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Country Dance and Song SocietyDance Week at Buffalo Gap
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Country Dance and Song SocietyDance Week at Buffalo Gap
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Dance Week at Buffalo Gap July 8 - 15, 2000 Program Director: Staff: Advisors: |
Program Description: [Back to Top]
Are you ready for a week of sheer magic?
We've got a bag of tricks you'll love! Are you a contra dancer, English dancer, ritual dancer -- or not a dancer at all (yet!)? We've got a bit of everything, so you can have a great time savoring the things you love, and take a taste of an intriguing new experience at the same time!
Dance, sing, and play until you drop. Take a refreshing swim, recharge with a luscious meal, and dance all evening. Steam away aches in the sauna, sample some goodies at the late night party, and then start all over again the next morning!
Dance Week at Buffalo Gap enjoys its reputation as one of the friendliest of dance camps. Our talented staff comes from all over the country -- get to know them not only in their exciting classes, but in quieter times when you can talk and laugh together. When your body says "enough!", take time for a nap, a book, a chat, or a refreshing hike before you jump back into the blissful whirl of dance and song.
The Dancing
The dancing never stops! Cis Hinkle joins us from the Southeast and is known for her clear calling, high energy and enthusiasm ("I put a high premium on fun," she says!). Start the day with her smoothly energetic contras, or segue from the after-lunch break into her driving Squares and More to set the tone for the afternoon. (And don't miss her callers' workshop in between for some valuable hints and practice). For a taste of English country dance, New England's dance diva Helene Cornelius offers two classes full of delicious dances from her rich repertoire, including a special session to challenge the most experienced English dancers. Program director Alisa Dodson leads a class full of English Flavor, a mix of old and new material geared to please your palate! For a change of pace, join Gaye Fifer and Wayne Albright for a dreamy waltz session at the end of the day.
And More Dancing
Kari Smith returns by acclaim to Buffalo Gap to lead a trio of energetic and highly satisfying sessions, accessible to all. Enjoy the power and precision of Northwest Clog Morris; the hypnotizing sweep through the figures of Longsword; or the rhythmic joy of Marley Clog. Music for Kari's classes will be provided by matchless melodeon players from the East and the West, Paul Eric Smith and Allen Dodson.
The Singing
We welcome California's Doug Olsen to Buffalo Gap for the first time. Doug says he's been singing ever since he can remember. In 1973, he got together with two friends and created Oak Ash and Thorn. OAT immediately gained a tremendous popularity in the San Francisco Bay Area, performing their mix of English and American songs at a variety of clubs, coffeehouses and faires. Doug has been singing up a storm at Mendocino English Week for the past couple of years. For us, he will present a rousing Shape Note session in the morning and a Song session for digestion right after lunch. Doug will also host the morning Gathering.
The Music
Our musicians are simply the best! All have been featured at more dance camps and weekends than we have time to list and they are all stars in their own right. We can't wait to see what they'll produce together! On piano will be Jonathan Jensen (Baltimore, MD) and David Wiesler (Charlottesville, VA). Jonathan sees himself as having an "eclectic" musical interest when drawing on tunes for English and contra (watch out for that ragtime!), and he also composes wonderful music. David also composes fine tunes; he's an avid Scottish country and contra dancer; and he plays guitar and sings, too! Then we have the fine fiddle trio of Daron Douglas (New Orleans, LA), Earl Gaddis (Northampton, MA) and Kimberly McKittrick (Seattle, WA). Daron, with her sizzling style and playful humor, has a range of musical styles from contra to Renaissance to traditional old-time Appalachian; Earl, a member of Bare Necessities, will tug our heartstrings with his fiddle strings; and Kimberly is ready to make our feet fly with her persuasive music. We also welcome back Larry Unger (Boston, MA), a master on many instruments and composer of magnificent waltzes. And watch out for those "other" instruments played by our staff virtuosos (ocarina, hurdy-gurdy, tuba....)
And More!
Bring your fiddle, your flute, your tambourine (or your whatever!) and join the daily Buffalo Gap Open Ears Band session with Daron -- and watch for other playing opportunities during the week. Jacqueline Schwab is running the English Dance Musicians Course (pre-registration required) that will draw talented musicians to camp to study. These folks emerge for some dancing during the day, and provide a nucleus for camper-led music and jam sessions at any hour. (This means we also get to hear some of Jacqueline's inspired piano in the evening, as well!)
We'll have four scheduled class periods each day, but there's still plenty of time in the afternoon for more adventure. Plans being discussed at this time include an English ceilidh party and some informative and fun presentations.
Come join us! Savor the famous Buffalo Gap welcome, embracing novices, experts, first-timers and camp veterans alike. Our whole community reaches out to honor the tradition of a camp that is friendly and encouraging to all. We'd love to see you at our party!
