Event Info
Special Night of Dancing: Dancehall Players, with caller Rosemary Lach
7pm Beginners session
7:30 Dance starts
listen at CDBaby.com
Every so often...
7:00pm - 11:30am Doors at: 6:45pm
$10 / $7 seniors, students, low income
Artists
with caller Rosemary Lach
Hard-copy tickets
Event Description
7pm Beginners session
7:30 Dance starts
listen at CDBaby.com
Every so often, the Victoria English Country Dance Society, a community dance organization celebrating its 10th year, hosts a special night of music and dancing in a larger hall to allow more dancers including beginners, guests, spectators and those who are just plain curious to attend. In addition to allowing greater numbers to participate, the larger venue allows space for certain dances which aren't possible in the smaller hall of their regular Thursday evening gatherings. These special events present the opportunity for dancers who so wish, to dress up; ladies might pull their swishy skirts from the closet while some men will find their breeches. For The Dancehall Players, who play acoustic, unamplified instruments such as violin, flute, cello, mandolin, and guitar, this event is also an opportunity to unveil their debut CD.
Originally in the Baroque style, English Country Dance music and dance patterns are continually being written and created by new generations of enthusiasts. Born in the 17th century as an indirect result of the Italian Renaissance and modified in England, it's evolution has brought it to now include everything from jigs to waltzes. The dance style is informal and involves pattern dancing in line and circle formations making it a lively community pastime, rather than limited to couples.
After years of requests for a recording, The Dancehall Players recorded their debut CD, Live from Dan's Hall (yes, the pun IS intended) in the fall of 2009 and released it on CDBaby in February. Although there are CDs suitable for English Country Dancing available through specialty stores, the band is not aware of any others recorded in Canada. Two tunes, Bolt the Door (the tune for the dance, Jack's Health) and The Fandango have rarely been recorded before. Five new tunes, composed by band members, contribute to the form's repertoire. Live from Dan's Hall is a welcome addition to the catalogue of English Country Dance recordings. It has already garnered international attention: both The Country Dance and Song Society based in Haydenville, Massachusetts and Folk Sales, a distributor in the United Kingdom are currently in the process of adding the CD to their online stores.
www.vecds.bc.ca
Venue
287 Pallisier Ave
Open / Operational