Spring Breakdown 2010

Thanks to everyone who made Spring Breakdown 2010 a great success! Check out our page on Facebook for photos.

March 12–14, 2010

Band: Old New England

$65 for a whole weekend of fun! ($75 after February 20)

Plans are underway for our ninth annual contra-dance weekend. Check back often for details as they become available. It promises to be another great contra-dance weekend in mid-Missouri. Here's what we know so far.

We are very fortunate to be able to bring Bob McQuillen and Old New England to the Midwest. If you have not had the good fortune to dance to Bob's driving boom-chuck piano and accordian playing or enjoy his great sense of humor and good will, you are in for a special treat. Bob has been a central figure in the New England contradance scene for over 50 years and in 2002 was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the NEA, the highest award for traditional and folk arts in America. He has also written hundreds of dance tunes, many of which have become contra-dance standards.

Joining Bob will be Jane Orzechowski on fiddle and Deanna Stiles on flute, forming one of New England's foremost contra-dance ensembles.

Susan Kevra began teaching traditional dances in 1991 and is noted for her charm, wit, and respect for the traditions she shares. Dancers on both sides of the Atlantic appreciate her clear teaching and diverse repertoire of singing squares, Western patter calls, contras, and English Country dances.

The Ballroom

We will be dancing again in beautiful Kimball ballroom in Lela Raney Woods hall on Stephens College campus, near downtown Columbia, Missouri.

Kimball Ballroom has been renovated to its original 1930s splendor with fabulous hardwood floors and the original chandeliers.

The Schedule

Our usual schedule includes dancing on Friday and Saturday evenings (followed by after-dance socializing), workshops all day Saturday, with a brunch, open waltzing, and farewell dance on Sunday.

Evenings

Evening dances (Fri. and Sat.) from 8:00 to 11:00

After-dance socials (Fri. and Sat.) at Orr Street Studios starting at 11:30

Saturday

10:30—English Country Dance

1:30—What'll They Think of Next? Hybrid Contras and Unusual Formations

3:30—Choose one: (1) Band Workshop with Bob McQuillen or (2) Open Mike Calling

Sunday

10:30—Potluck brunch (pancakes, coffee, and tea provided)

11:30—Open waltzing

12:30—Farewell dance

Lodging

Home hospitality available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Betsy Collins at 573-446-2415 no later than March 8.

Special rate good until February 12 at The Regency Downtown, 1111 E. Broadway - just a few blocks from the Kimball Ballroom. Call the hotel directly (573) 443-2090 or Toll Free at 1-877-9-Downtown.

Mention Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers/Spring Breakdown 2010 and receive a rate of $60.00 per night for a double room (no limit on the number of people in room). This rate is good through Friday, February 12, and later, if rooms are available.

Past Events

Spring Breakdown Dance Weekends

Spring Breakdown 2008 was held in the beautiful Kimball ballroom in Lela Raney Woods hall on Stephens College campus.

Past bands and callers at Spring Breakdown

Hotpoint with Kathy Anderson (2002)
Evening Star with Bob Dalsemar (2003)
Contratopia with Ted Hodapp (2004)
KGB with Mary Devlin (2005)
Reckless Ramblers with Beth Molaro (2006)
Latterday Lizards with Carol Ormand (2007)
FootLoose with Robert Cromartie (2008)
Great Bear Trio with Nils Fredland (2009)

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