April 28-30, 2023
Registration is now open
Our 2023 English Country Dance & Music Weekend will feature dance calling by Susan Kevra and live music by the renowned band Bare Necessities. All four members (Jacqueline Schwab, Mary Lea, Kate Barnes, and Earl Gaddis) will join us for this elegant weekend of music and dance. More information, including a schedule and registration, will be posted below.
On this page:
-Schedule
-Health and Safety
-Registration
-Scholarships
-Artistic Staff
-Meals
-Accommodations
Questions? Contact Kelli Emerson at programs@folklorevillage.org or by calling (608) 924-4000.
Schedule
A full schedule of the weekend will be posted here when available. The festival features workshops in dance and music, evening parties, meals by RedBarn Catering, and more.
Health & Safety
All participants and staff at this event must be fully vaccinated. As part of the registration process you will be required to upload proof of vaccination and complete a waiver acknowledging that you are aware of and willingly assume the risks associated with attending in-person programming.
Masks are strongly encouraged, and will be required if Dane and/or Iowa Counties have high levels of COVID transmissibility.
If you test positive for or have symptoms of COVID please do NOT attend the festival. Instead, contact Folklore Village at (608) 924-4000 to discuss your registration.
Health and safety policies for English Country Dance Weekend are subject to change by the Folklore Village Board of Directors’ review and the local health situation at the time of this event.
Registration
Click here to register for English Country Dance Weekend.
Full-Time Adult Registration*
$285 before noon Central Time on April 14, 2023
$305 after noon Central Time on April 14, 2023
Part-Time Adult Registration*
Friday evening dance: $30
All day Saturday (breakfast – party): $210
Saturday breakfast: $15
Saturday AM workshops: $60
Saturday lunch: $20
Saturday PM workshops: $60
Saturday supper & evening dance: $60
Saturday evening dance (no supper): $30
Sunday breakfast: $15
Sunday AM workshops: $55
Sunday lunch: $15
*For teen and youth prices, contact the Program Manager, Kelli, at (608) 924-4000.
For information about our policies, including cancellation policies, please click here.
Scholarships
Dishwashing Scholarships
It takes a village to put on our festivals. Be a part of the dishwashing crew and help out by washing eating dishes (plates, silverware, and cups) after meals. By filling this essential role you will receive reduced tuition: dishwashers pay just $120 for the entire festival! Please contact Program Manager Kelli Emerson at 608-924-4000 or programs@folklorevillage.org to inquire about dishwashing scholarships.
Artistic Staff
Bare Necessities
Bare Necessities, a quartet known for its creative interpretations of English country dance tunes, has been playing together since 1980. Earl Gaddis and Mary Lea both play violin and viola, Kate Barnes is on winds and guitar, and Jacqueline Schwab plays piano. Together they have redefined the sound of English country dance music with an improvisatory and playful style that reflects their classical background and extensive experience playing for all kinds of dancing. Besides their own three CDs, they have been putting out recordings for Boston CDS (Country Dance Society) since 1999. The group has played for dancers and audiences from Hawaii to York, England, from Alaska to St. Croix, VI, doing concerts, week-long dance events and workshops.
Susan Kevra’s first forays into English Country dance calling came in the mid-1990s and has earned a reputation as a fine English caller. Her experience as an English country dance clarinetist gives her a keen appreciation of the link between the music and the dance figures, something she brings to her teaching. It is also key to her ability to create pleasing dance programs, arranged not just for the dance figures but the musical moods evoked by the tunes. Her pedagogical ability, depth of repertoire, and unflappable nature have equipped her well for every possible situation. Susan also represents a new voice in English country dance choreography. Tunes by her bandmate, Rachel Bell, have inspired her to choreograph a dozen English dances and counting, including “Trip to Provence” and “Moonflower” which are making their way onto dance floors and ball programs in the US and England.
Susan is equally adept at teaching beginners and experienced dancers. She has developed a series of classes for beginners at adult education programs in Nashville and at Vanderbilt University and has newcomers up and running (well, setting and turning single) with grace and confidence in no time.
Meals
Sharing meals together is a time-honored tradition at Folklore Village. Festival meals are prepared in-house by the fabulous RedBarn Catering team. Using fresh ingredients, head chef J. Miller creates delicious, cultural meals with vegetarian and gluten free options. Have other dietary needs? Please note these in your registration form. While we cannot guarauntee that every dietary request can be accommodated, the RedBarn Catering team does their best to accommodate everyone and can provide information on potential allergens during the festival.
Accommodations
Bunkhouse (Very rustic): $15 per person per night
**Capacity limited**
Stay on-site within walking distance (about 3 blocks) of Farwell Hall (main activities building). The bunkhouses are heated, with cots provided, and camp-style toilets and handpump nearby. Showers are located in Farwell Hall. Bring your own bedding, pillow, towel, flashlight, etc. Men and woman are housed in separate buildings. You can register for bunkhouse accommodations via the Fall Swedish registration form.
Bunkhouse capacity will be limited. Availability is subject to review by the Folklore Village Board of Directors.
Tenting: $10 per tent per night
Stay on our beautiful grounds! Many sites are available. No campfires allowed. Showers and bathrooms are located in Farwell Hall (main activity building). You can register for tent camping via the festival registration form.
RV Camping with Electrical Hook-Up: $15 per RV per night
**Extremely limited; reserve a spot early**
Folklore Village has limited electrical hook-ups for RVs. To register for a spot with electrical hook-up please email programs@folklorevillage.org.
Other Accommodations:
Motels are available with 7-15 miles of Folklore Village. Please make your own arrangements.
Super 8 (608) 935-3888
Deer Valley Lodge (608)924-1600
Best Western (608)935-7739
Pine Ridge Motel (608)935-3386
Quality Inn (608)987-4747
Lodging in Mineral Point