CONTRA DANCE

  • Beginning Contra Dance - Learn the basic figures of contra dance, including transitions, connectedness and timing

  • How to Role Switch - From the basics to switching strategies, this is a safe place to try dancing the “other side” and experiment!

  • Shadow Play - Learn where and when to switch with other dancers and keep the dance flowing smoothly

  • Challenging Contras - Push your limits with brain twisters, end effects, neighbors, and shadows!

  • Medley & No-Walk-Through Session - No walk-throughs, rolling starts, and multi-dance medleys. Come & experience the thrill of spontaneity!

  • Amping up the Dance - You already know how to dance, now let’s add the “Ooh” and “Aah” elements!

  • Smooth and Flowing Dances

CONTRA DANCE RELATED

  • Introduction to Contra Dance calling - Dip your toes in and find out more about what’s involved in calling a contra dance.

    Programming an Evening of Contra Dance - Programming for the crowd, variations on figures, how to read the dancers, and working with the band.

  • Calling on Zoom, pre-recorded presentation, August 2020 - How to Call Online Contra Dances

  • Creating Contra Dance Choreography - Learn the structure of a contra dance and find out how to build a contra dance around some of your favorite dance figure combinations.

English country DANCE

  • English country dance session that is accessible for contra dancers and enjoyable for English Country Dancers.

dutch crossing

What is Dutch Crossing? Joseph Pimentel describes it as: "This very cool eight-couple dance makes for a bonding experience as everyone cooperates intensively to get the carnival-ride buzz." The original "Dutch Crossing" was written as an English country dance by Ernst van Brakel of the Netherlands. Joseph's "Yankee Dutch Crossing" version includes a balance & swing for extra contra dance satisfaction. Workshop takes 1-1/2 hours to teach the figures and dance through completely.

Called during a workshop at Labor Day Dance Away Weekend in Julian, CA, Sep. 2016.