Country Dance and Song Society

Celebrating our 75th year at Pinewoods Camp

English & American Dance Week at Pinewoods
August 23 - 30, 2008

As of June 3, this week is full with a moderate wait list.

Timber Ridge	Pinewoods			Ogontz
English & American Family	Early Music Folk Music Community Dance Leaders Family Teachers	English Dance American Dance & Music Contra Dance Callers	Campers' English & American Square Dance Callers	Family Week 1 Family Week 2 Teachers

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Staff

Class Descriptions & Schedule

English & American Dance Week at Pinewoods
August 23 - 30, 2008

Program Director:
Scott Higgs

Staff:
Kathy Anderson
Karen Axelrod
Peter Barnes
Jan Elliott *
Lisa Greenleaf
Shona Kearney
David Knight
Dave Langford
Mary Lea
Chloe Maher *
Nathan Morrison
Suzannah Park
Anna Patton
Paul Prestopino
Joanna Reiner
Emily Troll

* Advisors, plus:
Steve Howe
Carol Ormand
Rick Mohr

Program Description: [Back to Top]

Look up our Adult Programs for some general information; here is more detail about this particular program and staff.

Combine the energy and excitement of contras and squares with the sweep and majesty of English country dance. Add a dash of morris, a slice of sword and scorching hot clogs. Season with spectacular music and singing, for the most tantalizing feast imaginable!

English & American Dance Week attracts open-minded campers: enthusiastic about a wide range of music and dance. We welcome newcomers to our favorite activities (including chocolate tasting, wellie tossing and late-night shenanigans). Join us for an unforgettable week of music, dance, friendship and joy.

Dance 'til you drop

Hot contras and squares feature two of America's best-loved callers: Lisa Greenleaf and Kathy Anderson. On the English side, Scott Higgs collaborates with the dynamic and engaging Joanna Reiner to present a banquet of delectable English dances. Each afternoon, join Lisa for swing and other couple dancing. At night, high-spirited dance parties feature all four leaders.

Cotswold and Border Morris leap into action under the energetic and attentive teaching of Jan Elliott. Sword dancers weave their magic with the guidance of Shona Kearney -- renowned for her skillful dancing and coaching. Cloggers explore Ontario step dances with Shona, one of the leading exponents of this form.

A Feast for the Ears

Our musicians are also magicians, conjuring glorious melodies, rich harmonies and lively improvisations to send us into dance ecstasy. They play in more well-known bands than we have room to list, from the Latter Day Lizards and Hold the Mustard, to Elixir and Bare Necessities.

Peter Barnes and Anna Patton create breathtaking melodies on winds. Paul Prestopino dazzles us with fretted instruments. Fiddle chameleons Mary Lea, Dave Langford, David Knight and Emily Troll transport us with their lyricism and blister us with their fire. Karen Axelrod, Peter Barnes and Nathan Morrison anchor each ensemble with brilliant piano. As they switch instruments, we can enjoy a swirl of colors and textures from button box, oboe or a trio of guitars.

Join in the music-making fun! Suzannah Park leads two singing sessions daily, exploring songs from Africa to the Appalachians. Check-out the instrumental workshops, taught by Mary, Dave and Anna. Learn new licks in class, then join the orchestra at the Dance Jam!

Your turn to shine

Each morning, Karen emcees a lively Gathering, featuring you! Bring something to share: a song, a joke or your rendition of Petronella on didgeridoo. After lunch, camper callers and musicians take center stage at the Dance Jam, a fun session of contra, English and square dances.

In 2007, Chloe Maher was our camp catalyst, coordinating an amazing array of parties and special activities devised by campers. This year, she also hosts a scheduled session for the outpouring of creative ideas: Potpourri. Monday could be Irish Sets, Tuesday Manx Clog -- who knows? We take requests as well as offers. There's plenty of room for unofficial activities, too. Would you like to join in a chocolate-tasting party, madrigal singing, pirate raid or midnight karaoke? Let your imagination run free -- Chloe will help to connect you with likely co-conspirators and materials.

