English country, contra dance fans pumped for big name guest caller

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This article was published 28/04/2004 (8177 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ENGLISH country and contra dance aficionados are lining up for weekend of fun with a special guest.

Two local dance associations are bringing in guest caller David Millstone from Lebanon, New Hampshire for dances and dance workshops at Churchill Park United Church from April 30 to May 2.

This will be the first visit to Canada for Millstone, a well-known American English country dance and contra dance caller, teacher and musician. He has been calling dances in the United States for 25 years, has made two video documentaries about dance and has his own band.

“It’ll be fun,” says Jeremy Hull, a member of the Manitoba International Folk Dance Association, the group sponsoring this weekend of events in collaboration with the Village Green English Country Dancers. “We are happy to have David. He is a fun person and likes to do unusual dances. Both of our groups welcome new members. We have a mix of experience and skill levels among members. If anyone thinks they may be interested in dancing, they should come out and give it a try.”

English country dance got its start in the 1600s. Some of the dances are centuries old, and others were more recently created. Contra dance is a United States-style of dancing based on English Country that has evolved over the years.

“It’s more lively, less formal,” says Hull, a Fort Garry resident. “The figures are more simple. It’s easier.”

The weekend kicks off with a Friday evening dance from 8 to 11:30 p.m. at the church, located at 525 Beresford Ave. Millstone will be calling dances, and there will be entertainment by local Celtic band Ten Bones featuring Susan and Paul Hammer, Susan Israel and Sam Baardman, who specialize in Celtic music.

“Anyone can come out and get involved,” says Hull. “It’s meant for participation and for people to enjoy themselves.”

On Saturday the dance runs from 8 p.m. to midnight and will feature Village Green’s house band, The Fine Companions. Hull plays the fiddle with them, and they play English folk music.

Millstone will also lead four workshops. On Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, he’ll teach contra dancing. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., participants are invited to bring food and join the potluck lunch. From 2:30 to 4 p.m., Millstone will host another workshop on contra dancing.

The Saturday workshops are open to all dancers and aspiring dancers of various levels of experience and ability. The Sunday workshop is for advanced dancers.

The two local dance groups are eager to promote contra dance in Winnipeg, says Hull.

To register for the dances and workshops, or for further information on the weekend and dance clubs, call Hull at 477-5981 or Laura Wing from Village Green English Country Dancers at 233-3139.

The Manitoba International Folk Dance Association also has a website at www.members.shaw.ca/mifda.