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DanceFlurry News & Calendar
January, 2023
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English Country Dance on New Year's Day
Still have a bit of dance left in you? Join the Capital English Country Dancers on Sunday the 1st from 2-5 at Albany UU for a dance called by Melanie Axel-Lute, with music by Vonnie Estes, Steve Fry, and Marilee Urbanczyk!
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Winter Roots tickets now on sale!
Roots & Bloom Combo still available
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West African Drum and Dance Update
West African Drum and Dance instructor Jordan Taylor Hill will be going on sabbatical for four weeks in January to continue his studies in Guinea Conakry with his dance teacher Baba Moustapha Bangoura.
From Jordan: "I am an artist with a calling to traditional drumming and dance from the African Diaspora. My first encounter with this beautiful folk music culture began in 2011 in Dakar, Senegal, while completing my undergraduate degree at UAlbany. Since then, I’ve traveled to West Africa, donating educational material, presenting at conferences, and studying traditional drums and dance from Guinea and Senegal." His classes and workshops will resume upon his return, and you can check out his Facebook page for ways to support his endeavors. Jordan's West Africa Drum and Dance series is a DFO Affiliate Event.
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North Berkshire Community Dance Is Back!
We're thrilled to welcome, on Saturday January 14, the return of DFO affiliate North Berkshire Community Dance, as they resume their second Saturday monthly series at a new location in the community hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street in Williamstown, MA.
The night will begin with a brief introductory lesson at 7:30, with Andy Davis calling to music provided by Arthur Davis and Friends. The early part of the evening will be particularly welcoming to beginning dancers and families with children.
NBCD's Covid policy will follow that of the Friends of the Greenfield Dance, with masks and proof of Covid-19 vaccination required, and there will be an optional pre-registration system to help ease lines at the door. Admission will be pay-what-you-can. Find all the details at their website, https://northberkshiredance.org/!
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Safer Spaces Ambassador Program
The DFO Board of Directors is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment at all events and has updated our Culture of Consent and General Dance Etiquette Documents. Now we need your help to implement the objectives. It’s one thing to say we’re a safe or inclusive space and another to truly show it. We’re asking members of the DFO community to get involved as Safer Spaces Ambassadors at the local DFO event(s) you attend. (Note that this program is currently aimed at monthly series and some special events, but not the Flurry Festival.)
The main role will be to welcome new dancers and help engage them in the event. Ambassadors will also receive training in early January to learn how to step in and help resolve any issue or conflict at a dance. If you’re interested in being considered as a Safer Spaces Ambassador, please fill out this form so we can learn more about you and get in touch regarding next steps.
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Homestay Hosts Needed for Flurry
The Flurry Festival is in need of homestay “hosts” for both the Winter Roots and
Spring Bloom events! Hosts provide lodging for Festival performers and sound pros. Clean, comfortable and conveniently located homestays are needed, on one or both of these dates:
- February 17 and 18th, 2023, near to Saratoga Springs, NY
- June 2 & 3rd, 2023, near to Schaghticoke, NY
In appreciation for being a host, the Flurry will provide you with free admission to the Festival. Please reach out to Annie Haller, the Flurry Homestay Coordinator, at Anniehaller@aol.com, if you’d like to support the Flurry in this wonderfully personal way.
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Please renew or begin your DFO Membership! The membership year runs from January through December.
Benefits include:
- discounted admission to dances
- opportunity to attend board meetings and serve on committees
- reduced-price tickets to the Flurry Festival
- the joy of supporting your local dance community and supporting our grants programs!
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Choose your level of support, or make a donation.
Thank you!
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Play All Bob’s Tunes Project
Bob McQuillen would have turned 100 in 2023. Starting with the tune ‘Scotty O’Neil’ in 1973, until his death in February 2014, Bob wrote tunes -- 15 Note Books, that is, filled with 1,554 published tunes. He was named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 2002. See an interview with him at the 2012 Flurry Festival here: Bob McQuillen at the 2012 Flurry. - YouTube.
To celebrate his centennial, a new Play All Bob’s Tunes project is being launched with the goal of having all of Bob’s published tunes played somewhere by somebody during the year. Download the flyer here or visit mcquillentunes.com to find a complete, searchable list of Bob’s tunes, info about the project and how to participate, and links to recordings and more about Bob and his legacy. The project has its own email (mcquillentunes@gmail.com) and a mailing list you can join here.
(Image from Master of Traditional Arts.)
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(Click event title
for details)
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(DFO Affiliate)
Fridays, 7:30-10 PM
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(DFO Affiliate)
Saturdays 1-3:30 PM
Schenectady Stockade
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West African Drum and Dance
With Jordan Taylor Hill (DFO Affiliate)
On break in January while instructor continues his
studies in Guinea.
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Connect Online Join a Facebook group to chat about local dances, arrange carpools, and share your photos and videos:
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Have an idea for an event? Receive a stipend of up to $500 to help fund a new event that brings traditional music or dance to the community. We offer grants for community events, as well as those geared toward families. We can also assist with start-up suggestions, or help finding a band/instructor. Click for details. | | |
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