The bottom line: catch up on your sleep before you come to camp ! You won't want to miss a minute of this week's delights.

Kathy Anderson will lead a Square Dance Callers Course concurrent with this week (pre-registration required).

-- Scott Higgs, Program Director

Staff: [Back to Top]

Kathy Anderson is widely admired for her exciting squares, quirky contras and swift, clear teaching. She has long been a favorite caller across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Kathy's smooth delivery and intriguing repertoire make for a fun, engaging dance experience.

Karen Axelrod is highly regarded for her creative piano playing at English, American and Scottish dance events around the country. Recent accomplishments include recording a new CD with her band, Foxfire, competing in several marathons and earning her PhD in dog walking. As our Gathering emcee, Karen also draws on her comedy improv experience -- be ready for fun surprises.

Peter Barnes has inspired dancers for over 30 years, playing piano, flute, whistle, oboe, guitar and assorted other instruments. He has published four dance music books, toured 12 countries and appeared on over 50 recordings. His current bands include Bare Necessities, Latter Day Lizards, Yankee Ingenuity and The Dactyls -- for the NPR radio program Says You!

Jan Elliott is widely known for her infectious enthusiasm, her broad knowledge of morris and sword and her concise teaching style. Jan has taught morris and sword for 25 years and performed with teams from California to Oxfordshire, England. She currently dances with the Martha's Vineyard Swordfish and Thames Valley International and plays concertina for the Pinewoods Morris Men.

Lisa Greenleaf returns to English & American Week to share her love of community and her sense of humor. She has been busy calling at dance camps across the country and in Europe and looks forward to sharing old and new dance favorites.

Scott Higgs has led dances and organized events for over 25 years. From Seattle to Antwerp, dancers praise Scott's engaging programs, dynamic presentation and emphasis on fun. His ten-word business card: Playful, spirited, elegant, zesty, joyful contra, English and couple dancing. Personal Webpage

Shona Kearney is a goldsmith, step dancer, teacher and leader of Toronto Women's Sword, with whom she has performed since 1989. When not clogging, making jewelry, or brandishing swords, Shona presents subway musicals for unsuspecting transit riders around Toronto.

David Knight's fiddling has ignited lively dancing up and down the East Coast since 1991, in a wide range of dance traditions. He plays most frequently with the Evil Twins, Thistle House and Waverley Station. David has published two books of tunes, and is featured on several recordings. Personal Webpage

Dave Langford is a veteran of over 20 years of playing for all manner of dance events, Dave combines multiple styles of fiddling with fierce energy and drive. Dave is featured on recordings of the "mega-fiddle-band" Childsplay, and plays with several bands including The Latter Day Lizards and the Big Bandemonium.

Mary Lea has been playing violin and viola for dances for over 20 years, from contra, square and English country to ragtime era and couple dance music. Her bands include Bare Necessities, Yankee Ingenuity, Crazy Quilt, Dark Carnival and Paradiso. Mary has performed throughout the U.S. and abroad, and is known for her mastery of many musical styles. Personal Webpage

Chloe Maher, a Pinewoods camper since childhood, has enjoyed English country, contra, clogging and rapper for many years. Currently, she plays piano with The Contraptions and several other bands for both English and contra dances. Chloe dances with Fiddlekicks Cloggers and sings gleefully whenever an opportunity arises. She is usually in the midst of organizing something fun. Personal Webpage

Nathan Morrison grew up singing and playing piano. His keen interest in blues piano led to serious study in college, culminating in a thesis titled: Jazz as A Religious Experience. Before, during and after his college life Nathan toured and sang with world-renowned Northern Harmony, where he also met and sang with Suzannah Park, his future wife.

Suzannah Park comes from a family of three generations of ballad singers and storytellers, and has been performing folk music most of her life. Her interest in traditional music has taken her from music-filled kitchens to concert halls across the U.S. and Europe. Suzannah is known for her powerful voice, infectious laugh and her ability to inspire others with her love of music. Personal Webpage

Anna Patton plays clarinet with verve, clarity and harmonic whim. Besides English and contra dance tunes her repertoire includes Balkan dance tunes, Brazilian choros and early jazz. Anna has spent much of her young life on tour around the U.S. and abroad, singing and playing for dancers, concert goers and pedestrians. She also teaches music and writes arrangements.

