Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
AACTMAD-Sponsored ActivitiesAnn Arbor Morris teaches and practices the mysterious and lively English ritual folkdance, with live music played on accordion, penny whistle, fiddle, and tabor. Experienced Morris dancers perform for special events. Ann Arbor Swing Dance Association (AASDA) promotes and sponsors the traditional swing dances with roots in the decades of the 1920's-1940's such as charleston, lindy hop, collegiate shag, east coast swing, balboa, and blues. We love these dances and want to share our passion with you! Community Partnering - AACTMAD volunteers produce events suitable for all ages within schools, churches, organizations, and other community settings to introduce new people to traditional music and dancing. These events help strengthen the hosting community as well as provide opportunities to raise funds for their group. We also provide residency enrichment programs within schools to introduce young people to traditional music, song, story-telling, and dancing. AACTMAD also coordinates scholarship and mentoring opportunities for young people to learn to play music, sing, call dances, and produce their own events. The Concert committee presents occasional concerts by local performers, or musicians who are passing through and might not otherwise have an opportunity to play in our area. Dancing in the Streets is an annual free event on Labor Day weekend in downtown Ann Arbor, exposing thousands of visitors to the fun and variety of live traditional music. Stages represent many traditions and cultures with participatory dancing, music, and activities for children. Dawn Dance Weekend is a full weekend featuring a wide variety of dance styles and workshops. Now in its 29th year, over 400 attendees enjoy the exciting program showcasing a variety of Michigan and out-of-state performers. First Saturday Contra Dance is for first-time and experienced contra dancers and focuses on a mix of high quality callers and musicians. Occasional special events or weekends are organized around the first Saturday event. Fourth Saturday English & American Dance is a beginner-friendly series offering a mix of English country dance, contra dance, and couples dancing. Dances are held September through May. Midwest Morris Ale is an annual gathering of Morris teams from around the Midwest. Each year the Ale is held in a different city. The 2005 event was hosted by the Ann Arbor Morris team. Old-Time Square Dancing is drawn from various regional square-dance traditions. The dances fit well to the old-time southern-style music featured in this beginner-friendly series. In addition to squares, we will sprinkle in some big-set circle dances and Appalachian flatfoot (clogging) solo dancing. The Pittsfield Open Band encourages musicians of all levels to play traditional dance tunes in a relaxed and creative atmosphere. The band holds open practices three times a month, occasional workshops, and plays frequently for contra dances and other events. Second Friday Advanced English Country Dance offers local, regional, and nationally known dance leaders paired with great bands and is geared to experienced English dancers. Scandinavian Dance : Scandinavian couple dances ranging from popular favorites such as Hambo and Schottis to the more unusual such as Polska and Springar. All levels of experience are welcome. Instruction will be provided. Special events expand the horizons of music and dance opportunities beyond the regularly scheduled events. Tuesday English Country Dance is a beginner-friendly weekly English country dance held year round, drawing on a variety of musicians and leaders. Young Contra Dancers : A beginner-friendly contra dance series designed for students and dancers in their 20s and 30s. All dances are taught and prompted. Second Saturdays from 5pm to 8pm. Learn more about the committees from the following: |
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