On behalf of the Pourparler steering committee, I encourage Sharedweight's callers to consider attending the 20th annual Pourparler gathering. Pourparler is sponsored by the National Folk Organization (NFO) with additional support from the Country Dance & Song Society (CDSS) and New England Dancing Masters (NEDM). From the Pourparler website:


The name Pourparler comes from the French word “to speak,” and connotes a get-together, a chat. Since its inception in 1997, Pourparler has taken place in Illinois, Utah, California, Massachusetts, Oregon, Texas, Washington State, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, among other states; and counts many Sharedweighters among its veterans. It moves around the country every year. This year's edition will be September 14-17 in Galesville, Maryland, hosted by the fabulous Mid-Atlantic team of Ann Fallon, Busy Graham, DeLaura Padovan, Eric Maring, Janine Smith, and Kappy Laning. The event's program is coordinated by the national steering committee of Sanna Longden (IL), Margaret Bary (NY), Karlene Kjersten (UT), Mady Newfield (IL), and Jeremy Korr (CA).

You'll find lots more information, including registration information, at Pourparler's website: http://www.nfo-usa.org/pourparler.htm. Here is a brief description pulled from the website:

"If you want to meet and enjoy wonderful callers, teachers, and dance and music enthusiasts while singing, dancing, sharing teaching techniques, discussing important dance or music-related issues, and creating enduring friendships, you should register NOW for Pourparler. This is one of the best community dance experiences in the United States! It is warm, lively, and supportive, and you will dance and sing your way home with more new material that you thought one weekend could possibly produce!


Pourparler is a yearly gathering of dance and music educators from North America who are dedicated to teaching folk/ethnic/world/traditional dance in schools and/or community events. The brainchild of Sanna Longden, internationally respected dance educator from Evanston, Illinois, this weekend is a unique blend of dance sharing, discussion and networking. Experts in the field, teachers and musicians known across the continent, join with relative newcomers to share their best dances and tips for successful school residencies, family dances and other events that build community through cross-cultural dancing. Pourparler is gathering of colleagues, where we are all leaders and participants, and there are no hired “experts.”


The content each year is different, reflecting the needs and skills of the people who attend. In the past we have learned dances from many traditions including Balkan, Scandinavian, Israeli, French, square dancing, contra dancing, Maypoles, old-time couple dancing, singing games, and many others. We discuss teaching techniques, repertoire, costuming, music, school curricula and self-employment."


Jeremy Korr

jeremykorr@hotmail.com