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Country Dance and Song SocietyEnglish & American Dance Week at Timber Ridge
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Country Dance and Song SocietyEnglish & American Dance Week at Timber Ridge
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English & American Dance Week at Timber Ridge August 12 - 19, 2007 Program Director: Staff: * Advisors, plus: |
Program Description: [Back to Top]
Look up our Adult Programs for some general information; here is more detail about this particular program and staff.
You are invited to gather up your dancing shoes, summer reading and knitting, sunglasses and musical instruments and head to the lovely hills of West Virginia for a week of fun. On hand will be a stellar cast of dance leaders and musicians to fire up your neurons and get you dancing. As well, there will be a host of other activities to keep you entertained, intellectual stimulated and enjoying yourself in the company of like-minded people.
Last year CDSS broke ground at Timber Ridge, and we all, campers, Program Directors and CDSS staff, learned a great deal about the potential of the facility and the ways two different CDSS programs can coexist and benefit from one another's presence. We have adjusted the schedules for 2007 to meet the specific needs of each program and taken a close look at space considerations, camper comfort and logistics. Timber Ridge owners as well have taken many of our suggestions to heart and have made significant improvements that will certainly benefit everyone immediately.
One significant change is the acknowledgment that each program, E&A and Family, needs its own gathering time as well as a time to come together as a total community. The morning E&A Gathering, led by the irrepressible duo, Karen Axelrod and Kathy Anderson, will include some stimulating presentations by staff about dance and music, as well as jokes, games and camper offerings. The evening All Camp Gathering is for the entire community with mini-concerts and skits of one sort and another. With a full week at our disposal this year, campers will be in charge of one evening of dancing and there will be plenty of after dance activities, from singing to dancing to cabaret: all in the wonderful Rec Hall, with its strings of lights and stage, canteen and kitchen.
For staff we have some of the most sought-after teachers and musicians in the country. Kathy Anderson, with her terrific energy and sense of fun, will call contras and squares as well as lead the open mic session for callers wanting practice and feedback. Gene Murrow, supremely knowledgeable about dance and music, will lead three different English country dance classes, two for all levels and one for experienced dancers that focuses on modern choreography from England. Sue Dupre will add her warmth and expertise teaching Longsword and Garland Dancing and running an afternoon dance class that offers her favorite English and American dances. Jan Elliot will give participants a good run for their money when she leads the lively and inventive Border Morris class. For couple dancing this year Ann Percival and David Cantieni will teach a number of Scandinavian dances, including the ever-popular mazurka. Matthew Olwell, excellent tap dancer and clogger, will teach Percussive Dance and Rhythms.
There is a host of excellent musicians, as always. Besides playing for classes, some will teach: Anna Patton and Ethan Hazzard-Watkins will lead a class for melody instrumentalists; David Cantieni and Ralph Gordon will run the band class; while Steve Hickman and Henry Chapin will lead an open band for the Open Mic / Open Band hour. There will be several wonderful opportunities for singing, including Harmony Singing with Peter and Mary Alice Amidon and learning how to present the songs of your choice with Henry.
Because we are sharing the time and space (and a larger staff) with Family Week, there are some other offerings from that program which will surely appeal to E&A campers: nature walks, community art, singing before suppertime and the Community Dance. Betsy Blachly Chapin will also lead a Teachers Training Course concurrent with this week.
There is a large swimming pool in the center of the camp, a river to swim in and canoes to paddle, tennis courts and a lovely gazebo for socializing. The week will culminate in a festive parade and celebration of class presentations that bring together families and E&A campers alike. We hope that you will join us in '07 for this promising week of fun! -- Mary Lea, Program Director
Mary Alice Amidon will be lifting up her voice with us once again -- leading several of the children's classes and Harmony Singing with Peter. Mary Alice comes with her gift of songs, stories and her many years as a music educator. Word is that she's working on her own solo recording. We hope it's done and available by August.
Peter Amidon has gone from cheer leading in college to coiling ropes on a navy destroyer to working in a mental hospital to becoming one of the leading music and dance icons of Brattleboro, VT? You should ask Peter about this, he might know. Otherwise, you can enjoy Peter as he tells stories, leads dances and collaborates with Mary Alice in the harmony singing class.
