Photo: Carl Friedman

Learn, dance, relax, and raise the rafters in song at Harmony of Song & Dance, a week focused on community dance and music making. There's so much to choose from, including staples of the week like world music polyphony, harmonies by ear, round-robin chorus songs, English country and contra dancing, excellent evening concerts and dance parties. And there are some unusual opportunities, like a square dance caller's mini-course with Nils Fredland, Cindy Kallet's Songwriting class, crankie-making (scrolling artwork that illustrates a song), French and Swedish traditional dance, and a Honky Tonk band for both singers and instrumentalists.

The fun and full days of singing, dancing, and playing together are packed with so many kinds of connections - from the magical moments when a hundred or more of us lock into a rhythm to informal music-making where you discover a fellow camper who shares your obsession with a favorite song or tune. Take pleasure in the beauty of participating in the forms of music and dance you already know. Take a risk and try something new, knowing that the program's diverse offerings include something that is new to every person there. Network, share knowledge, meet new people, laugh, be moved.

Planned classes include:

Swirling social dance: Argentine tango, East Coast swing and two step, waltz technique, English country, AND CONTRAS!

Making music: Fiddle repertoire, swing guitar, cool tunes session with Max Newman, lots of jamming and two singing workshops.

Creative expression: Drawing Pinewoods with Will Mentor, Hot Shots (the open fifth period-we already have plans for Dutch Crossing, juggling, blues dancing, a band groove with Pete's Posse and more), and a daily gathering to showcase the talents of both campers and staff.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg - there's so much more to this invigorating week. Join us!

Early Music Week. From Pavans, Bransles, and Galliards of the Renaissance to Minuets, Sarabandes, and Courantes in Baroque suites, the sense of movement and shape in dance is an integral part of rhythm, expression, and form in music. This year's offerings include a focus on dance movements and dance-related music, and opportunities to experience historical dance in addition to our usual English country dance offerings.

Early Music Week offers joyful opportunities and challenges to players, singers and dancers of every level, from beginners to the highly experienced. As classes unfold through the week, we will explore and discover the innovation and creativity that lie behind some of the world's most vibrant and compelling music, listening and playing with deeper understanding, as well as dancing together and enjoying all that the Pinewoods community has to offer.