Details
Make your plans now to join us for CDR’s 36th annual Thanksgiving Festival. We’ll have one and one half days of Contra, English, Waltz and more.
Just $70 for a day and a half of great dancing with Polaris and Steve Zakon-Anderson, also Center Street and Katy Heine. Ala carte pricing is also available for individual sessions, as well as student discounts.
Our convenient online registration form is now open. The paper form is also available for those who prefer.
We’ve drafted the schedule for the festival. See what we’ll be doing.
Callers
Steve Zakon-Anderson
Steve Zakon-Anderson has been calling contras, leading workshops for callers and teaching couples dance for over 25 years. He has performed at dance camps and festivals in 36 states, including Pinewoods, Ogontz, Buffalo Gap, Lady of the Lake, Augusta and Brasstown. His own dance compositions, such as 3-33, are well-known to dancers and other callers. Steve’s clear teaching, energetic calling and sense of humor have made him a favorite of dancers of all ages and abilities.
Katy Heine
Ithaca-based caller Katy Heine has been leading contras and community dances in the Finger Lakes region and beyond for more than 30 years. She’s known for her clear teaching style and for her large repertoire of fun and flowing dances. Whether the hall’s full of experienced dancers or first-timers, they’re sure to have a great time at one of Katy’s dances!
Bands
Polaris
Rose Jackson (Fiddle), Marta Bartholomew (Fiddle), Sam Zakon-Anderson (Piano), Jesse Ball (Accordion, guitar, hammer dulcimer, feet)
A contra dance band born and raised in the rich music scene of Western Massachusetts and Vermont, these folks have been soaking in musical stew since before they could walk. They came together as Polaris in 2015, and continue to delight dancers throughout New England. Consisting of Marta Bartholomew and Rose Jackson on twin fiddles, Sam Zakon-Anderson on piano, and Jesse Ball on accordion, guitar, hammer dulcimer, and feet, they infuse their music with youthful energy and exuberance that fills up the hall.
Center Street
Tim Ball, fiddle, Rebecca Bosworth-Clemens, clarinet, Casey Murray, cello
Three young, outstanding musicians fuse creativity, musicianship, and repertoire for exuberant music. Rebecca Bosworth-Clemens (Great Bear), Tim Ball (Tempest, Arise & Go), and Casey Murray (Corner House, Ginger Majority) join forces as Center Street — playing contra dance music for getting your groove on and feeling good.
“Center Street is dance music at its elemental best. Beautiful melodies, driving rhythm, powerful playing. The interplay among these three musicians is pure joy; the exact sound that makes you run across the hall, grab your favorite partner and dance the night away!”
-Andrew VanNorstrand