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Patricia

www.myspace.com/countrydancecaller

Mood: cheerful cheerfulPosted at 3:07 PM Mar 21 view more

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  • Patricia

  • 99 / Female
  • US
  • Last Login: 11/8/2009

213328295|99|11101|http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/6/m_613858dec7192ccf91acc74c0e5b6268.jpg

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Interests

  • General

    Traditional dance, traditional music, Broadway shows (mainly musicals), watching ballet, walking, reading, gardening, cooking, working out, traveling, (did I mention dancing?)...

  • Music

    Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger, Georges Moustaki, Mozart, Beethoven, Leonard Cohen, Judy Collins, John Prine, Bessie Smith, Julie Andrews, ABBA, the Beatles, Lunasa, Nightingale, Fairfield Crossing, The Reel Thing, just about anything Celtic or French Canadian, some bluegrass, some country, Paul Robeson, Wynton Marsalis, Judy Cook, Neil Young, Finest Kind, John Roberts & Tony Barrand...

  • Movies

    Adventure, happily-ever-after, comedies. Favorites: King of Hearts, Sabrina (the original), Love in the Afternoon (Audrey Hepburn, Gary Cooper, Maurice Chevalier), a lot of Billy Wilder's films, Eric Rohmer's films, Basil Rathbone's films, Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers musicals, the Marx Brothers...

  • Television

    What's that? I tape things like Ken Burns documentaries & watch them at other times. Sometimes I watch SpongeBob. Used to watch Star Trek, Next Generation, Deep Space Nine.....

  • Books

    Narnia, Inkheart, murder mysteries, Lord Peter Wimsey stories, cookbooks, Pilgrimage by Zenna Henderson, Isaac Asimov's books, Gordon Dickson's Dorsai stories, Heinlein, Christina Rossetti, Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries, Emily Dickinson, Madeleine L'Engle...

  • Heroes

    Gandhi, Jane Addams, Einstein, Jacques Cousteau, Helen Keller, Stephen Hawking, Rosa Parks, Jane Goodall, Julian of Norwich, Randy Pausch ...

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Details

  • Status: Married
  • Zodiac Sign: Aries
  • Education: Post grad
  • Occupation: Tradtitional Dance Caller

Schools

Networking

  • Traditional Social Dance caller & teacher (Colonial, contra, folk & square dance)

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Blurbs

About me:

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"Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order." ~Samuel Beckett

"The dance is the mother of the arts. Music and poetry exist in time; painting and architecture in space. But the dance lives at once in time and space." ~Curt Sachs

I started with Modern Dance at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance at age 5, followed by a bit of ballet. After no formal dance training for many years, came across International folk dancing at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH and danced most Friday nights. Continued with International folk dancing after moving to CT to attend graduate school. Discovered contra dancing in the mid 1980's and fell absolutely in love with the Celtic & French Canadian music. In 1987 found the NOMAD (NOrtheast Music, Art and Dance) Festival (2007 was the 20th anniversary!). Met Fran & Chip Hendrickson there, discovered 18th century & Colonial dancing, participated as a caller the 2nd year, and joined the Committee to help out by the 3rd year, serving on the Board of Directors and Programming Committee for many years.

During these years of dancing I worked in a variety of capacities - Special Ed teacher and supervisor, Assistant Marketing Manager, Business Manager for a Marketing & Management Consulting Company, my own desktop publishing and consulting business - and eventually became a dance caller/teacher. I've led dance programs for homeschoolers' groups, monthly family dances, and a whole bunch of what we call "Barn Dances" (a little of everything). My current focus is on community, school, and family dances as well as historical dances for re-enactments, libraries, historical societies or anyone interesting in creating a Colonial Ball or other historical dance event. Workshops and residencies are also available.

My invitation to you:

A traditional dance is a terrific and lively social activity (especially with the sparkling music of

The Reel Thing). The caller walks you through each dance and then continues to prompt you through it, which makes it simple and highly enjoyable! Please contact me for availability and pricing. If you're not part of a group (library, community organization, etc.), just get a group of friends or families together, and HAVE A DANCE! ..

My e-mail address is countrydancecaller(at)gmail.com (change the "at").

..Non-profit organizations, please note:.. I am listed in the CCT Directory of Performing Artists and therefore eligible for Arts Presentation Grants. I am also listed on Matchbook.org, through which I am eligible for NEST (New England States Touring) funds through New England Foundation for the Arts - check these sites to apply for grant money with which to arrange for me and the band I work with to come to your town (CCT Directory for in-state, NEST program for New England states outside of Connecticut) to provide a music & dance program (historical or contemporary) for your group or venue!


EXCITING NEWS! The Reel Thing and I are the subject of the "EXECUTIVE PURSUITS" column in the May 3, 2008 issue of the New York Times by Harry Hurt III. Check out the article on our 18th century dancing! Here are some photos from the event in the article.