Paul Prestopino plays all the fretted instruments, plus harmonicas and the occasional recorder. He began his professional musical career in 1961 with the Chad Mitchell Trio and has recorded with numerous folk, pop and rock-'n-roll artists. He currently divides his time between designing, building and maintaining audio equipment, and once again touring as accompanist with Peter, Paul & Mary.

Joanna Reiner has taught English dance, Scottish dance and longsword for over a decade. Her calling has taken her from Amherst to Ann Arbor, from Neffa to NOMAD, including several Pinewoods sessions. Joanna co-leads Germantown Country Dance's English country demonstration team, is an avid dance gypsy and in her spare time, works to support her dance habit.

Emily Troll's exciting fiddling has been featured at NEFFA, Pinewoods and many contra dances. Never content with a single instrument or style, Emily also plays country music shows with the Vowelettes, coffee-houses with the Well-Beings and accordion -- whenever the music police are off-duty.

English & American Dance Week
at Pinewoods
Tentative Class Schedule:

7:45 - 8:15 Breakfast

9:00 - 10:00

Advanced English: Dances with a Challenge Scott Higgs and Joanna Reiner

Rhapsody in Rhythm Joanna Reiner and Scott Higgs

Rapper Shona Kearney

10:15 - 11:15

Stylish Contras Lisa Greenleaf

Cotswold Morris: Kirtlington Jan Elliott

Platter of Styles Mary Lea

Join Us in Song Suzannah Park

11:25 - 11:55 Camp Gathering with Karen Axelrod

11:55 - 12:30 Swimming, Bookstore staffed

12:30 Lunch

1:45 - 2:45

Dance Jam/Open Mic Scott Higgs, Emily Troll

The Couple Dance Connection Lisa Greenleaf

Longsword: Haxby Shona Kearney

World Harmony Singing Suzannah Park

3:00 - 4:00

Squares with a Difference Kathy Anderson

Potpourri Chloe Maher

Ontario Step Dancing Shona Kearney

Garage Band Music Theory Anna Patton

4:00 - 4:20 Tea

4:30 - 5:30

Surprise and Delight: English for All Joanna Reiner

Border Morris Jan Elliott

Slow Jam Dave Langford

Big Themes Scott Higgs and Lisa Greenleaf

5:30 - 6:15 Swimming, Bookstore staffed

6:30 Dinner

7:45 Couple Dancing

8:00 Evening Dance Party

11:00 Optional after-dance activities

Class Descriptions: [Back to Top]

Social Dance:

Advanced English: Dances with a Challenge -- Scott Higgs and Joanna Reiner
A class for dancers who are very familiar with English country dance, and ready for a challenge. Standard figures will not be taught, and dancers must be experienced with learning dances quickly.

Rhapsody in Rhythm -- Joanna Reiner and Scott Higgs
We will explore the breadth of English dance styles, as reflected in the music -- from elegant to energetic, playful to thoughtful, flowing to frolicking. This is an engaging session for those who already love English dancing and a great introduction for those who soon will.

Stylish Contras -- Lisa Greenleaf
Come tune up your dancing as you have fun with cool choreography and satisfying style. Lisa will get your dance engine purring down the smooth and zesty highway.

Dance Jam/Open Mic -- Scott Higgs, Emily Troll
This session welcomes dancers, callers and musicians at all levels for an hour of fun and discovery. Scott will coordinate with callers to present a varied, fast-paced program. Emily will lead the camper orchestra in a diverse mix of music to suit each dance. Bring your dance shoes, dance cards and fiddle -- you'll use all three!

The Couple Dance Connection -- Lisa Greenleaf
In the context of waltz, hambo, swing and other dance forms, we will focus on communication with and learning from our partners. As we dance, we will explore connection, balance, frame and all those lovely things that make for the "ahh" moments of couple dancing.