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Dance Week at Buffalo Gap Tentative Schedule: |
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| 9:00 - 10:00 | |
| Good Morning Contras | Cis Hinkle |
| Northwest Clog Morris | Kari Smith |
| Shape Note Workshop | Doug Olsen |
| 10:15 - 11:15 | |
| English for Experts | Helene Cornelius |
| English Flavors | Alisa Dodson |
| Calling 101 | Cis Hinkle |
| 11:30 - 12:15 | |
| Camp Gathering | Doug Olsen |
| 1:15 - 2:00 | |
| Community Sing | Doug Olsen |
| 2:15 - 3:15 | |
| Squares and More | Cis Hinkle |
| English Potpourri | Helene Cornelius |
| Clog: The Marley Soft Shoe | Kari Smith |
| 3:30 - 4:30 | |
| Waltz | Gaye Fifer and Wayne Albright |
| Longsword: Lingdale | Kari Smith |
| Open Ears Band | Daron Douglas |
| 4:45 - 5:30 | |
| Daily staff or camper-planned offerings; presentations | |
8:00 |
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| Couple Dances | |
8:15 |
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| Evening Dance Party | |
11:00 |
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| After-dance refreshments Late-night parties (camper initiated) |
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Class Descriptions: [Back to Top]
Good Morning Contras -- Cis Hinkle
Start your day with a sampling of contra dances from around the country, made up of smooth, flowing moves with enough surprises to help wake you up. The emphasis will be on dancing, but along the way Cis will offer suggestions to make dancing more fun for all concerned.
Squares and More -- Cis Hinkle
In this workshop we'll explore various non-linear (i.e. not contra) dance formations. You'll concentrate on squares (southern, western and contemporary), but also branch into circles, triplets and other stranger shapes.
English for Experts -- Helene Cornelius
Helene teaches wonderful, challenging dances. This class is for those who feel comfortable enough with English country dance style and figures to enjoy unusual patterns and movements in a variety of dances.
English Potpourri -- Helene Cornelius
This is a chance for all to experience Helene's great range of English country dance repertoire, from the relaxing and elegant to the energetic and sassy, and from the 17th and 18th century to modern compositions.
English Flavors -- Alisa Dodson
Alisa welcomes all dancers to a delicious hour of English country, from the basic ingredients to the method of mixture and the addition of spices that makes this dancing fun.
Northwest Clog Morris -- Kari Smith
The Northwest repertoire harks from the industrial Northwest of England, where sets of dancers numbering 8, 16, 24 or more perform their formations in parade (or modified for dancing on the spot), their iron-shod clogs providing a persistent, rhythmic accompaniment to the band music. The dances are energetic, requiring strength, endurance, precision, poise and grace. We will be learning "Greenfield," a variant of the Oldham dance, re-named for the performance locale (Greenfield, MA) of this interpretation. Dancers twirl "slings" while executing the variety of formations and stepping sequences. Beginner and experienced dancers welcome. If you have in-door Northwest clogs (with rubber "irons") (and if you have Northwest slings!) bring 'em, otherwise wear shoes that provide good traction and support.
Longsword: Lingdale -- Kari Smith
The Lingdale dance is one of several from near the northeastern coast of Yorkshire - others include Loftus, North Skelton and Boosbeck. The dances of this area share a movement style that is smooth and flowing, at times stately, energetic and graceful. The dance is characterized by several figures, each of which includes a variety of formations and maneuvers and concludes with a lock of the swords. Beginning and experienced dancers are welcome.
The Marley Soft Shoe -- Kari Smith
Yes, "soft" shoe dance for hard-soled clogs... In this class we will learn a version of the Marley Soft Shoe routine while examining the history of "English-style" clog dance in America. Beginning step dancers will get an introduction to the basics of clog dancing, while experienced dancers will be challenged by the specifics of the Marley style and aesthetic. The Marley tradition comes from the dancing of generations of Marley family members of Rockville, CT, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to see into the 150+ year history of "English-style" clog dancing on the popular stages and in the community halls and homes of our country. Wear clogs or hard-soled shoes (shoes that give support and that you can hear yourself in!).
Shape Note Workshop -- Doug Olsen
Shape Note singing began in colonial New England and traveled through the rural South, flourishing in 1830s and 40s. You don't have to be a nightingale or a music-reader to enjoy the power and fervor of this wonderful singing!
Camp Gathering -- Doug Olsen
Each morning, we'll assemble for an amazing mix of music, silliness, and community fun. Campers and staff offer a varied program of songs, stories and creative activities (not to mention the daily raffle!). Think of something that you'd like to contribute or just participate in the audience, but don't miss the fun!
Community Sing -- Doug Olsen
All are welcome to join Doug after lunch for some high-spirited singing. Doug will present a different aspect of song each day for our pleasure.
Calling 101 -- Cis Hinkle
Ever thought you might want to call a dance someday? Already a caller, but looking to enhance your skills? Just curious about what callers think about? Come to the callers' class and find out. We'll talk about the basics of calling contras and squares, including teaching, prompting, planning a dance, and working with the band, but most of our time will be spent practicing what we've learned. You could never hope for a more supportive place to call your first dance. Come give it a try.
Waltz: The Art of Leading and Following -- Gaye Fifer and Wayne Albright
Wayne (Pittsburg, PA) and Gaye (Charlottesville, VA) promise you an amazing hour of instruction in the technique of the waltz. Whether you're a novice or a whiz, they'll have moves for you to learn that will have you gliding effortlessly across the floor. (Our spies report that Wayne has actually been seen waltzing in airports and train stations around the world...)
Buffalo Gap Open Ears Band -- Daron Douglas
We'll celebrate the intricate layers of sound that are our world. We'll hear how an improvisation is a conversation, how sounds are our stories, how we use pieces of sound to create a musical idea, and how we can bring this wealth to playing a tune. Bring instruments (or your voices). Class includes a field trip to the creek.
Class Descriptions & Schedule
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413-268-7426 |
Country Dance and Song Society 132 Main St/PO Box 338 Haydenville, MA 01039-0338 Office Hours M-F 9:30am - 5:00pm EST |
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