Description
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This is an intensive workshop designed for people with some contra, square, and/or community dance calling experience who want to feel confident calling squares. The focus is on both the history and styles of various square dance types, and on the teaching techniques, calling skills, and stagecraft needed to make them soar. Novice to very experienced square dance callers will benefit from this course; you will be met where you are, and challenged to grow. A wide range of participant experience is important to the success of the class.
This program, held concurrently with Harmony of Song & Dance at Pinewoods, is designed and led by Nils Fredland. Nils brings a distinct and valuable perspective to the unique art of calling squares of many styles, and has developed a thorough understanding of what makes a great square dance caller. He will help class participants develop that same understanding, with a focus on putting the essential skills to practical use right away, in a safe and supportive environment.
After participating in Harmony of Song & Dance program through the morning, the course takes place for a solid block in the afternoon. The daily class period will be broken up into two parts: a square dance lab, where we will focus on interpreting choreography, building repertoire, teaching dances, and developing calling skills; and a masterclass, during which class participants will both dance and get mic time, backed by Andrew VanNorstrand, with supportive and structured feedback from Nils, and class participants. Community building and leadership skills will be a focus throughout the week, as well.
REGISTRATION
Participation is limited to ten and before camp each student is asked to complete a preparatory assignment, which will be explained with acceptance. If the class is oversubscribed on March 13, preference will be given to the best qualified applicants and to applicants supported by their local community. Strong indicators for CDSS are our Group Priority and Matching Scholarship processes, where a CDSS affiliate vouches for a participant and may offer some scholarship, asking CDSS to match that amount (www.cdss.org/support-services/insurance-group-services/priority-matching-scholarships). This is a statement by people who know the individual, that the person is deserving of assistance and would benefit the local community by attending camp. That can count highly in this and in our scholarship considerations.
REQUIREMENTS
This course is designed for people with some contra, square, and/or community dance calling experience. A week is not a lot of time, so in order to hit the ground running, please make sure that you can fulfill these criteria by the time camp starts:
- Provide two references who can describe your calling experience and skill level, and your effectiveness as community builder on the mic.
- Know the difference between a jig, a reel, and a hoedown/breakdown.
- Be able to tap or clap a rhythm in time with music played at various tempos.
- Have called at least half of an evening of contra, square, and/or community dances.
- Have an openness and enthusiasm to working with beginning dancers.
- Have a repertoire of at least two square dances you know and feel comfortable teaching and calling; have called at least one individual square dance in a public setting.
- Familiar with basic square dance choreography, culture, and music.
- Be prepared to receive and incorporate feedback, even if you have a lot of calling experience.
Schedule
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Staff
Nils Fredland
Nils Fredland has been singing in choirs since 1980, and calling dances since 2000. Respected for his expertise and clear leadership, and appreciated for his kindness and warmth, Nils is a popular caller for dancers of all ages and levels of experience. He is widely known as an engaging and skillful song leader; his primary goal is to create a welcome and safe environment for all participants, and to deliver a joyful, community-building experience through learning and singing together. Nils is the Artistic Director of Revels North, an independent arts organization based in Hanover, NH, with a 40-year history of building community through song, story, dance, and theater in the Upper Valley.
Life at Camp
ABOUT PINEWOODS CAMP
CDSS has been at Pinewoods Camp since 1933. Located on 25 acres of woodlands near Plymouth, Massachusetts, it provides the setting for educational vacations filled with music and dance. Spacious, wooden outdoor dance pavilions are nestled among the towering pines. Cozy two-person cabins offer accommodations between two beautiful lakes, which are ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and relaxing. The main pebbly beach has a long dock, with deep-water swimming to the anchored raft offshore. Scattered along the shores of the two lakes are other, more private, entries to the water. Gatherings, parties and concerts are held in the lakeside Camphouse, next to the main beach. The open-air, lakeside Dining Hall offers delicious meals and a congenial atmosphere for meeting new friends. With their large stone fireplaces, both the Dining Hall and the Camphouse provide a warm place to gather in cooler weather.
Plan your packing so that you can carry luggage to your cabin over narrow, sometimes uphill paths. There are carts available in the parking areas to help with loading or unloading.
