Fall Dance Weekend (Long Weekend)

The weather is cooling down as autumn leaves change and the Folk School dance floor is heating up! This non-stop dance party features American contras and squares called by expert callers, Lisa Greenleaf and Susan Michaels, to foot-stomping live music from much sought-after dance bands, the Stringrays (Rodney Miller, Stuart Kenny and Max Newman) and the Faux Paws (Noah van Norstrand, Owen Morrison, and Chris Miller). All dances taught and prompted. No partner is needed. Some previous contra and/or square dance experience is recommended.

The Stringrays are New England master fiddler, Rodney Miller (Airdance), legendary bass man and banjoist, Stuart Kenney, and Max Newman on guitar and feet. The Faux Paws are Noah Van Norstrand (Great Bear) on fiddle and feet, Owen Morrison (Elixir) on guitar, mandolin, and feet, and Chris Miller on saxophone. Callers Lisa Greenleaf and Susan Michaels lead cool contras and hot squares both day and night. 

Tuition $235

Note: Due to the lesser tuition cost of this dance weekend, local and other discounts do not apply.

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Lisa Greenleaf calls regularly in the Boston and New England areas and has been a staff member at dance camps and festivals throughout the country and beyond. Her specialties include traditional and contemporary contras, FUN squares, challenging dances of all shapes and sizes, and callers' training. Lisa likes to emphasize community and communication in her workshops, guiding participants to get the most out of their dancing or calling experience. She has a keen interest in understanding group dynamics as well as the power of positive leadership. Let’s dance!

Susan Michaels has been calling old-time square dances, family dances, and contra dances for more than 35 years, including her hometown “chicken coop” square dance on Vashon Island in Washington. Susan specializes in building community, facilitating joy, and just plain having fun and she believes it is her calling in life to teach people how to hold hands in a circle and move to music. She loves all kinds of choreography… but specializes in traditional and contemporary dances with drive and flow that hold on to the roots of community dance but take off in new directions. Susan brings her special brand of dry quirky humor with her to every dance event and has a unique gift for making kids, newcomers, 2 left-footers, and shy persons blossom through dance. Susan is also a storyteller and TV documentarian who loves true stories about family life, military history, and extraterrestrial encounters. Susan has been a featured artist at festivals and camps throughout the U.S. 

BANDS: 

The Stingrays (Rodney Miller, Max Newman, & Stuart Kenney)
This trio features three inimitable musicians with a shared interest in exploring great fiddle tunes. Their playing is fueled by a love of the living tradition of New England fiddle music and its cousins, flush with dynamic, lyrical improvisation and fresh, dance-inspired interplay. www.stringraysmusic.com

The Faux Paws
“Noah VanNorstrand and Chris Miller (of Great Bear) team up with Owen Morrison (of Elixir) to keep the party going! Rhythmic fiddle with masterful guitar keep peoples feet moving while saxophone takes everyone to another level!” www.thefauxpawsmusic.com/contra-dance