Details
Please click here to review our full COVID safety protocols. The policy will change if conditions warrant. In warm weather, windows in the hall may be open for good ventilation. We occasionally have to depart from our usual dance time, or (rarely) cancel a dance on short notice, so check web site before you come.
Admission prices are on a sliding scale. You can pay less than suggested if the full amount doesn’t fit your budget, or pay even more than suggested to provide additional support to this dance series.
Caller
Richard Sauvain
Richard is the founder of Rochester’s current English dance series. His clear and persistent vision, quietly developed with his elegant, urbane style, is singularly responsible for the strong English Country Dance program Rochester has today. Beloved by all, his calling is always a pleasure to dance to.
Bands
Eileen Kalfass
Hailing from Syracuse, Eileen Kalfass is a much in demand fiddler with a wide repertoire, from Quebecois, Irish, Trad New England, and English Country. She has been a member of numerous country dance ensembles including Sister Haggis, Seaglass & Montage, and has played all over the US and beyond.
Catherine Sloboda
Catherine Sloboda (viola)
Catherine’s fiddling is energizing, sensitive, and creates music with that elusive quality of danceability. She also has long experience in playing for dancing; in the early ’90’s, Catherine was a member of the Sloboda family band, Glenrose, who played for many contra and family dances. She is a member of the ECD bands Bellamira, Quicksilver, and many other combinations of local dance musicians.
Alex Fortier
Alex Louis Fortier has been studying and playing piano in various idioms since the age of 6. His traditional accompaniment stylings range between classic New England style (Bob McQuillen, Gordon Peery), Quebecois style (Mario Loiselle, Rachel Aucoin), and Cape Breton style (Neil Pearlman, Jason Roach, Mac Morin, Troy MacGillivray). With a love of tradition and a penchant for harmonic substitutions and development, he’s sure to keep a dance fresh and energetic!