English Country Dancing in San Francisco

Last Saturday night (9 Feb. 2019) we shook off the cold, and had a higher-than-usual number of dancers. Regulars brought friends. Several familiar faces came up from Santa Barbara. Alan Winston presented a varied program that spanned the centuries, including a dance published in 1651, and one of his own compositions. Here’s what we danced:

• Midnight Ramble
• Passages
• The Mary and Dorothy
• Lilliburlero
• Cobblestones
• The Bishop

                          -----break-----

• Freeford Gardens
• Rufty Tufty
• Wa’ Is Me, What Mun I Do?

 

The music was super! Gary Thomas was at the piano, David Newitt played concertina, and Heather MacKay, violin. They had a cool way of noodling through the walk-throughs and then swelling “tutti” for the dance itself. About half-way through the night they were joined by Mik Phillips on violin, visiting from Oxford.

 

Join us March 9, 2019 when Bruce Hamilton calls. He’s sure to include in his program dances that appear on the Playford Ball 2019 program https://www.bacds.org/mailings/current-mailing/2019-03-30-PlayfordBall.pdf. Bill Jensen, Maggie Moore and Rob Powell will play for our March dance.

 

Don’t miss this dance!

Going into our second year

There's always lots to do in San Francisco on weekend nights. But we hope to see you on a second Saturday night, 7:15 to 10:00 PM. We dance in a lovely old church with a great floor. The music is always live, anchored around the church's Steinway D! 

English country dancing is an elegant, accessible and relatively easy form of community social dance enjoyed by people all over the world. All dances are taught, no partner is necessary, and first-timers are welcomed.  To preserve the floor in the 110 year old building, kindly bring soft-sole, non-marking shoes to change into.

St. John's Presbyterian Church

25 Lake Street (at Arguello Boulevard)

San Francisco, CA

new location! the Inner Richmond!

The first dance in our new location was a great success. The space is just to die for, and the acoustics are really nice. I predict the musicians are going to start competing to play here with the amazing piano. It was the day before Sharon Green's birthday, and it wouldn't be proper to say exactly, but I am continually astounded at how many of those she's had. Go, Sharon!

 

 

St. John's Presbyterian Church

25 Lake Street (at Arguello Boulevard)
San Francisco, CA

 

The SF English dance is moving in December...

Last night we bid farewell to DanceGround Keriac, our home for eight-plus years, with a crowded roomful of happy dancers enjoying the calling of David Newitt, and music by David Strong, Rob Powell, and William Allen.

As a heads-up, as of our December 10 dance we’ll be dancing at St John’s Presbyterian Church at 25 Lake (at Arguello), which is about a mile and a half due west of DGK. Same time, with the dance starting at 7:30, and a beginners’ orientation offered at 7:15.

We will be updating driving and transit directions to the new hall as well as suggestions for dining before the dance and gathering later in the evening.

Stephen White did a wonderful announcement poster which ran on the back of our last schedule, you can find it online at <http://www.bacds.org/mailings/201609/2016-Q4-SFEnglish.pdf>. But we'll get this page updated soon.

Tomorrow night is a great night for English country dancing in San Francisco. Our caller will be Bruce Herbold. Remember to bring or wear soft sole shoes. Also we pot-luck the snacks at the break, so feel free to share. Something liquid would be a big hit. Hope to see you at 1805 Divisadero around 7:30 PM. Dancing!

Dance Tonight!

Don’t miss our dance tonight! Cassandra Vlahos, always clear and precise, returns to call dances. Our music will be furnished by The Fine Companions—Stan and Susan Kramer on violin and winds, and William Allen on piano. They're a wonderful trio whose music always inspires.

It should be a cool evening in San Francisco, but expect to warm up. Wear soft-sole shoes, and bring a snack to share if you can.

Where? 1805 Divisadero Street, San Francisco. The street door will be unlocked, so come right up. All dancers are welcomed, everything will be taught.

Suggested admission is $10 general, $8 for BACDS or CDSS–affiliate members, $5 for students.

As always, doors open at 7:15, with the dancing from 7:30 until 10:00. 

Don't miss our dance August 13!