Details

We have a special band on stage this week – Cat Sloboda and her parents, Jim and Nancy, are joined by our beloved pianist, Jane Knoeck. It will be exciting music indeed to accompany the exciting dances called by Margaret Mathews.

PLUS, the Rose Room Bloom at 6:00 pm this week is an introduction to Morris Dancing by Sue DeFabbia, of Rochester’s Snowbelt Morris team. Morris dancing is seasonal tradition from the rural Cotswold and coal-mining Welsh border regions of England. With bells on our legs and colorful ribbons on our arms, we wave handkerchiefs and clash sticks to joyfully celebrate the seasons and banish the dark of winter. It is fun to watch, and even more fun to do!

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner taking your first steps onto the dance floor, this event promises a joyful and spirited atmosphere that will have everyone dancing with a smile. We offer an introduction to contra every week, available at 7:10, before the dance.

We charge on a sliding scale, with $10 as the suggested amount. Our expenses are more than we take in, so please feel free to contribute more. Thank you!

Caller

Margaret Mathews at the microphone

Margaret Mathews

With more than 35 years experience as dancer, musician and caller, Margaret’s easy-going, engaging style gets everyone out on the dance floor. Her ability to smoothly adjust the dances to the experience level of the dance community make it a fun and accessible evening for everyone. In addition to contra dances, she calls for traditional Old Time square dances, Civil War reenactments, hoedowns, weddings and other joy filled occasions. Her dance calling has taken her up and down the East coast, from the Carolinas to Vermont, as well as the Northwest and Canada. When not calling, Margaret plays bass in Wild Root String Band, a Southern Old Time band.

Bands

Jim Sloboda

Jim Sloboda (accordion)

Jane Knoeck & Cat Sloboda

Jane and Cat

Jane Knoeck (piano), Catherine Sloboda (violin)