Pinewoods is about a one hour drive from Boston, MA, and about five hours from New York, NY. It is accessible by train, bus and van service.
GETTING TO CDSS PROGRAMS AT PINEWOODS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT
It is easier than ever to get to CDSS programs at Pinewoods Camp from Boston's Logan Airport or South Station! Book a flight or train that arrives by 1p.m. and reserve a seat (available after January 1) on the 2:00 van to camp – this is the earliest we will be ready to receive you. The van runs from Terminal A and South Station right to camp, where the greeters will help you unload at the place most convenient to your cabin. You can also reserve a seat for your 9:45 departure on the last day of camp, suitable for flights, or trains, noon and later. Please reserve your van seats at least 10 days before you arrive. We cannot guarantee space for late reservations. Also, talk with us if your flight times are incompatible with these vans, we may be able to schedule additional vans at other times.
ARRIVAL TIME
The program begins with swimming and an informal tour of camp on the afternoon of the first day; followed by an orientation meeting and dance after dinner.
Arrival time is after 3:00pm on the starting Saturday. Departure is by 10:00am the final Saturday.
PACKING SUGGESTIONS
You will need to bring a flashlight to find your way around at night. A battery powered or wind up alarm clock and insect repellent may be useful. If you are on a special diet, you may need to bring your own particular food. An ice chest for drinks and snacks to share at after-dance parties may be handy. A specific packing list is sent with acceptance information.
Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, raincoat, sweater, towels, bed linen, and blankets or a sleeping bag. An extra blanket could be needed.
STORES
The nearest stores are a 15-30 minute drive away.
HOUSING
All participants are assigned on-site housing in the month before camp starts. Space is limited; we can't guarantee that all specific requests will be filled. Requests may be made on the Registration Form or with information sent later.
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A cluster of cabins on the Hill
(photo by Bruce Holmes)Most housing is in double-occupancy cabins with bathrooms close by. There are some buildings with several single rooms, as well as a few houses with a variety of bedrooms and bathrooms. Double cabins tend to be quieter than singles or houses.
General housing categories at Pinewoods are:
- Quiet or party areas
- Double or single occupancy
- Double cabin
- Building with bathroom
- Specific area or building
For Family and Campers' Weeks, housing will be assigned based on the age of the youngest family member; most children over six are assigned a roommate in a cabin near their parents.
JOBS
In the cooperative spirit of camp life, all campers have a daily job to help camp run smoothly.
Jobs are usually a half hour or less per day, every day, and the same job all week. Jobs are assigned in the month before camp starts; you have the opportunity make specific requests about your job assignment either on the Registration Form or later with your Registration Status Form.
We can't guarantee that all specific job requests will be filled, but please let us know if you have a preference or limitation (e.g., dust allergy, unable to lift heavy objects, can't stay up late, can't get up for breakfast).
At family sessions parents are generally assigned a job with their young children.
General job categories are:
- Dining room: breakfast, lunch or dinner (set/clear tables)
- Kitchen (serve food, clear, wash dishes, make coffee/tea)
- Sweeping (pavilions, community areas)
- Party help (late night party setup/cleanup)
- Clerical (office, bookstore, auction)
- Greeters (must be able to arrive by 2:00pm)
- Gopher (campstore, auction, lifting)
PHONE & COMPUTERS
Though your plate will be full with activities while at camp, for those of you who must keep in contact with work or home, there are options. There is first class mail and UPS service. We do ask that laptops and cell phones be kept out of the awareness of other campers. Even if you can't, others want to enjoy this time away from the reminders of work-a-day living.
There is a touch-tone phone for camper use; you will need a calling card to make long distance calls. Cell coverage is ok.
Fees
The fee for the week is TBA
$895
SCHOLARSHIPS
We offer work scholarships to any camper in need, and named scholarships to practicing teachers, leaders and musicians. Please read about our scholarship programs before applying. Scholarship applications will be considered at the time of registration and should therefore accompany the Registration Form.
Donation in support of Scholarships are needed and gratefully accepted. If you are able to help another person benefit from our programs, you can do so by making a contribution along with your registration or at our online store. In addition, at each week of our summer camps, we hold auctions which raise money for future scholarships.
