English Dance Week at Pinewoods
Tentative Schedule
| 7:15 |
Yoga: June RowlandsJune will lead a silent yoga stretching exercises on the main dock or Camphouse porch overlooking Long Pond before breakfast. This will be a "follow-the-leader" exercise, with no verbal instructions. |
| 7:45-8:15 | Hot Breakfast served cafeteria style |
| 8:15-8:45 | Cold Breakfast Coffee/Tea available |
| 9:00-10:00 |
ECD The Marvelous Classics (Adv): Brad FosterMusic by: Karen Axelrod, Peter Barnes, Aldo Fabrizi Cecil Sharp and others set the stage for the modern English dance revival by interpreting a large body of historical dances in a particular style. I loved doing these dances when I learned them in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and I love doing them today. Some, like Step Stately, have seen very recent resurgent interest. Others, like Argeers and Dargason, are equally wonderful but not as well known today. In this class I will present a selection of the marvelous advanced classics of the first half of the 20th Century, along with an occasional dance outside that scope for variety. |
ECD Building Your Toolkit (Beg/Int): Joanna ReinerMusic by: Melissa Running, Anna Patton If English Dance is not your first language, if you are a new or returning English dancer, or if you want a chance to focus on and build your ECD skills, come to class! We'll take the time to look at figures, how to dance to the great variety of ECD tunes, and so much more. This class is a great introduction to the joys and variety of English country dancing. |
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Rapper (Beg): Stephanie BesfordMusic by: Tom Kruskal One of the more modern traditional dances, rapper sword dancing is a post- industrial incarnate of longsword created and developed exclusively in the North East of England. This is a fast paced, complex performance designed to impress and amaze an audience with the skill and agility of the dancers. Over the past few decades, rapper has spread throughout England, America and increasingly beyond and in this growth, much of the style of the dance has altered and changed. Stephanie will teach a selection of traditional figures and will offer tips, advice and demonstration on how the evolution of the dance has changed the way rapper is performed since leaving the Tyneside coalfields in the mid-19th century. |
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| 10:15-11:15 |
ECD Style and Mechanics through the Modern Lens (Adv): Joanna ReinerMusic by: Karen Axelrod, Shira Kammen, Anna Patton At many of our ECD events, we focus on the social aspects of this dance form we love. Rarely do we have the opportunity to focus on how we dance in addition to learning choreography: body mechanics, phrasing, dancing in concert with others, etc. This class will use examples from the modern ECD repertoire to examine these often-neglected aspects of the dance to increase your skills, confidence and enjoyment. Knowledge of ECD figures, concepts and basic repertoire is expected. |
ECD Classic Repertoire and Style (Beg/Int): Rich JacksonMusic by: Peter Barnes, Paul Woodiel We will concentrate on two basic areas, classic repertoire and dance style. We will visit many of the dances that have lasted the years as favorites as well as new "classics". We will work on dancing with the beat and with the phrase as well as dance movement. We will talk about skipping, waltzing, and, if people are interested, we can work on the rant and polka steps as well. |
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Rapper (Adv): Tom BesfordMusic by: Alex Cumming Rapper dancing has changed significantly from when Sharp first notated it in August 1910. Having spent almost a decade in the North East learning from some of the absolute greats, Tom will be teaching a little about the extremes of rapper sword dancing, from the most traditional forms of movement and figures, right through to looking at how modern English rapper dancing varies from both the old traditions and the developing U.S. ones. |
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English Clog (Beg): Stephanie BesfordMusic by: Tom Kruskal Clog or step dancing in the north of England is most commonly performed in one of two styles. The Northumberland and Durham style remains a strong part of North Eastern culture, whilst the style from Lancashire is said to emulate the sound of the cotton mills, with the steps most commonly performed having been written by either Pat Tracey or Sam Sherry. Steph's own variety of clog is most closely aligned with the Lancashire style, in particular the dances of Sam Sherry, but having spent many years living in the North East, she has also been influenced by the those traditions. In these classes Steph will largely be teaching the Lancashire steps of Sam Sherry and others, but will also look at how rhythms can be developed and styles merged to create a more modern form of dance. |
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| 11:25-12:00 |
Gathering: Karen AxelrodCome prepared to be entertained - and to entertain. A healthy dose of improv games will keep us laughing, staff and campers alike will share talents, and random prizes will be given for no good reason. Although attendance won't be taken, you won't want to miss Gathering. A clue will be revealed each day that will lead you to a hidden 6-pack of beer at the end of the week. |
| 12:00-12:30 | Swimming, Bookstore staffed |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 1:45-2:45 |
North West Morris (For all): Tom BesfordMusic by: Karen Axelrod North West Morris dancing is derived from the mill towns of Lancashire. On holidays such as St George's Day or for local Rushcart bearing traditions, many North West Morris teams would meet and process through the streets alongside their rushcart, rosequeens and local dignitaries. North West Morris is characterised by being big, loud, colourful and precise. As Tom is originally a Lancashire lad, he grew up learning the dances of once of the earliest revival sides, the Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men. In these classes, Tom will be teaching a selection of collected dances still performed in Horwich today. |