Kathy Anderson has been playing old-time music for years and calling since 1982, with squares a specialty. Known for her great energy and humor, she has an unerring eye for dances that incorporate good flow and unusual figures. Quick, clear teaching is a hallmark of her style, and she knows how to connect the music, rhythm and dancers' energy. Kathy has called extensively and is equally at home at local dances, weekend, dance week or international events.
Karen Axelrod plays piano for English, American and Scottish dance and has been on staff at numerous dance events around the country for many years. She is highly regarded for her creative and rich piano accompaniment. She also plays accordion for the renowned longsword team, Orion Longsword and piano with the bands Foxfire and Woodlark. A professional dog walker -- with a PhD in dog walking from a highly respected internet correspondence school, Karen occasionally appears with the comedy improvisation troupe, the Villa Jidiots.
David Cantieni, primarily an Irish-style wooden flute player, switched from playing classical music on the oboe more than 20 years ago. He began playing for contra dances with such bands as Swallowtail and Wild Asparagus. The love of music and dance infuses all of David's many activities, which might include rebuilding a1955 Ford 850 tractor or playing the bombarde while leading a parade of costumed campers at family dance camp.
Betsy Blachly Chapin is there for the children. Singing with children is what makes her happiest. Betsy is a master music teacher at Bank Street School in New York City and a freelance timpanist. She will lead a children's class and also the new Teachers Training Course offered to a pre-registered group. We are honored to have her back.
Henry Chapin may treat us to a vaudeville-style swing ballad or an old-time tune on the fiddle. He can show us how the old English tradition of mumming continues to provide us with a fresh outlet for fun, satire and social commentary. Bring it on Henry!
John Devine is much loved by the Family Week community. He has one of the most beautiful voices you'll ever hear and when he starts in on the guitar you've just got to dance. He brings a gentle power to all that he does, whether playing guitar, singing songs or tending his farm just over the ridge in northeast West Virginia.
Sue Dupre, based in central New Jersey, has been calling contra, square and English country dances for over 24 years. Sue has been a featured performer at various festivals, many dance weekends and summer dance camps. Sue is known for enthusiasm and good humor, for an extensive repertoire representing the best of the old and the new, for clear and efficient teaching, for a rhythmic calling style and for her work with novice dancers. She is also passionately devoted to the promotion and performance of historic English ritual and ceremonial dances in American communities. She is the founder and foreman of the first American molly dance team, Handsome Molly and, for many years, has directed the mumming troupe, General Mercer's Mummers.
Jan Elliott has been involved with many morris and sword teams in her 30 years of dancing. She has founded teams, taught, played and helped devise new dances, working with both adults and children. Her current sword team, the Vineyard Swordfish, has recently spawned an all-teen group, Clownfish Rapper. The fast-paced border morris style she teaches comes mainly from Rogue Morris of Oxford, England. Jan is an experienced accompanist for many styles of dance, including English country dance; she plays for an English dance series on Cape Cod, where she also performs with a number of early music and folk music groups. When not performing, she teaches recorder, pennywhistle and concertina to all ages in her home studio in Woods Hole, MA.
Ralph Gordon, on cello and bass, has knowledge of and experience with many styles of music. He has worked with many bands over the years and is one of the best all-around bass players in the dance world. With numerous recordings to his credit, Ralph has graced many a concert stage, dance camp and festival here and abroad.
Ethan Hazzard-Watkins began dancing and playing fiddle for contra and English dances while growing up in Amherst, MA. Since graduating from Macalester College in 2001 Ethan has traveled the U.S. and Europe playing traditional music for dances, concerts and sessions and has played on street corners and subway platforms far and wide. Like any good New England fiddler he enjoys stealing repertoire from a variety of traditions, although he is particularly fond of Irish music. Ethan is also an avid composer of fiddle tunes and currently resides in the music ghetto of Brattleboro, VT. Personal Webpage
Steve Hickman is a world class fiddler and has toured internationally with various groups and performers including the Fiddle Puppet dancers and Childsplay. He is dedicated to the family homestead south of our nation's capital. Steve has been known to strap on his head lamp and weed the garden to wind down late at night after an evening of music. We expect we'll be enjoying Steve's music this week rather than his weeding abilities.
Mary Lea has played violin and viola for dancing since 1977. She plays English with Bare Necessities, contras with Yankee Ingenuity and Crazy Quilt, South American music with Paradiso and a little of everything with Dark Carnival. She has performed at many dance camps and festivals and made numerous recordings over the years. Mary is Program Director of English & American Dance Week.
