June 11-12th, 2011 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Set Dancing is the traditional Irish social dancing danced to jigs, reels, slides, polkas and hornpipes. Irish “Sets” are now danced throughout Europe, North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Set Dancing evolved from the French Quadrilles which came into Ireland in the early 1800s, the first quadrille being danced publicly in Dublin in 1816. Sets are usually danced in groups of eight—four couples forming a “square.”
Instructor:
Anne McCallum
Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, the daughter of an Irish mother and Scottish father, music, singing, dancing, and a love of the history and culture have always been an integral part of Anne McCallum’s life. She learned her Set Dancing on numerous trips to Ireland, dancing in country pubs and homes with local people to the music of local musicians. This heritage enriches her classes and gives her students a more complete experience. Anne has been teaching Set Dancing since 1993. In addition to weekly classes and many workshops and Ceilis, Anne has taught at many festivals and summer schools including London, Goderich, Milwaukee Irish Fest, Catskills Irish Arts Week, Friday Harbor Irish Music Camp, and Augusta Heritage Week. Her classes are appreciated by beginners as well as more experienced dancers.
Class:
Anne will teach sets from many different counties but particularly reel sets from County Clare and jig and polka sets from Kerry and Cork. Attention will be paid to the step and style of each set. For anyone new to set dancing—and beginners are always very welcome—wear comfortable shoes, preferably with leather soles. No partner necessary. If there are any sets that you would particularly like to learn or review and/or if there are any figures of any sets that you would like to review: amccallum@stclaircollege.ca
Details (note venue changes!):
Saturday, June 11th Set Dancing Workshop
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Hayden School of Ballet, 4139 Prospect Ave., followed by a Ceili (w/live music!) from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Maple Street Dance Space, 3215 Central Ave. SE.
Sunday, June 12th Set Dancing Workshop
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mini-Ceili (w/live music!) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at Hayden School of Ballet, 4139 Prospect Ave.
Cost:
$60 adults
$45 students (with active registration)
To reserve your space RSVP to: rwlandes@clear.net
Registration will open Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. at Hayden School of Ballet.
Lodging:
Discounted lodging (tell them you’re with ZoukFest) is available for $55/night at the Plaza Inn, 900 Medical Arts Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (Toll Free: 800-237-1307) Note: you must call to make your reservation. The ZoukFest discount is not available online.