ECD Open Mic/Open Band (For all): Joanna Reiner, Aldo FabriziA chance for you to call dances and/or play music under the constructive guidance of Joanna (coordinating callers) and Aldo (coordinating musicians), plus another opportunity to dance, to the calling and music of your peers. |
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ECD Choreographer’s Discussion Group (For all): Rich JacksonMusic by: Melissa Running We will start off talking about what makes a good dance and dancing a few to see what works and what doesn't. From there we will see what the class participants have to present. Bring some new figures, new tunes, and new ideas and we will all help make new dances. |
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Harmony Singing (For all): Alex CummingThis song workshop offers you a chance to learn some lesser known English songs and sing in four part harmony. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore and experiment with vocal arrangements within a group setting. |
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| 3:00-4:00 |
ECD Dancing Through the Years (For all): Rich JacksonMusic by: Melissa Running, Aldo Fabrizi Dance favorites from years past. The Boston Centre archives has the favorite dances for each year from 1963 to 2003. Using this list and other resources, we will explore a different period each day and see what people were doing. We will also talk about dance style and how it changed over the years. |
ECD Callers’ Workshop (For all): Brad FosterMusic by: Paul Woodiel Teaching a dance, programming an evening, even programming a series or a week-long workshop -- all of these are acts of storytelling. We all use the techniques and skills of a story teller in our work as teachers and callers of English dance. Learn to recognize that part of your art to improve your own verbal instructions, non-verbal cues, and choice and order of dances. Learn how to tell the story of the dance and to improve the dancers' comprehension and enjoyment of that dance. We'll spend half of our time discussing calling issues and technique, and the other half practicing calling. |
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English Clog (Adv): Stephanie BesfordMusic by: Alex Cumming Clog or step dancing in the north of England is most commonly performed in one of two styles. The Northumberland and Durham style remains a strong part of North Eastern culture, whilst the style from Lancashire is said to emulate the sound of the cotton mills, with the steps most commonly performed having been written by either Pat Tracey or Sam Sherry. Steph's own variety of clog is most closely aligned with the Lancashire style, in particular the dances of Sam Sherry, but having spent many years living in the North East, she has also been influenced by the those traditions. In these classes Steph will largely be teaching the Lancashire steps of Sam Sherry and others, but will also look at how rhythms can be developed and styles merged to create a more modern form of dance. |
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Yoga (For all): June RowlandsThe therapeutic aspect of Yoga is a strong focus of my personal practice and teaching and I am keen to impart this to all who attend. Standing postures bring strength and stamina to the body; twists aid digestion whilst toning the waist and hips; backbends are rejuvenating, giving energy and courage and combat depression; balances develop lightness, muscle tone and improve co-ordination and concentration. Each class will end with some relaxation for the body and mind so you walk away with a spring in your step and a lightness of spirit. No previous experience in Yoga is necessary, whilst if you already have yoga skills and enjoy differing styles and approaches to yoga you will be most welcome. The only requirement is a towel or mat to sit/lie on the floor, loose comfortable clothing and a smile! |
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| 4:00-4:30 | Tea, Swimming, Bookstore staffed |
| 4:30-5:30 |
ECD Modern Medley (For all): Brad FosterMusic by: Peter Barnes, Paul Woodiel Modern compositions from the great dance authors of the 20th and 21st Centuries, from the "old" and early modern of Maggot Pie to the very recent compositions of Gary Roodman and others. For all. |
Longsword (For all): Tom BesfordMusic by: Tom Kruskal Longsword dancing is possibly the oldest form of traditional dance with examples coming from right across the European continent and beyond. Yorkshire longsword is the most widely notated tradition of hilt and point sword dancing and probably the most regularly performed. In these workshops, Tom will teach from this tradition but specifically demonstrate that longsword, when done well and correctly is a fascinating, challenging and entertaining dance. |
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Deliver the Rhythm! - Playing Dance Tunes with Oomph and Grace (For all): Anna PattonThis class is for dance musicians who want to work on the rhythmic aspects of their playing in a playful, exploratory way. There are so many different ways to play rhythmically: even sweeping legatos can be rhythmic. How can we create more rhythmic variation? How can a melody player find a niche in the rhythm section and vice versa? How to approach dragging or speeding tendencies? How to deliver the most satisfying kinds of oomph for different kinds of choreography? Rhythm-based improvisation!? Come explore these eternal questions and more. |
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| 5:30-6:30 | Swimming, Bookstore staffed, camper-initiated parties |
| 6:30 | Dinner |
| 8:00-10:45 | Evening Dance Party (starting with For Those Who Know) |
| 11:00 | After-dance Activities |
August 3 - 10, 2013
Is there still room?