Leslie Jeanne Milbourne's nature walks and observations help us appreciate the immediate camp surroundings. She is mindful of our surroundings, filled with the quiet intensity of one who is listening with all her being. She, John Devine and daughter Chanaya, share a patch of earth just down the road.
Elvie Miller spent her childhood in New Hampshire surrounded by folk music and dance. With a strong background in classical piano, she began playing for contra dances in her early teens and since then has performed and taught contra dance music across the country. Currently touring with Night Watch and Airdance, she contributes driving and spunky rhythm and energy on both piano and accordion. She recently spent a year as a Watson Fellow tracing the origins of contra dance music across five northern European countries. Elvie is also a professional weaver and resides in Boston.
Gene Murrow has been an English country dancer and musician since 1965 and has taught and called at clubs, workshops, festivals and balls throughout the U.S. as well as Britain, Europe and Japan since 1988. In 1996, he organized the Amherst Assembly, a week-long conference devoted to a scholarly and practical look at the origins and evolution of the country dance. Sought out for his deep understanding of both music and dance and for his exceptional clarity when teaching, Gene has written a resource guide and training curriculum on musicianship for English country dance teachers and, in his latest venture, toured Japan for two weeks teaching ECD workshops. He has also performed on four recordings as a member of MGM, produced the CDS Boston English Country Dance series featuring Bare Necessities and served on the Board of Directors of CDSS and Early Music America. The list could go on. Needless to say, we are very fortunate to have him on staff this summer!
Matthew Olwell, a Virginia native, grew up surrounded with music and dance. The whole family was involved with making wooden flutes. Later, Matthew spent several years performing and teaching with the well-known dance troupe, Footworks. Matthew is an accomplished performer, teacher and all around good camper. We're excited to welcome Matthew back!
DeLaura Padovan is as vibrant as a song and as sturdy as the goats on her Virginia farm. She is a family dance leader, singer and organic farmer as well as one of the pioneers of living life the best way possible, which includes singing, calling, signing and creating one thing out of another.
Anna Patton plays dance tunes on clarinet with great verve, clarity and harmonic whim. Besides English and American dance music, her repertoire includes Balkan tunes, Brazilian choros and early jazz. Based in Brattleboro, VT, Anna has spent much of her young life on tour in the States and abroad singing or playing for dancers, concert goers and pedestrians.
Ann Percival, the minister of fun, artist, musician, social worker and once more Family Week co-coordinator. She grew up dancing. Her Norwegian grandparents took her dancing at the Sons of Norway hall in Brooklyn. Ann is at her best doing art with children. Or is it singing one of her many singalongs? This year there will be plenty of both and the mazurka too!
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English & American Dance Week at Timber Ridge click for tentative Detailed Combined Daily Schedule Tentative Schedule: |
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| 7:45 - 8:15 Breakfast | |
| 9:00 - 10:00 | |
| Contras and Squares For All | Kathy Anderson |
| Experienced English: English Country Dances from English Choreographers | Gene Murrow |
| 10:15 - 10:45 E&A Gathering | |
| 10:45 - 11:30 Swim and relax time, Bookstore staffed | |
| 11:15 - 12:15 | |
| * Harmony Singing | Peter and Mary Alice Amidon |
| Percussive Dance and Rhythms | Matthew Olwell |
| Squares and Challenging Contras | Kathy Anderson |
| English: From Court to Colony | Gene Murrow |
| * Dance Tunes for Melody Players | Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, Anna Patton |
| 12:15 - 12:45 Swimming | |
| 12:30 Lunch | |
| 1:45 - 2:45 | |
| * Nature Walk for Everyone | Leslie Jeanne Milbourne |
| * Community Art | Ann Percival, DeLaura Padovan |
| Song Kitchen | Henry Chapin |
| Dance Band | David Cantieni, Ralph Gordon |
| Longsword | Sue Dupre |
| 3:00 - 4:00 | |
| Hilsen fra Norge: Scandi Dancing | Ann Percival, David Cantieni |
| English Afternoon Dance for All | Gene Murrow |
| Garland | Sue Dupre |
| 4:15 - 5:15 | |
| Open Mic / Open Band | Kathy Anderson / Steve Hickman, Henry Chapin |
| English & American Dance Party for All | Sue Dupre |
| Border Morris | Jan Elliott |
| 4:45 - 5:45 Bookstore staffed | |
| 5:15 - 6:00 Swimming | |
| 5:30 Sing For Your Supper | |
| 6:00 Dinner | |
7:45 - 8:15 All Camp Gathering |
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| 8:30 - 11:00 Evening Dance Party | |
| 11:00 Optional after-dance activities/parties | |
| * May include younger campers | |
Class Descriptions: [Back to Top]
All of these classes are for campers age 13 and up. There are additional options open to you described on Family Week.
