabulously talented, multi-generational staff who will offer a wide range of exciting classes in music, dance and song. Combine the stellar program with the wonderful facilities, delicious food and natural beauty of Pinewoods Camp, plus a dynamic group of Campers, and this will be a week not to be missed.
This year we're encouraging the impulse to improvise, to compose, to goof around and to infuse traditional forms with new ideas. Classes like contra choreography, tune writing, musical improvisation, lindy hop and blues dancing offer the chance to express your creativity while engaging with traditional styles. Late afternoons include open time and space for camper-organized activities with staff members available to participate as needed. Want to have a slow jam? Go for it. Shape Note singing? Awesome. Open-mic with camper musicians? Let's do it.
The daily schedule includes something for everyone at American Week this year:
- Dancers will find ample opportunities to contra and square dance day and night to some of the best callers and musicians on the scene, hone dance skills and partner connection in the Blues and Lindy Hop classes with Josh Van Vliet and Tresne Hernandez, and sample other set and couple dances in the Potpourri session.
- Callers can enroll in Lisa Greenleaf's popular and intensive Contra Dance Callers Course (pre-registration required) and explore the art of choreography with Rick Mohr in the afternoon.
- Musicians can learn the craft of tune-writing and arranging from Crowfoot, explore improvisation with Anna and Will Patton, learn technique and repertoire in classes with Ruthie Dornfeld, Dave Wiesler and Adam Broome, and participate in jams throughout the week.
- Singers will love working with Suzannah Park to explore Appalachian Ballads and 2, 3 and 4-part Harmony singing repertoire.
- Everyone can enjoy staff mini-concerts and participate with jokes, songs and silly games at afternoon Gathering, hosted by the hilarious and bodacious Jesse Edgerton.
The whole camp community comes together for evening dance parties featuring contra, square and couples dancing, with calling and music by the staff listed above as well as Jeremiah McLane, Owen Marshall, Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, Nicholas Williams and Jaige Trudel. After the dance take a swim, relax in the Camphouse, join a jam session or rest up for tomorrow's fun. We hope you'll join us for an exciting, dynamic, joyful, fun-filled week!
-- Ethan Hazzard-Watkins & Anna Patton, Program Co-directors
Special Courses
Also offered during this week: Contra Dance Callers Course (with program director Lisa Greenleaf). Separate registration is required.