Squares with a Difference -- Kathy Anderson
Fasten your seatbelts for a whirlwind tour through the world of squares. Kathy promises fast Southern squares to sizzling old-time tunes, but also an intriguing mix of the Western squares of the 50s, her favorites from New England, ... even Britain and Denmark! Lots of unexpected twists and turns await you in this fast-paced session.

Surprise and Delight: English for All -- Joanna Reiner
A potpourri of ECD, drawing from a 350-year history. We'll dance forward and back in time, discovering new favorites and re-discovering gems from the past.

Display Dance:

Rapper -- Shona Kearney
Shona will share a mixed bag of figures gathered from the Dancing England Rapper Tournament (DERT) competition. In this class, novices can master basic patterns, while experts tackle exciting new figures. We will look at the full range of rapper skills -- stepping, figures, drive, teamwork and presentation. Hard-soled shoe required.

Cotswold Morris: Kirtlington -- Jan Elliott
One day's class in this tradition last summer stimulated lots of interest; this year we'll explore a number of dances in this distinctive and showy style. This class will be fast-paced, geared to experienced morris dancers, but motivated novices are welcome to give it a try!

Longsword: Haxby -- Shona Kearney
Open to all, Shona will guide you through the Haxby longsword dance, the most recent addition to the repertoire of Toronto Women's Sword. Haxby is an upbeat dance with fun flowing figures.

Ontario Step Dancing -- Shona Kearney
This class features an Ontario clog, jig and reel routine from the repertoire of the late Alex Mulligan. Mulligan developed his distinctive style in the lumber camps of northern Ontario, and perfected it on the vaudeville circuit in the 1920s. Mastering the full performance is geared to intermediate/advanced cloggers, but all are welcome and will leave with useable portions of the routine.

Border Morris -- Jan Elliott
Border morris is lively, fun and suitable for all levels of experience (including none!). Jan will teach stick dances in the style of Rogue Morris, an energetic team from Oxford, England, with simple stepping patterns and an emphasis on the geometry of the figures. Wear athletic shoes.

Music:

Platter of Styles -- Mary Lea
We will look at a different genre each day to see what makes it distinct, including old-time, Irish, Québécois, English and several more. All musicians are welcome, although primary focus will be on fiddles and melody instruments.

Join Us in Song -- Suzannah Park
Most of our songs will come from American traditions, but we'll also sing some from around the world. No experience is required and you don't need to read music. We'll sing and shout and make great music together. Come on and sing!

World Harmony Singing -- Suzannah Park
This session is for those who want to stretch their singing horizons. We'll sing songs with lovely harmonies, unusual rhythms and multiple parts. Some written music will be provided, but you don't have to read it -- Suzannah will teach the parts. We'll explore songs from Europe, Africa, Appalachia and diverse places in between.

Garage Band Music Theory -- Anna Patton
A class for melody players who want to learn to recognize common chord progressions and spot substitutions, variations and cheap tricks. Working with well known tunes, we'll make up bass lines, harmonize and improvise. All that's required is basic skill on your instrument and a willingness to play by ear.

Slow Jam -- Dave Langford
We'll play them slowly, and play them until the tune sinks into your subconscious. In a slow jam, there's enough time to experiment, find your distinct voice and explore the deep groove of great tunes, old and new.

Hard to Categorize:

Gathering -- Karen Axelrod
Join Karen, our MC, in a daily extravaganza of camper and staff talent, singing, stories and high jinks. A great way to wind down before lunch and hang out with the whole camp!

Potpourri -- Chloe Maher
This is a fun opportunity to explore the exciting diversity of dance and music -- with different themes each day. Current prospects include Appalachian clog, Irish Sets, special music workshops and much more. Talk with Chloe about the special session you'd love to lead, or the dance or style that you'd love to learn.

Big Themes -- Scott Higgs and Lisa Greenleaf
This discussion session considers the big questions faced by those who love traditional music and dance. What helps to build and sustain a thriving concert series, festival, local dance community or national organization? How do we encourage youthful initiative, but still leave room for the old-timers? Meet with others who care deeply about such themes, and join the big conversation.