Also check out the article & photos about the C.H. Booth Library Shakespeare/Elizabethan music & dance program in the Newtown Bee issue of May 1 2008.



Calendar for 2009

  • Saturday, January 10, - Girl Scout Family Dance, Greenwich, CT – POSTPONED
  • January 21, 22, 28, 29, 2009 - Residency at Edgewood Magnet School
  • Thursday, February 5, with The Reel Thing - Family Dance, Edgewood Magnet School, 6:30-8PM
    FRIDAYS, (check first - no session some Fridays), - TRADITIONAL SOCIAL DANCES(square & contra) AT BETHEL SENIOR CENTER, 10:30-11:30AM. Open to the public - call for details.
  • Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - Private dance party for Purim celebration, New Haven, CT.
  • Thursday, March 12, with The Reel Thing - HVWS Community Dance, sponsored by the PTA, from 7 to 9 PM
  • Friday, March 20, with The Reel Thing - Girl Scout father/daughter dance, Darien, 7 to 9 PM
  • Saturday, March 21, with The Reel Thing - Traditional Community Dance for Georgetown Association at Gilbert & Bennett School, from 6 to 8 PM
  • Saturday, April 11, with The Reel Thing.. - Community Contra Dance to benefit Relay For Life, at Town Hall, Washington, CT, 7 to 9PM
  • Friday, April 24 - school residency of Colonial Dance, Seymour, CT
  • Friday, May 1, with musicians Julie Sorcek and Bill Campbell - Housatonic Valley Waldorf School MAY FAIR, Newtown, CT
  • May 18-22 - Residency of Colonial Dance, Redding, CT
  • Friday, May 29, with The Reel Thing - Friday Night Family Dance, sponsored by Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Mission at the Stony Hill Firehouse, Bethel, CT, from 7 - 9 PM
  • Friday, June 19, with The Reel Thing - Private Barn Dance for 55+ community, from 8:00 - 10:00 PM
  • Monday, July 6, with The Reel Thing - Colonial music and dance program at Spring Meadows, Trumbull, CT, from 2:30 - 3:30 PM
  • Friday, August 21, with The Reel Thing - Colonial Era Music/Dance Concert in the Park at Putnam Park, Redding, CT, from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
  • Friday, September 18, with The Reel Thing - Friday Night Family Dance, sponsored by Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Mission at the Stony Hill Firehouse, Bethel, CT, from 7 - 9 PM
  • Friday, October 2 - Harvest Square Dance, part of Oktoberfest (private) program at Watermark at East Hill, Southbury, CT, from 2:30 - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 4, with Fran Hendrickson on accordion - Birthday Square Dance, private party in Newtown, CT, from 4:00 - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday - Friday, October 20 - 23 - Dance Residency, Worcester, MA
  • Friday, Friday, October 23, with The Reel Thing - Family Dance, Worcester, MA
  • Wednesday, October 28 with Fran Hendrickson on accordion - Homeschoolers' Family Dance Class in Bethel, CT 12:30 - 1:30 PM
  • Friday, October 30 with Fran Hendrickson - private - Halloween Dance at local Newtown school, 1:30 - 2:45 PM
  • Saturday, October 31 - Halloween Dance for middle & high schoolers, Fairfield, CT 8:30 - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday, November 4 & 18 with Fran Hendrickson on accordion - Homeschoolers' Family Dance Class in Bethel, CT 12:30 - 1:30 PM
  • Saturday, November 21 - Girl Scout Family Dance, Greenwich, CT, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday, December 2 with Fran Hendrickson on accordion - Homeschoolers' Family Dance Class in Bethel, CT 12:30 - 1:30 PM


    • Calendar for 2010
  • Friday, January 15 - Traditional Dances, a mixture of square, English, & folk dances - private program for Watermark at East Hill, Southbury, CT, from 2:00 - 3:00 PM
    • ............

