Hi,
I am wondering if you have any dances for low numbers of dancers (perhaps 6
or less), when most or all of the dancers are beginners and adults. I am
also wondering if you have any dances (presumably different dances), that do
not require choosing a partner and are good openers for beginner adults.
Thanks as always to all,
Rickey Holt.
To All of you receiving this note ~ Season’s Greetings! It’s Christmas Eve!
Help is being requested to share and spread news of the first ever Ralph Page Dance Weekend to be on-line. It’s only 3 ½ hours of joy though the Festival is in it’s 33rd year!
Please read this and share it with any organizers of events in your state or region!
The NEFFA web site doesn’t yet have a live link to this event but will soon!
https://www.neffa.org/ralph-page/33rd-annual-ralph-page-a-virtual-event/ <https://www.neffa.org/ralph-page/33rd-annual-ralph-page-a-virtual-event/>
This is especially time sensitive as it scheduled for Jan. 17th, 2021!
And we’re smack in the middle of each family’s holiday festivities too!
Share this as you are able. Outside of New England many have only heard of this event.
Here’s a chance to revel in some of the traditions that have come to touch all of our lives so deeply.
Use Facebook or any platform you see fit.
AREAS NEEDING ATTENTION !
Southern States
Mississippi Valley States
Western States
Denmark
England
Scotland
Ireland
Australia
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Don Heinold <dtheinold(a)yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: NEFFA's 33rd Ralph Page Dance Weekend 2021
Date: December 22, 2020 at 5:08:14 PM EST
To: Frederick Park <frederick(a)apalache.com>
Hi Fred!
Tod Whittemore said I should contact you for help. First, Happy Holidays to you and your family! I hope you are all remaining safe and well during this terrible and challenging time!
I represent NEFFA's Ralph Page Dance Weekend (RPDW). We are in the final stretch of putting together a gala Virtual Event in the cloud on Zoom on January the 17th.
Here are the preliminary details that we have not finalized yet:
33rd RALPH PAGE DANCE WEEKEND - A VIRTUAL EVENT
Sunday 01/17/2021(from 1:00-4:15pm)
● The extraordinary duo of Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy in a concert exploring the heritage of New England fiddlers and the contributions of Quebec, Shape Note, and ballad traditions.
● Presentations will explore the legacy of Ted Sannella and Ralph Page, premiere New England dance callers, followed by workshops.
● There will be sessions on New England Dance History (Callers: Tony Parkes and Tod Whittemore)
● Music History (Randy Miller sharing tunes and stories from the Ralph Page era)
● The Legacy of New England Callers (David Millstone and David Smukler)
● And a music jam (hosted by Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy)
● Money Musk Dance Party (perhaps)
I am wondering if you are willing to help me reach the key person(s)/organizers for your areas dance groups.
That would be the one who does the e-mailing and posts on FB that could help us promote our gala event!
We are most appreciative of your willingness to help.
All the best!
Don Heinold
dtheinold(a)yahoo.com <mailto:dtheinold@yahoo.com>401.477.4247 mobile
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Frederick Park
3377 Halls Chapel Road
Burnsville, NC 28714
828.335.5630
frederick(a)apalache.com
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Last month, David Millstone and I sent out a call for stories about Ted Sannella to mark the 25th anniversary of his death on November 18. There was a terrific response, and we are proud to announce a new website, Sannella Stories <https://sannellastories.syracusecountrydancers.org/> where these memories are shared. Nearly 70 people sent in their “Sannella Story.” These range from serious to silly, and include brief acknowledgments and more extended entries.
In addition, we've assembled a collection of photographs, audio files, and videos. You'll also find dances and tunes that were written for Ted, an index of all his dances, and links to other sites with information of interest.
Of course, it's still possible to add to this collection; you'll find that link on the site as well.
The two of us will be presenting a short “Ted Talk” as part of the virtual Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend, an event scheduled for Sunday afternoon, January 17. Details are still being arranged, but updated information will be available at the RPDLW site <https://www.neffa.org/ralph-page/33rd-annual-ralph-page-dance-weekend/>.
Our sincere thanks to the many people who contributed and in this way are helping to keep alive the memory of a major figure in the world of New England traditional dance.
David Smukler
Dear contra callers,
Following on our two introductory workshops on positional calling (videos available on the Friends of Cecil Sharp House Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChVLmkrsCgI0roLmuPuOu5Q), we are holding a second workshop next Saturday, 19 December, at 19:00 GMT/2pm Eastern (US)/11am Pacific (US).
Led by Louise Siddons (me), participants will work to create and test positional walkthroughs of challenging dances/figures — both Playford- and contra-style. The dances/figures will be distributed ahead of time, and all attendees will be expected to engage with small group activity.
Due to the highly participatory nature of this workshop, space is limited, and the workshop will not be posted online. Please email judith(a)fcsh.org.uk to reserve your place.
I would be happy to answer questions about the workshop.
Louise.
—
Louise Siddons, dance caller
http://www.scissortail.org/siddons/
lesiddons(a)gmail.com
