Country Dance and Song Society

English Dance Leaders Course at Pinewoods
July 30 - August 6, 2005

As of August 1, this week is underway

Buffalo Gap	Pinewoods			Ogontz
English & American Family	Early Music American Dance & Music Square Dance Callers	Campers' English Dance Leaders English & American American Musicians	English Dance English Musicians Family Folk Music	Family Week 1 Teacher Family Week 2

Schedule & Fees

Registration

English Dance Leaders Course at Pinewoods
July 30 - August 6, 2005
Program Director:
Scott Higgs

Tentative Schedule: [Back to Top]

9:00 - 9:50 Morning classes, Camper-led classes offered, divided by age groups

10:00 Refreshments

10:15 - 11:00 All Camp Gathering

11:00 - 12:00 English Dance Leaders Course
Scott Higgs / Tom Phillips

12:15 Lunch

1:30 - 2:20 Quiet activities/Rest time, Camper-led classes offered

2:30 - 3:20 English Country Dance -- Scott Higgs

3:20 - 3:35 Campstore Open

3:30 - 4:20 Swimming, Bookstore staffed, Camper-led classes offered

4:00 - 4:20 Tea

4:30 - 5:20 English Dance Leaders Course
Scott Higgs / Tom Phillips

6:00 Dinner

7:30 - 8:25 Evening Gathering

8:30 - 11:00 Evening Dance Party

Program Description: [Back to Top]
Look up our Special Programs for some general information; here is more detail about this particular program and staff.

The English Dance Leaders Course is an intensive program, designed for people with at least one year of experience in calling (any form of dance). Our class will cultivate the skills needed to present English dance in a dynamic and engaging way.

Twice-daily class sessions will address topics ranging from building new repertoire to effective use of microphones. In the greater context of Campers' Week, we will enjoy immersion in a supportive community, exposure to a wide range of music and dance with extensive opportunities to practice calling. Participants are welcome (and encouraged) to offer classes and present dances during the day, collaborating with volunteer musicians and eager dancers.

Such "hands-on" activities form a key component of your study. Effective leadership does not result from reading guidebooks or memorizing the "correct" way to do something. Participants will be expected to reconsider their assumptions, explore new approaches ... and to make mistakes without fear of judgment. Our classroom serves as a safe environment to experiment with alternatives, to face challenges, to adapt on-the-fly and to chew on perplexing puzzles. Just when you need a bit of relief, you will face significant homework assignments each day. Please come prepared to work (and play) hard.

Our class topics include: connecting dancers with the music, teaching more effectively, repertoire development, programming, long-term dancer development, and ... taking care of yourself. In the course of a week, we can raise our awareness and fill our kits with high-quality tools. The rest of the work will be yours: to take ideas and materials home, and to continue to grow.

Your teacher, Scott Higgs, is passionate about good dancing and dynamic leadership. He has been teaching and organizing dances for over 25 years. Since the early 1980s, Scott has led English and contra dances all over the country (25 states and 5 foreign countries). He has taught week-long caller workshops at Buffalo Gap, Pinewoods and Lady of the Lake camps. Dancers praise Scott's clear, succinct teaching, attention to "magic moments" and programs that engage expert dancers, while remaining accessible to those with less experience.

Please check the description of Campers' Week for details on that program and staff.

Materials: [Back to Top]
Class assignments begin before you arrive at camp, so you will need to acquire a copy of The Playford Ball beforehand. A binder of resource materials ($5) will be handed out on-site. You are also strongly encouraged to bring a small tape recorder, a copy of The Barnes Book of English Country Dance Tunes, and a CD or tape of English country dance music that you enjoy. These books and recordings are available by mail order from CDSS.

Registration: [Back to Top]

The registration deadline for this course is March 14. If it is oversubscribed on the 14th, there will be a lottery. This course is limited to ten participants to ensure plenty of opportunity for active participation. In case of over-subscription, some preference will be given to applicants from areas that are under-served with English dance leaders. Scholarships are available.