Featuring !!!

The Figments ~ Rebecca Lay

Myra Hirschberg ~ Rick, Jon & Katie Avery

St. Barnabas Church Hall 175 Hampton Ave. Map

Schedule	Pot Luck	Directions to St. Barnabas
Registration & Prices	Dance Apparel Exchange	Restaurants
Thaw Flyer	10 Top Reasons to Come	Accommodation
Bios		Toronto

Top 10 Reasons to Come to Spring Thaw 2012

10. You'll get a great workout...even if you sit out half of the dances (which we know you're not going to do).

9. You can enjoy listening to a talented ensemble of musicians - with two bands playing for the event.

8. You'll dance to two enthusiastic and delightful callers.

7. You'll meet new people - and see some old pals, too.

6. You'll likely learn a few new dances.

5. You can nosh on healthy (and less-healthy) snacks, provided to keep you dance-ready all weekend.

4. You're going to see a beautiful part of Toronto, during a lovely time of year.

3. You can sample the incredible dishes that dancers bring to the Saturday potluck.

2. You can attend workshops with dedicated and passionate instructors.

1. You're going to have as much fun as is legally possible in a weekend!

And then there's the RESTAURANTS !

The "Figments”

Anna Patton (clarinet), Ethan Hazzard-Watkins (fiddle), Owen Morrison (guitar, feet)

The Figments incorporate an eclectic mix of styles into their inspired performances of music for dancing or listening. Whether grooving on an Old-time, Irish or French Canadian fiddle tune, trading daring improvisations on a gypsy jazz or swing number, or exploring the nuances of a graceful waltz or elegant English country dance tune, this trio of versatile musicians makes dynamic, spontaneous and electrifying music. (Source: http://www.ethanhw.com/bands/)

Listen to The Figments at: http://www.annapatton.com/loveshack.mp3

Guest Caller: Rebecca Lay

Rebecca Lay is both a dance caller AND a farmer who lives in Brattleboro, Vermont. When not tending to the crops on her property - The Ten Speed Farm - she calls contra, English and square dances all over North America. Outside of calling, Rebecca enjoys providing attendees of her club dances with locally-grown food.

To see some of Rebecca's upcoming gigs, go to: http://www.tenspeedfarm.com/?page_id=22

Local Caller: Myra Hirschberg

Myra teaches and calls a great variety of dance forms - cajun, old time square dance, zydeco, waltz, hambo, ceilidh, English country, barn and contra - throughout Canada and the US. With her partner, Tom Calwell, Myra has created Dancingthread. Together, they specialize in accommodating dancers of all backgrounds and levels of experience. Known for her easy-going walk-throughs and her dedication to dancer enjoyment, Myra will call several dances during the Spring Thaw.

For more information about Myra, see: http://www.dancingthread.ca

Local Band: Rick, Jon & Katie Avery

Rick, Jon & Katie have been playing for Contra, Square and English Country dances since the turn of the millennium. Our style is influenced by the playing of many of the current New England dance bands, and is sure to keep you on your toes with a strong, steady back-beat and energetic fiddling. We have performed all over Ontario, including Ottawa, Owen Sound, Toronto and Hamilton; in the U.S.; and at a plethora of school, community, camp and wedding dances.

 

St. Barnabas Church Hall 175 Hampton Ave. Map East of Broadview Ave, West of Pape Ave. -across from the Carrot Common

Saturday Lunch Potluck Options

All are welcome.  Bring a dish to share: many restaurants are available nearby to purchase take out food.  New option: pay $10.00 at time of Registration or by Friday evening & we will provide extra food for your meal.

Dance Apparel Exchange

Want to know what to do with the lovely dance gear you've tired of, or that no longer fits? Bring your pre-loved items to the Spring Thaw for re-sale.

Gently used dancewear and shoes will be displayed in the front hall near the registration desk.

If you find something you'd like to take home, it's yours for a $5 donation. Proceeds go towards the Toronto Contra Dance Spring Thaw. Thanks to everyone for re-cycling their dance apparel.

 

For our American guests

Welcome! Glad you are coming. Please go to the American consulate website page regarding entry to Canada and returning to the states, for current cross-border document requirements.

Toronto

Imagine dancing in an urban village community where everything is on offer on a fresh spring weekend–fabulous bookstores and cafes, fine dining, casual pubs, a full gamut of restaurants specializing in world cuisines, greengrocers, gourmet cheeses, health food stores, chic clothing – and some of the loveliest parks and ravines in North America.

Toronto ... Our famous subway can whisk you to any other part of the city if theatre or movies are what you seek; there's even an Irish session or two around ! If we say any more, we won’t get you to stay indoors dancing !

How to Register