Special night of English Country Dancing with The Dancehall Players

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Saturday, March 13th, 2010
7:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Doors: 6:45pm, Beginners session: 7pm, Dance: 7:30-10:30
Caller: Rosemary Lach

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. The Dancehall Players who play acoustic, unamplified instruments such as violin, flute, cello, mandolin, and guitar, are also looking forward to playing at a dance in Vancouver in April which will be an opportunity to unveil their debut CD to lower mainland fans.

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.

"It is DELIGHTFUL, just delightful. No other word will do... On behalf of the whole dance scene, thank you." - Bruce Hamilton, President of the international Country Song and Dance Society, Massachusetts

"wonderful music effortlessly played and blending so beautifully together... the unique waltz tunes are played at a perfect tempo." - dancers, Dick & Maggie Hosking, England

Left to Right: Ann Schau (keyboard), Dan Page (mandolin), Keith Malcolm (violin), Gregory Brown (flute and guitar), Karen McIvor (cello), and Susan Larkin (recorder and violin).