October 2015

SKANDIA NEWSLETTER

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SKANDIA

NEWSLETTER Seattle, Washington

The Voice of SKANDIA FOLKDANCE SOCIETY

Board musings It is amusing what comes up when I distract myself from writing this month’s Board Musings. A relative wanted an old list of my mother’s allergies. I set this aside and dug the list out. Sitting on top of it was my first Skandia membership card. Back came memories of dancing in the Wilsonian Ballroom—dances filled with University of Washington students. I was one. Too many of us have failed to bring Skandia back to those lively days. What has changed since then? Seattle laws about dancing, for one thing. If you did not prefer the on-campus dancing, Skandia was the closest available place, since tavern dances were a mile away from campus, minimum, and all dance clubs were subject to odd regulations that were essentially some kind of tax on sin. Someone always views the latest dancing fad as a sin. When I joined Skandia, the world already viewed the time of the waltz as elegant, no longer the 1800s view of it as an activity that got boys’ and girls’ bodies way too close together. Another change is that Skandia has marginalized itself as a dance venue. We are now nowhere near “what is happening.” Cedar Valley and Phinney have fine dance floors, but are not exactly in the thick of things—not out where a pedestrian could hear music and wonder what it was that was so much fun. (I had seen Skandia’s sign outside the Wilsonian many times before I met someone who had joined, and who recommended I take the class.) Another change is our changing ages, without a change in attitude. We come to hang out with each other, not to increase our society, and we emphasize dancing, losing some of those no longer willing or able. I try. Definitely, I contribute to the success of folkdance in Junction City, OR, but the biggest key there to dance participation is that it is “the center of things” in that small town in the summer. My latest effort in our area is Skandia’s Kirkland class. The Peter Kirk Center is close to the center of things in downtown Kirkland and is a very nice space, close to a century less-dated than the Cedar Valley Grange or the Phinney Center. I’m sure that enough dancers who do not need lessons will be there, just because they can

October 2015

dance without a trip across a bridge. I hope we get many interested newcomers and treat them well enough that they become more interested. Class starts Thursday, October 1st, and runs thru all five Thursdays in October. Another session starts in January. Register through Kirkland Parks at (425) 587-3336. Please, help increase the size of Skandia. Know anyone interested in joining up? Imagine some future Board member proudly showing their 2015 first Skandia membership card. A separate question: Do you have any musings on Skandia you would like to share? This column is run by the Board, but we share with members. Talk to a favored board member to get on the schedule. Get a Musing written without a Board member distracting himself by digging thru old letters from his mother :-) Oh! I wrote the word “schedule”! The Skandia Ball is weeks away, in the Latvian Center, on Saturday October 17th. Don’t wait and read how wonderful it was a few months from now: Experience it. Come. —Patrick McMonagle Skandia Vice President

October Skandia events Basics class, Wednesdays, October 21 through December 2, Phinney Neighborhood Center, Room 2, 7:30–9 p.m. Series price: Skandia members, $48; nonmembers, $55. Don Meyers and Kathi Ploeger Skandia Basics on Thursdays in Kirkland! October 1–29, Peter Kirk Center. Series price: Kirkland residents, $50; nonresidents, $60. Taught by Patrick McMonagle and Pat Pi. Beyond Basics class, Thursdays, October 29– November 19, Phinney Neighborhood Center, Room 32, 7:30–9 p.m. Series price: Skandia members, $40; nonmembers, $48. Taught by Elaine Mathies and partner. First Friday Dance, October 2, Cedar Valley Grange. Class, 7:30 p.m.; dance, 8:30–11 p.m. Skandia Jam, October 3, 9:30 a.m.–12 noon, near Tacoma. Third Friday Dance, October 16, Cedar Valley Grange. Class, 7:30 p.m.; dance, 8:30–11 p.m. Skandia Ball, October 17, Latvian Center, lesson and social hour at 6; Ball, 7–11 p.m. See p7 for driving directions to regular events.

SKANDIA NEWSLETTER

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October 2015

Upcoming Skandia dances:

will teach at least schottis and slängpolska, and the program has many tunes that work for these dances.

Unless otherwise noted, all dances take place at Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 - 52nd Ave. W, Lynnwood, WA. Skandia members, $10; nonmembers, $15; kids, free. Class, 7:30–8:30; dance, 8:30–11 p.m.

When you bring friends, suggest to them that they bring shoes appropriate for dancing—a leather sole with a rubber heel is great, but any shoe that allows easy turning will do (so running shoes or hiking boots are not a good idea!). High heels are probably not the best for beginners; a low, stable heel is far better.

Impending fall weather getting you down? Combat the blues with great music and dancing this October at the Cedar Valley Grange!

First Friday Dance, October 2 The first Friday dance on October 2 will feature the music of Skolkis, an energetic quartet composed of EJ Landsman, Emma Anderson, Vicki Watt Warshaw, and Martha Levenson, in two full hours of dance music not to be missed. Zipping the two halves of the dance together will be a small swarm of nyckelharpists playing a half-hour break set. Who can resist? In the workshop prior to the dance, at 7:30, Larry Reinert and Nancy Neuerburg teach Hyfs.

