Details
If you’re new to English Country dance, have no worries. We offer an introduction to the moves about 20 minutes before the dance. Just let us know when you arrive. Our admission fee is sliding scale – you can pay more than the suggested prices to provide additional support to this dance series, or less if that’s what works for you. Click here to see our current COVID policy. Very occasionally we have to cancel a dance on short notice, so we urge you to check our web site before you travel.
Caller
David Smukler
I lead evenings of contras and squares, English country dances, family dances, school programs, and special events such as weddings, festivals, etc. I have also presented workshops on numerous dance related topics. My taste in dances is eclectic, and I tend to present a wide variety of dances when I call. My repertoire includes plenty of New England contras, as well as an assortment of squares, singing calls, mixers, old chestnuts and freshly minted dances. I have a special fondness for English country dances, and my English programs also blend old favorites with new gems.
Bands
Sister Haggis
Eileen Nicholson Kalfass - fiddle, Jane Knoeck - piano, accordion
Western NY duo Eileen and Jane, are familiar to Rochesterians but also well known traveling musicians who play all over the country. Here they get together as good friends to play the tunes they love and give us a great time. We’ve known Eileen, daughter of long-time Syracuse caller Bob Nicholson, since she was a lass. Now playing nationally as a member of the bands Seaglass and Continental Drift, we always enjoy her lilting fiddle style. Jane is a founding member of The Groovemongers, and Montage, as well as a number of great combinations including Riverbend and New Brew.
Catherine Sloboda
Catherine Sloboda (fiddle)
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 trio Bellamira and many other combinations of local dance musicians.