For beginning to intermediate callers, enjoy a supportive environment designed to help you discover your strengths and explore new ideas. Topics include calling in time to the music (especially for beginners), teaching techniques, recognizing good choreography, planning a program, leading effective walk-throughs, improving performance presence and vocal skills, and working with musicians. Gain direct experience as you practice calling and teaching actual dances with live musicians.

Learn to play traditional and contemporary fiddle tunes for contra and square dances on any acoustic instrument. Have fun during slow-tune and faster jams, instructor presentations, individual and group lessons, discussions, small-ensemble band work, playing for dancers, and dancing. This class is for intermediate and advanced musicians who are already familiar with and play or accompany some contra or square tunes on their instruments. For planning purposes, please register by May 25.

Immerse yourself in Spanish music, dance, and cuisine. Prepare regional delicacies, play Sevillanas on guitar and ukulele (all levels), and "try your hand" at palmas (clapping), castanets, and dancing Sevillanas. Prepare tapas and pintxos, Spanish tortilla (potato omelette), gazpacho, and delicious condiments, including romesco sauce sauce and pickled onions. Sip Manzanilla sherry and sangria while playing music during happy hours and celebrate the end of an amazing week with a paella party!

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 and the Faux Paws. All dances taught and prompted. No partner is needed. Some previous contra and/or square dance experience is recommended.

Come sing traditional songs, play instruments, jam, and try a few dance steps and games. Explore cultural history and archives, as well as go on short field trips. Instruments available to borrow include mountain dulcimer, banjo, mandolin, guitar, washtub bass, autoharp, fiddle, limberjacks, and more. Students are invited to set their own agenda and goals while also enjoying lots of group time. Part of the magic of this class is group chemistry and many joyful surprises! All levels welcome.

Enjoy a friendly weekend of learning to dance American contras and squares, English country, community dances, waltzes, and more! With expert instruction and demonstration by Seth Tepfer, a sought-after, internationally renowned dance caller/instructor, you’ll quickly learn the moves and be ready to join in to toe-tapping, live music by David DiGiuseppe and Jared Kirkpatrick. No partner or experience needed. All dances taught and prompted; be prepared for moderate exercise.

Ring in the New Year at the Folk School during our popular year-end music, song, and dance celebration. The nation's most sought-after callers, instructors, and musicians gather in beautiful Brasstown, North Carolina for a week of American contras and squares, English Country dance, partner dance, singing, jamming, story telling, and more!

Learn the art of accompanying Southern fiddle music with your feet! Start with basic rhythms and foundational steps. Add accent steps and feel confident while "jamming” with the band. Compare similarities and differences of clogging and flatfooting. Try your footwork in a square dance. Work up a sweat–and a smile. Learn about history and listen to stories during rest breaks. This class is physical and not recommended for those with joint or mobility concerns.

Try your hand (and feet!)at authentic Afrilachian rhythm and percussion traditions using body, bones, gourd, and headed tambourine. Decorate and play your own “vocal gourd”–a shekere without beads. Accompany these rhythms with music composed by, or part of, the repertoire of Bessie Smith, Bill Withers, Sid Hemphill, Andrew and Jim Baxter, and more. Do you play a stringed instrument, even just a little? Bring it! We’ll also chuck, pluck, sing, and jam out in jug band style. All levels welcome.

Experience the joy of English Country Dance. Set to lively music played by exceptional musicians, dances range from elegant, regal, and stately to playful, raucous, and silly. By day, two highly regarded dance masters lead engaging workshops exploring style, technique, and choreography. By night, enjoy lavish dance parties filled with community, movement, and music. All dances are taught and prompted. No partner needed; previous dance experience recommended.