Autumn Contra
Our American Contra Dance weeks are tremendously popular so we really do encourage early booking! Our Autumn dance week is led by American caller Seth Tepfer with music from Sail Away Ladies. Meg Griffin joins us again as host, and between them, the team will guide you through the week’s programme and dances with good humour and style!
Dance workshops take place each morning with fun optional outings and activities in the afternoons. There is usually a musicians’ workshop Wednesday tea-time, so bring instruments too. Dances every evening, all in the lovely setting of Halsway Manor!
Who is it for?
Dancers of all levels of experience; newcomers to Contra are welcome (though some related dance experience would be useful), with plenty to challenge more experienced dancers too!
— ParticipantFriendly and welcoming group of people, plenty of laughs, energetic dancing and really enjoyable sessions in the bar afterwards!
The Team
Since 1997, Seth Tepfer (USA) has been calling dances and festivals in almost every state in the union and around the world. Known for his infectious energy, his short walk-throughs, and his ‘hash-contras’, Seth’s warm enthusiasm is contagious, and gets everyone moving, smiling, and having a great time.
The duel fiddles of Linda Game and Betsy Branch are perfectly complemented by Sue Songer’s piano and together, Sail Away Ladies create a warm, welcoming atmosphere with unforgettable dance highs.
Linda is a Halsway mainstay, and is known internationally for her work with Box of Frogs, ECDB, Kitchen Girls, Sail Away Ladies, and more. Inspired by dance, her driving style and dynamic improvisation inspires dancers in turn.
Betsy is a versatile musician based in Portland, Oregon (USA). She plays regularly in Fine Companions and Fiddle Hellions and loves to collaborate with new musicians. A key figure at festivals across the United States for decades, she will perhaps be most familiar to UK audiences from the Portland Playalong Selection, a playalong CD for the canonical tune collection.
Sue, also from Oregon, is the creative force behind The Portland Collection, founder of the Portland Megaband, and a powerhouse contra dance musician. You may know her from Joyride or The Stage Crew; like Linda and Betsy she enjoys creating new collaborations. Sue was the 2019 recipient of a CDSS Lifetime Achievement Award.
Meg Griffin is a familiar face at Halsway Manor, and the perfect, friendly and knowledgeable host to make sure you get the best from your break at Halsway!