Details

An elegant English Country dance to celebrate the completion of the old year and welcome in the new, in a beautifully decorated hall. Dressy attire suggested but not required. No pre-registration required; just pay at the door ($25 / $15 students / low income). Classy refreshments will be provided if the COVID situation allows.

The Turning of the Year Ball is the third in our annual series of four balls which take place throughout the academic year. The difficulty of the dances at our balls increases as the year progresses. Each ball builds upon the skills learned in the previous one making it possible to start as a beginner at the Netherfield Ball and finish as a confident, successful dancer at the Jane Austen Ball.

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.

Band

Serendipity are Barb Seppeler and Laurie Giroux.

Serendipity

Barb Seppeler, Piano, Laurie Giroux-Gillman, Flute

Pianist, music teacher and choral director, Barb Seppeler, fell hard for the beauty of the English Country Dancer repertoire, and she has made it her own with deep understanding and delicacy. Laurie Giroux – Gillman, a fellow music teacher and extraordinary flute player, is the other half of this delightful ensemble. Barb and Laurie have played regularly for dances in Rochester and all over the North East since 2012. They really have  that teamwork thing worked out.