At the Worthington Community Center in historic Worthington Ohio.

Dance to the Music of

Giant Robot Dance

And

Pigtown Alley

With Calling by

Charlie Harvey

And

Gaye Fifer

Workshops

Contra Players
Survival Yoga
Advanced Contra
Balboa
Dance Writing
English Country Inspired Contra
Salty Dog Rag

Swing
Squares
Flatfoot
Fluorishes
Dance Calling
Singing

Three sets of musical brothers – Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand, Andrew and Aaron Marcus, Michael and Alex Ferguson – combine their powers to form GIANT ROBOT DANCE They bring you a high-energy, alter-ego, super-psychedelic rocking contra dance experience, for a wild night of blaring accordion, shredding electric guitar, bludgeoning drums and dueling trombone solos, plus a sprinkling of very tasteful piano melodies and delicate violin accents. If you’ve ever longed to balance and swing with ELO, hey for four with Carlos Santana or petronella turn to the music of Katy Perry, this may very well be as close as you'll ever get!

The name Pigtown Alley signifies the band’s connection to Cincinnati where both couples live. Bob Frankenhoff anchors the group on keyboard and occasional recorder flare. Deb Frankenhoff offers a myriad of intriguing rhythms with her ever-growing percussion collection. Pam Stoll fiddles strong and sweet, with occasional recorder. Fred Stoll fiddles with inspiring harmonies and improvisations and chimes in on mandolin and tenor banjo. The band plays a variety of music styles including modern contra, world music, French Canadian, English and Old Time. They delight in varying textures and moods to provide driving and responsive music for dancing pleasure.

Always on the move, caller Charley Harvey has taught and called dances from Denmark to Japan and calls dances throughout the Southeast on a regular basis. He started dancing in Berea, KY and helped start The Oh Contraire! dance. Widely regarded as an exciting and enthusiastic dance caller and sometime washboard impresario, he has worked with highly regarded bands such as Notorious, Hotpoint Stringband, Crowfoot, Footloose, The Avant Gardeners, Atlantic Crossing and The Berea Castoffs. A frequent workshop leader at Knoxville and other weekends, Charley is noted for clear and concise calling and an enthusiasm that is contagious! www.charleyharvey.com

Gaye Fifer is an accomplished contra caller now living in Pittsburgh, PA. A teacher by profession, Gaye’s walk-throughs are clear and concise, and her easy smile and delightful sense of humor make her a popular caller and workshop leader at contra dance weekends throughout the U.S. and Canada. An active dancer herself, she understands the subtleties of making contra dances particularly satisfying for dancers.

Dancing Shoes Only

Carry in clean dance shoes with non-marking soles. Absolutely no street shoes allowed on the beautiful wooden dance floor. We want to return.

Lockers Available - Bring a lock

Coats, purses, and dance bags will need to be stowed in lockers and we encourage you to bring a combination or key lock with you, because fitness center members will be sharing the locker rooms with us. Showers are also available, so feel free to bring a towel, etc.

Childcare

No childcare is available. Children who can participate in the dance weekend are welcome. Children must be closely supervised while not dancing.

Smokin' & Drinkin'

Worthington Community Center is a smoke free and alcohol free environment. In addition, Ohio prohibits smoking inside all public places (including restaurants and bars).

Food

A nutritious assortment of snacks will be available all weekend except during Sat. lunch and dinner. Sunday lunch will be provided. A restaurant list and map will be available at the registration area.

Clothing Exchange

Bring any gently used dancing clothes and exchange for new-to-you items. Small donation requested if you haven't brought anything but see something you like.

Water Bottles

Please help us reduce plastic cup usage by bringing your own water bottle to the weekend. Thanks!

Bring a Swimsuit, towel & lock

The Worthington Community Center has a large pool area with hot tub and a lap pool, as well as an excellent fitness area. Purchase your unlimited-use fitness center pass when you check in at the WWU table. Good for the whole weekend for $8. Hours will be: Friday until 9:30 pm Saturday 8 am -8 pm Sunday noon-8 pm (Pool closes 1/2 hr before building) You’ll need to bring your own towel, as well as a lock for the locker room - they are not provided.

Dance Hours

Friday – Registration opens at 6 p.m., dancing begins at 8 p.m. and goes until 12 M
Saturday – Workshops begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 5:15 p.m., dancing from 8 p.m. -12 M
Sunday – Workshops begin at 10 a.m. with dancing from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

map and directions