Dance Gatherings are currently on hold. We hope to resume them soon. Similar gatherings scheduled in the summer of 2021 (with COVID protocols) were the first dancing many of us did since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. These were called “The Fayetteville Masque.” The description below comes from pre-pandemic times, but will give you a sense of what we mean by “dance gatherings.”
Syracuse Country Dancers Dance Gatherings are open-to-all get-togethers that happen on Sunday afternoons from 2:00-4:00. The idea is loosely related to callers gatherings that we have sponsored over the years. Gatherings are informal events that allow callers, musicians and dancers from our region to try out new ideas, build skills, or just have a lot of fun. Whoever comes creates the dance, and we all learn from and enjoy dancing with one another.
Who’s the caller?
Anyone who comes is welcome to call. At least one caller commits to showing up to make sure someone is there who can teach and lead dances.
Who plays music?
Anyone who comes is welcome to play music. We also bring plenty of recorded music, so that we can still dance if no one shows up with an instrument.
Who dances?
Anyone who comes is welcome to dance. We’ve had successful and fun gatherings with a full hall, and at least one on a snowy day when only four people showed up. They all had a great time and continue to come.
Who chooses the dances?
You guessed it. Anyone who comes is welcome to suggest a dance. We sometimes talk about what we like (or don’t like) about a dance after trying it out. Sometimes we agree to dance it second time!
What kind of dancing do we do?
Most of our gatherings have focused on English country dancing, but contra gatherings have also occurred from time to time.
What does it cost?
We suggest $5. Like all of our events, you are welcome to pay what you can. The money collected at gatherings pays for the hall. Musicians and callers who come are often pleased to use the gathering as a place to try out something new, and for this reason they generously donate their time.