(Schedule is subject to change)

Downloadable pdf of Schedule

Class Descriptions

Rueda de Casino

Taught by Emily Daughtridge – A Latin dance style that uses a circle formation in response to a caller’s directions. The movement calls require partner exchanges that create a community dynamic similar (and historically related) to that of contra dancing – but with a Latin rhythm and flavor. Participants will learn salsa basics, partnered moves, group dynamics and calls in Spanish.

Folk Cello

Taught by Dani Hawkins, this class will be tailored to students’ interest and ability, but will focus broadly on the cello’s role in fiddle styles from North America and Europe. Areas of particular concentration may include learning by ear, adapting tunes to bass clef & cello fingerings, playing with groove, backing up melody players, and jam etiquette. Beginners to advanced players welcome, although you’ll learn the most if you’ve already taken a few lessons and developed basic comfort on the instrument.

Contact Improv *Fun*dumentals

Taught by Sam Stone – Contact Improvisation (CI), a dance practice originated by Steve Paxton in 1972, explores improvised movement through shared weight, touch, and physical awareness. In this class, we will learn the basics of CI, gently and joyfully building trust within ourselves and each other. No experience with CI or movement needed.

South African Singing with Movement

Led by Suzi Mills – In this class, we will explore a variety of songs from South Africa, including music from traditional and present-day settings, by singing and moving in the manner of South African communities and choirs.  As we sing and dance, we will discuss recreational, educational, and celebratory applications of this incredible body of music and choreography.  Well-known genres, such as freedom songs and four-part hymnody, are central to historic milestones in South Africa’s history and struggle for equal rights and are a testament to the power of music impacting social change and providing ways forward for us all.  Though we will primarily sing and move “by heart”, we will also learn and discuss a cappella music in multiple South African languages that can be found in songbooks. Come ready to sing, move, and celebrate with a dancing heart and voice.  All voice parts and experience ranges are welcome to join in the joy of South African music making through harmony singing and purposeful movement. 

Keyboards Class

Co-taught by Laura Zisette and George Paul. Welcome to keyboarding! We will adapt our content based on who is in our class and your interests & goals. Our focus will be the following, but subject to change:

• How to play backup for an instrument or in a band.
• Key board skills such as reading a lead sheet, rhythms, chords, using tension and release, bass lines, chord substitutions, playing lead and improvisation.
• How to play the wrong chords in the right places
• How to set a groove that drives the dance
• How to make the music work for the dancers.
• Discussion on transitioning from classical to contra and how to be a good band member.

We will approach each subject with the goal of making it accessible to every level of player.   Other backup instruments are welcome to join. We will have multiple keyboards. To quote George, “The piano is really just 88 little congas”. Let’s have some fun!

Tune Writing

Co-taught by Laura Zisette and George Paul. We are super excited about this session. We both love writing tunes and we each have different approaches for composing, so this will be fun!  Topics featured:

• Ways to come up with a memorable tune
• What is the melodic contour, the ‘hook’, and how it’s the movement through the notes – not the notes themselves that matter. Or, think of it this way: A tune is just a conversation without words.
• How to harmonize the melody and the many ways to write it down.
• We’ll also explore improvisation. Remember, if you can hum a tune, you can write a tune! 

Click on these links to hear a George Paul waltz and a Laura Zisette waltz.

Tune by George Paul, “The Beekeeper’s Waltz”, featuring George Paul, Rob Zisette & Julia Goudimova

Tune by Laura Zisette, “Bittersweet”