Details
Except for the global COVID pandemic, we have danced contras every Thursday in Rochester, NY since 1976, and English country dances for many of those Sundays. In our 50th year, it’s time for a celebration of the great times we’ve had dancing and the dear friendships we have formed, as well as to look forward to creating more joyous dancing and new friendships! We’re planning a huge celebration for the last weekend of November.
Our weekend program will include contras, English country dance, balfolk, waltz, fusion dance, techno contra and more
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For English country dancing, we will have Joanna Reiner Wilkinson and Alex Deis-Lauby calling with music provided by Catherine Sloboda and Jane Knoeck, and also Rachel Bell, Karen Axelrod and Audrey Jaber.
For contras, we will have Luke Donforth and Annie Kidwell calling to music provided by River Road, and Oliver Sanlon, Alex Fortier, and Noah VanNorstrand.
Callers
TBA
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Alex Deis-Lauby
I am a dancer, caller, and organizer in NYC. I started contra dancing in Chicago in 2011. My first dance weekend was Cincinnati’s 2014 Pigtown fling. After that I attended at least one dance weekend a month and danced at a local dance every week (weather permitting). I began calling shortly after that in Chicago and then NYC. In 2015 I went to Pinewoods dance camp for the first time and took Lisa Greenleaf’s callers workshop. Dance camp is awesome! In 2015 I joined my local English dance’s house band on the piano. Through dance organizing, calling and traveling, I look for ways to foster community, build the skills of dancers, organizers, and new talent, and grow the contra and English community.
In my calling I value clear and concise walkthroughs, dances that flow, varied programs, creating a welcoming environment for new dancers, and working well with musicians. When not on stage calling or making music, I can be found on the floor dancing, learning new things, greeting new dancers, or teaching others.
Joanna Reiner Wilkinson
Joanna Reiner Wilkinson 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 Hey Days, including several sessions at Pinewoods Camp. Joanna led the Philadelphia-based Germantown Country Dancers English dance demonstration team for many years, is an avid dance gypsy, and in her spare time, works to support her dance habit. Her efficient teaching and amazing dance memory are legendary!
Luke Donforth
Luke Donforth is a caller and choreographer based in Burlington, VT. As a caller, he brings warmth to the stage and focuses on facilitating everyone in the hall joyously moving to the music. He runs a monthly family dance in Vermont, and calls at dance weekends around the country. He’s a founding member of the Mad Robin Callers Collective, and has written a multitude of dances for all levels.
Bands
Missing Lynx
Oliver Scanlon (fiddle, feet), Alex Fortier (keys)
Missing Lynx unites Oliver, a soulful fiddler, mandolinist and spellbinding tunesmith, with Alex, a rocking keys man covering an amazing breadth of styles in depth. Together, they rock the dance hall.
Both have been studying American music since they were small and have attracted the mentorship of great figures in traditional music.
River Road
Jesse Ball - guitar, mandolin, foot percussion, Sarah-Hadley Yakir - fiddle, Kristen Planeaux - keyboard
River Road delivers beauty, power, and groove to contra dances with a highly revered mixture of contemporary and traditional tunes with strong influences from Quebecois, New England, & maritime traditions, featuring Sarah-Hadley Yakir on fiddle, Kristen Planeaux on piano, flute, and accordion, and Jesse Ball on mandolin, guitar, accordion, and foot percussion. While they are geographically divided by the Connecticut river, an aptly named River Road connects them to create an energy that is highly sought after in the contradance scene.
This phenomenal trio has taken New England by storm! Here’s a brief example on YouTube.
Jane and Cat
Jane Knoeck (piano), Catherine Sloboda (violin)
Peregrine Road
Rachel Bell (Accordion), Karen Axelrod (Piano, Accordion)
RACHEL BELL (accordion) has been gracing the stages of contra dance halls, concert venues and bal folk dances for many years. Pair Rachel up with pianist KAREN AXELROD, widely known for her lyrical and powerful English Country Dance playing, and you get Peregrine Road.
These two seasoned musicians provide an exhilarating dance experience infused with energy and variety. Vivacious reels, quirky French-influenced groove tunes, dreamy jigs, and fiery improvisations will keep your contra dance feet going all night long. At an English country dance, you’ll soak up sounds that are beautifully matched to the dances, with just the right balance between finesse and zing.