For up-to-date info about availability and wait lists,
see our main Dance & Music Camps page.
Printable information
Description of Classes: a 2 page description of the classes
Daily Schedule: a 1 page daily timetable
For accepted campers: Links to a few important pages and surveys.
Program Description
This year we are bringing two people, Tom and Stephanie Besford, currently from Newcastle upon Tyne but moving soon to Manchester, England, to teach an expanded program of morris, sword and English clog. There will be six classes, including graded ones in both rapper and clog. Tom currently dances with the Kingsmen and with the High Spen Blue Diamonds; he specializes in teaching traditional dances, but also loves to work on new choreography. Tom will teach traditional longsword, advanced rapper, and North West morris. Stephanie teaches and dances both clog and rapper, and specializes in the traditional Lancashire style of clog dancing. Stephanie will teach two graded English clog classes plus beginning rapper.
As always, English country dance forms the core of this week’s program. Come and join us in a wide ranging selection of both the modern and classic, the old and new, and historical and traditional style dances, presented by three superb, friendly and supportive leaders: Joanna Reiner, from Philadelphia; Rich Jackson, from New Hampshire; and Brad Foster, from Amherst, MA. Joanna has been traveling the country and is very popular for her incisive, matter-of-fact style, her dry sense of humor, and her excellent selection of material. Rich is a mainstay of the Boston Centre group, a master at reconstruction (and one of the co-authors of the Neal Collection) who has recently joined the ranks of modern dance composers, and has a wonderfully welcoming style. Brad has been teaching for over 40 years and has a wealth of experience with both classic reconstructions and modern compositions. He loves sharing the joy of dance with others.
Once again there will be three graded classes in period two. Joanna will teach an advanced class in modern dances, Brad another advanced class in the classics, and Rich will teach repertoire and dancing style for intermediate and beginning dancers. Each of us will also teach another country class. Rich will present a look at the changing repertoire of Boston Centre over time, plus a workshop for dance choreographers. Joanna will explore the evolution of particular dances in different communities, and will lead the open mic, a time for all to practice calling. And Brad will teach from the repertoire of American favorites, plus lead a workshop focused on similarities between storytelling and the art of calling and teaching.
Music is a vital part of dance, and this year we’ve gathered together a fabulous group of musicians to give life and joy to movement and to teach you to play. I am particularly excited by all the different musical combinations available this year. Our staff includes Karen Axelrod, on piano and accordion, from Northampton, MA; Peter Barnes, on piano, flute, guitar and other instruments, from Greenfield, MA; Alex Cumming, on accordion, from Newcastle upon Tyne in England; Aldo Fabrizi on mandolin, from Amherst, MA; Shira Kammen, on fiddle, vielle and harp, from Berkeley, CA; Tom Kruskal, on concertina, from Sudbury, MA; Anna Patton, on clarinet, from VT and MA; Melissa Running, on piano, from Silver Spring, MD; and Paul Woodiel, on fiddle, from South Orange, NJ. They are all wonderful musicians on their own and adapt at both improvisation and making the music more than the sum of its parts. They will make the dancing fly.
Alex, Aldo and Melissa all mark their first appearance on the English Week staff this summer. Alex is active as a morris and sword musician and dancer in England and with Morris Offspring and Maple Morris. He will also lead harmony singing. Aldo has been playing for country dancing the Western MA, directs community orchestras, and is a member, with Karen and Peter, in the wonderful band the 3rd String Trio. Besides playing for country dance classes, Aldo will direct the open band. Melissa will be familiar to many of you as an English and Scottish dancer; she has also been playing for and calling dances for many years, and will bring her wonderful piano style to English Week this year. In addition, Anna Patton will lead a musicians workshop in improvisation.
For the first time, we will also have June Rowlands, from England, and a long-time occasional participant of English Week, to teach yoga. In addition, Karen Axelrod will once again grace us with her masterful leadership and comedy improv for Gathering.
-- Brad Foster, Program Director
Special Courses
Also offered during this week is Shira Kammen's English Dance Musicians Course, an intensive course in playing music for country dancing. Shira, from California, is very active in the English country, medieval and traditional music scenes. She will also play for evening dances and one daytime class. Separate registration is required.
Printable Information for Accepted Campers
Acceptance Information: Details for getting to and being at camp
Class Questionnaire: Please give us an idea of the classes you will take. Also available online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/edpw13
Rides: Do you need or can you offer a ride? Also available online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PWrides13
Special Diet: Please let us know if you have dietary concerns. Also available online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PWDiets
If you have not already, please do sign the Waiver.
To pay any camp Balance Due