Dance:
Contras and Squares for All -- Kathy Anderson / Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, David Cantieni, John Devine, Ann Percival, Matthew Olwell
Dances to wake up the body and get the mind rolling first thing in the morning…
Experienced English: English Country Dances from English Choreographers -- Gene Murrow / Mary Lea, Anna Patton, Karen Axelrod
For more experienced dancers -- modern dances composed by English choreographers including Charles Bolton, Colin Hume and others.
English: From Court to Colony -- Gene Murrow / Mary Lea, Elvie Miller, Jan Elliott
A survey of English country dance from its Elizabethan origins to the present day.
Percussive Dance and Rhythms -- Matthew Olwell
Foot percussion from many traditions. We can't wait to see what he comes up with this year.
Squares and Challenging Contras -- Kathy Anderson / Steve Hickman, John Devine, Ralph Gordon
For more experienced dancers -- intriguing and unusual squares from many traditions and contras with a twist.
Longsword -- Sue Dupre / Jan Elliott
A longsword dance from Yorkshire, England. Exciting figures and simple footwork.
Hilsen Fra Norge: Scandinavian Couple Dancing -- Ann Percival, David Cantieni / Mary Lea, Elvie Miller
Dances from Ann's Norwegian heritage: schottis, snua, polska and the ever-popular mazurka.
English Afternoon Dance for All: Dances for a Summer Afternoon -- Gene Murrow / Steve Hickman, Ralph Gordon, Karen Axelrod
An hour of lovely, easy dances with great music.
Garland -- Sue Dupre / Anna Patton
Two modern garland dances with gold star choreography for all experience levels and genders.
Open Mic / Open Band -- Kathy Anderson / Steve Hickman, Henry Chapin
For dance musicians and callers! Three days American, three days English dance and music. Callers get feedback from Kathy (if they wish); musicians get assistance from Steve and Henry.
English & American Dance Party for All -- Sue Dupre / Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, Elvie Miller, John Devine
A relaxed dance party for dancers of all experience levels. Sue's favorites from both American (Thursday - Saturday) and English (Monday - Wednesday) traditions.
Border Morris -- Jan Elliott / Karen Axelrod
Lively morris from the Welsh border area of England featuring fast-paced stick dances, simple footwork and geometric patterns in sets of varying numbers.
Music and Art:
Dance Tunes for Melody Players (10 and up) -- Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, Anna Patton
For players with at least a basic proficiency on their melody instrument -- Anna and Ethan will teach a few of their favorite tunes, examine strategies for learning by ear and discuss phrasing and styling on fiddles and wind instruments. They'll take their lead from participants' needs.
Song Kitchen -- Henry Chapin
Selecting a favorite song and figuring out how to present it.
Dance Band -- David Cantieni, Ralph Gordon
Attention to style, rhythm and ensemble playing. The goal is to play for the evening community dance.
*NOTE: The classes listed above are open to age 13 and up. There are more class offerings which could include younger campers and are more completely described in Family Week. These include:
Harmony Singing: (10 and up) -- Peter and Mary Alice Amidon
Heartfelt community singing.
Nature Walk for Everyone (all ages) -- Leslie Jeanne Milbourne
Explore the neighborhood with our resident naturalist.
Community Art (13 and up, 8-12 w / parent) -- Ann Percival, DeLaura Padovan
Art for the creative spirit in a supportive atmosphere. A variety of mediums will be explored.
Camp Gatherings:
E&A Gathering (10:15-10:45)-- Karen Axelrod and Kathy Anderson
Stimulating presentations by staff about dance and music, as well as jokes, games and camper offerings.
All Camp Gathering (7:45-8:15)
This is for the entire community with mini-concerts, skits and singing together.
Staff
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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