Get ready for a week of Appalachian wonders! Learn freestyle flatfoot clogging and play-party dances, sing traditional songs, and play instruments—all to explore the cultural history and heritage of Appalachia. Instrument instruction will include mountain dulcimer, banjo, guitar, mandolin, limberjack, and more. We’ll also learn from other folk musicians and dancers through archival video clips, radio segments, and possible in-person visits. All levels welcome.

What better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than by dancing? Join two amazing callers for a wide range of traditional North American dance styles including squares and contras, with live music from The Canotes and Blue Eyed Girl. The callers will teach and walk through all dances, though some previous contra or square dance experience is recommended. The weekend also includes free entry to our Halloween community dance on Saturday night. Singles and couples welcome. Tuition $256

Enjoy a friendly weekend of learning to dance squares, contras, English country, Appalachian circles, waltzes, and more! With expert instruction and demonstration, you’ll quickly learn the moves and be ready to join in. Hawk Proof Rooster will provide live music for this invigorating weekend of dance and community. Singles and couples are welcome; be prepared for moderate exercise. Tuition $233

Tap into two ways to keep rhythm in the Irish tradition: with a drum and with your feet. Gain an introduction to playing the bodhrán, including basic techniques, positioning, strokes, and rhythms. Alongside, try your feet at the improvised, percussive style of Sean-nós dancing, all to live fiddle music provided by musician Margaret Graham. All levels welcome.

Ring in the New Year at the Folk School! This popular, year-end, traditional dance and music celebration features primarily English country dance, contras, and squares, all set to live music. The week also includes music classes, flatfoot dancing, calling workshops, group singing, jam sessions, and more. Winter Dance Week offers a unique combination of top-notch callers, instructors, and musicians.

Experience the rich folk dance, tune, and song traditions of Norway and Sweden. Explore Scandinavian culture through the lens of ancient ballad dance; couple dances such as Springar, Hambo, Pols, waltz, and schottische; and the solo athletic dance, Halling. Get instruction in leading and following; basic steps, body posture, and holds; and turns and transitions. Move to the music of fiddle, accordion, willow flute, and voice, with live music provided by Art Bjorngjeld and Kari Tauring.

Enjoy an extra-special week inspired by almost 100 years of song and dance at the Folk School. A longtime Folk School instructor and live musicians will guide you through a fun and varied sampling of dances throughout the week. Try your hand (and feet!) at a variety of social dances and play party games. Expect some listening and video sessions, historical context, great stories, and lots of dancing.

Experience the joy of English country dancing, from the Playford dances of the 17th and 18th centuries, to the village dances collected during the 20th century. Plus, discover inventive contemporary dances in an English style by choreographers from America, England, and greater Europe. Two master callers will guide the dancing to glorious live music by two excellent bands. Previous social dance experience is required. Tuition $256

This workshop for beginning to intermediate callers offers a supportive environment designed to help students discover their strengths and explore new ideas. Topics will include 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, followed by encouraging feedback from fellow dancers and callers.