Please note that we usually have English every Thursday rain or shine, but there will be NO English dance in Gainesville on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25. But there is a dance this week!
This week we will have live music!! All musicians and dancers are welcome. Last week we focused on Gary Roodman dances. This week we will feature some dances from Brooke Friendly and Chris Sackett of Oregon. Randy called their dance, "The Play's the Thing", at St. Cloud last weekend--it was a great dance where all dancers keep moving. He'll do that one for sure on Thursday.
With the holidays approaching, there's lots to do. But make some time for dancing--it's a relief from the hustle and bustle! Live in another era and time for a couple of hours. Dancing is good for your brain, for stress, and it's exercise.
Bring snacks if you enjoy snacking. And thanks to everyone for bringing snacks! We have such a nice assortment.
In order to try to get more newcomers to come and come back we will be offering a "get in free" card to all newcomers for their return dance. Pass the word.
Last week we focused on Gary Roodman dances (indicated by an (R) below):
* Alexander's Birth Day (2-couple; USA dance) (R)
The Introduction (4 cpl; change on the diagonal 4x; step-close to make space)
Dear Abby (LW 1st cnrs cast left to change places) (R)
Mr. Isaacs's Maggot (LW, corners turn, release hands but lock eyes)
Rafe’s Waltz (LW, set & half gypsy 1 cnr, 2nd cnr, ptr, nbr)
Row Well, Ye Mariners (LW; long lines slip left 4 steps; slip R 4; clapping)
Benjamin’s Birthday (LW, Arm neighbor coming at you R, Circle Left, Turn left) (R)
Freeford Gardens (set toward partner, turn single back, pass partner r, loop l)
Duke of Kent (LW; box the gnat; swat the flea)
* The Spaniard (1's lead down, turn up, skip up & cast to 2nd place)
Trip to the Manors (2 cpl; heys up and down; hey’s across) (R)
Honeysuckle Cottage (balance & box the gnat) (R)
* Dancers asked to do this next week.
Upcoming regional dances:
Gainesville Thursday English Dance
November 18
601 S. Main Street
Lesson 6:50
Dancing 7:00 - 9:30
$5; $3 Students
Deland English Dance
Sunday, November 28
2 - 5 pm
Music by Full Circle
$5
St. Cloud English Dance
Saturday, December 11
3 - 6 pm
$5
Go to our page at Don Pauley's website: http://dancefl.us/ecd/GainesvilleECD.shtml, where you can see these event postings and other information.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!! Newcomers are always welcome; and welcome back. If you are new and can't come early enough for the lesson, come anyway. Alot of people have and they've done fine by shadowing their partner since all dances are taught, walked through and called. It seems we have a nice mix of experienced and new dancers so you'll never feel out of place. Please return--you will continue to get better and the moves will be more familiar. We don't judge other dancers--we're just glad that you came.
We are always trying to get together a demo group to show dances to others. Please let us know if you are interested. Don't think you are not good enough. Everyone is--we will practice the dances so that you are comfortable. This is just to show others how fun it is--not how perfect we are. Everyone who comes on Thursdays is good enough. We just need willingness. Maybe you have an idea where a demo would be nice (festival, church group, etc.)
Please contact us if you have any concerns or questions.
Annette & Randy
NOTE: Main Street is closed north of 5th Ave due to construction. You can come down 5th Avenue from either direction and go one block south when you get to Main Street.