    Some Past events - 2008

  • Saturday, January 5, 2008 - Girl Scout Family Dance, Greenwich, CT
  • Wednesday, February 27 with The Reel Thing - family dance, Meeting House Hill School, New Fairfield, CT, 7 to 8:15 PM
  • Tuesday and Thursday mornings through May, 2008 with musician Julie Sorcek - traditional dance program at Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, Newtown, CT
  • Wednesday, March 19, 2008 with The Reel Thing - Family Night dance at Longmeadow Elementary School, Southbury/Middlebury, from 6:30 to 8 PM
  • Friday, March 28, 2008 with The Reel Thing - family dance, Presbyterian Nursery School, Fairfield, CT, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
  • Monday, April 14, 2008 with The Reel Thing - multi-cultural dance event, Meeting House Hill School, New Fairfield, CT, 6 to 8 PM
  • Thursday, April 24, 2008 with The Reel Thing - Colonial Day at The Greens at Cannondale, Wilton, CT 3 to 4 PM
  • Sunday, April 27, 2008 with The Reel Thing - program of Shakespearian period music and dance at the C.H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT, 3 to 3:30 PM
  • Friday, May 2 with The Reel Thing - Girl Scout father/daughter dance in Darien, from 7 to 9 PM
  • Saturday, May 3, 2008 with musicians Julie Sorcek and Bill Campbell - Housatonic Valley Waldorf School May Fair, Newtown, CT, 11 AM to 2 PM
  • Tuesday, May 13 - School workshop in Union, NJ, in preparation for Union's 200th event, 11:30 AM - 2 PM
  • Friday, May 16 with 2nd Regiment Light Dragoons - Colonial life school residency, 10 AM - 12:15 PM
  • Saturday, May 31, 2008 with The Reel Thing - Colonial music and dance for Colonial Day at the Keeler Tavern Museum, Ridgefield, CT - 12:30 and 1:45 PM
  • Saturday June, 7 2008 & Sunday June 8, 2008 with The Reel Thing: BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, UNION, NJ, 10 AM - 5 PM. This is a HUGE celebration with a re-creation of an 18th century street, encampments, and a battle. We will be doing several colonial music and dance sessions on each day.
  • Friday, July 4, 2008 with The Reel Thing - Colonial music & dance program at Classic Residence by Hyatt, Yonkers, NY - 1:30 PM
  • Saturday, July 12, 2008 with The Reel Thing - private 80th birthday party, Cornwall, CT, afternoon
  • Sunday, July 27 with The Reel Thing - private barn dance in New Milford, 4 to 6 PM
  • Friday, September 12 with The Reel Thing - traditional dance school residency and community dance, Wooster School, Danbury, CT 10 AM till evening
  • Saturday, September 27 with The Reel Thing - Phelps-Hatheway House, Suffield, CT, 4 to 6 PM. This is a barn dance at this historic house.
    ***SEE THE PHOTOS FROM THIS FUN BARN DANCE! THANKS CT LANDMARKS!
  • Wednesday and Thursday mornings, October 15 through December, 2008 with musician Julie Sorcek - traditional dance program at Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, Newtown, CT
  • Friday, October 17 with The Reel Thing - Harvest Barn Dance, Meeting House Hill School, New Fairfield, CT, 7 to 8:30 PM
  • Saturday, October 18 with Andy & Noah VanNorstrand - Concert and Community dance from 7-9 PM at the North Madison Congregational Church
  • Saturday, October 25 with Jim & Willow Sirch and David Heiser - Private party in Hamden, CT from 7:30-9:30PM
  • Saturday, November 1 with The Reel Thing - Private 50th birthday party, Norwalk, CT.
  • Thursday, November 13 with The Reel Thing - Colonial dancing at Columbus Magnet School, Norwalk, CT 1:30-3:00PM



    Here's a video "Slice Of Old New Paltz"of Old New Paltz Day, 2007, and if you don't want to watch the whole thing, go to 5:40 and you'll see the interview with me about The Hendrickson Group/Colonial Dancing Master.



    • Slideshow of Dance at Phelps-Hatheway House & Gardens

    Barn Dance program for Connecticut Landmarks, held at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Gardens. Wonderful old barn!

    Who I'd like to meet:

    C.S. Lewis (I know - a lot of the people I'd like to meet are no longer here and now), Fred Astaire, Saint Clare, Julian of Norwich, Hildegarde de Bingen, Goethe, Christina Rossetti, St. Exupery, John William Waterhouse, Peter Pan, Michel Fokine, Alvin Ailey, Peter Martins, Natalia Makarova, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Jacques D'Amboise, Audrey Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, David Nivens, Sherlock Holmes, Isaac Asmiov, and many more....to be continued.


    Comments

    Displaying 5 of 6 comments
    • Parkington Sisters

      Jan 23 2009 11:31 PM

      Thanks for being a friend.
    • LMJM

      Sep 7 2008 12:14 PM

      Bonjour Patricia!
      Ravie de partager ton univers du folklore traditionnel. Longue route dans ta passion.

      Bye. From France, LMJM.
    • Glenn Weiser, fingersty…

      Apr 22 2008 5:29 PM

      Thanks for you kind words, and that's nice version of "Farewell to Whiskey" you have there.


      -Glenn
    • Saratoga Faire

      Mar 5 2008 4:42 AM

      Patricia,

      Thank you for the add & for being a dancer!
    • Two Bits String Band

      Feb 20 2008 4:07 PM

      Thanks, Patricia, for adding our little band to your friend list. Looks like we have some musical interests in common.