Third Friday Dance, October 16 The third Friday dance on October 16 will feature a visiting band from Sweden that will also be playing at the Skandia Ball on the 17th. What a lucky treat for all of us! They will play two long sets on the 16th, with a half-hour break set by Fiol Glädje—Irene Myers, Bob Hamilton, and Leslie Foley—to give you a taste of that all-fiddle sound. To make all of it even more fun, schottis variations will be taught in the pre-dance workshop at 7:30. —Leslie Foley

Bring a friend to the Skandia Ball! The days are getting shorter, schools are back in session, we’ve passed the equinox, and we’ve been enjoying a summer the likes of which we have not seen in recorded memory. Now that the rainy season and the short days approach, there is at least one consolation—the Skandia Ball is just around the corner! Coming up on Saturday, October 17th, the 61st annual Skandia Ball will again be held at the Latvian Community Center, 11710 3rd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125. Social hour and teaching start at 6 p.m.; the Ball starts at 7 p.m. and continues non-stop until 11 p.m. The Ball has a theme this year: Bring a friend! The health, vitality, and longevity of Skandia (going strong since 1949!) is due to one thing and one thing only—our members. Do your friends wonder what you do on Friday nights when they are sitting home watching TV, being driven out of their minds by commercials? Bring them to the Ball so they can discover what it’s like to be at a social dance! And do not worry, they will be able to dance for many of the tunes, because we will teach them! That’s right—there will be a teaching session from 6 p.m. until about 6:45 p.m. in the hall, just before the Ball. We

Skandia’s annual reunion and our biggest dance party of the year, the Ball will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., during which we invite you to enjoy snacks, beverages, and good conversation with all your Skandia friends. Your contribution of a favorite snack or finger food (in a disposable dish) will add to the fun during this social time and throughout the evening. Remember, the theme is “Bring a friend,” and your friends can enjoy the social hour. If they don’t dance, we offer a quick, easy lesson at 6 p.m. that will get them started. Music and dancing start at 7 p.m. with the Grand March and continue non-stop until 11 p.m. A terrific line-up of our favorite musicians will provide the melodies for a range of gammaldans, village dances, mixers, set dances, and of course, the Grand March. Musicians this year will include a visiting group from Sweden, as well as our talented locals. As always, there will be an Allspel, led by local fiddler and composer Leslie Foley. (Allspel musicians, please see the information elsewhere in this month’s newsletter for the tune list Leslie has planned. If you attend the Allspel rehearsal at 5 p.m. at the hall, you will get in for half price!) So put on your folk costume or other fancy dress, and your dancing shoes, and we’ll see you at the Skandia Ball! Admission to this year’s Ball remains just $20 per person, and will be payable at the door. Persons under 18, as always, get in free, so if your friends have a family, tell them all to come! As always, the Skandia Ball is a cooperative effort, planned by a few but executed and enjoyed by everyone. If you can help with preparations, set-up, cashiering, greeting, cleanup, or any of the myriad other tasks that make the Ball possible, please lend a hand. For that help, you’ll have the thanks of all of us who attend and enjoy this event! If there is a particular aspect you would like to help with, or if you have questions about the Skandia Ball, please contact Bob Hamilton at [email protected]. —Bob Hamilton Chairman of the Skandia Ball

Volunteers needed for the Skandia Ball Dear Skandia members: We need help with the Ball! This year, several of our long-time and very hard-working volunteers are unable to be at the Ball, so we need folks to volunteer to help out while they take a much-deserved rest!

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SKANDIA NEWSLETTER

Particularly, we need help with hall setup, food and beverages, and cleanup.

Skandia Basics, part 2

The success of the Ball is in large part due to the outstanding help that many Skandia members give, so if you are available for a bit of work before or during the evening, please contact me at [email protected]

You brought some friends to the Ball. They are enthusiastic and want to learn more. Now what? Or maybe you want to practice some of the basic dances, or just go out and have fun dancing. Here’s the place to go. Don Meyers and Kathi Ploeger teach the six-week Skandia Basics series starting October 21. We’ll review dances from earlier series and add some more dances to your repertoire. No partner needed. Smooth-soled shoes will help you turn.

Thank you! —Bob Hamilton Chairman of the Skandia Ball

First Friday dance class, October 2nd We are bringing back the fun and lively Hyfs, a dance from Föllinge in Jämtland, Sweden, for the Friday, October 2nd dance class from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hyfs, which is a great choice for dancing to many polka tunes, was introduced in January. This class will be a great opportunity to help cement Hyfs into your dance repertoire. Also, the dance gives your feet more practice with one of the steps, the Bakmes from Kall, which we had fun learning in August as a part of the dance Schottis and Bakmes from Kall. Both leads and follows learn the same steps; they are just done a little off-set, so you can do it with any partner. Please join Larry Reinert and Nancy Neuerburg on October 2nd for an opportunity to learn and dance Hyfs. —Nancy Neuerburg

Third Friday dance class will tune up your schottis On Friday, October 16, join Jerry Walsh and Judy Patterson for a pre-dance schottis variations class from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The timing is perfect—just a day before the Skandia Ball. Bring friends, relatives, your dog groomer (bathed and free of animal dander, please) and come master some new moves. The one-hour session will warm you up for the dance that follows, featuring guest Swedish musicians. See you there! —Jerry Walsh

Skandia music jam Like migrating birds, the jamming musicians are on the move for the October jam. The jam, hosted by Leslie Foley, is on Saturday, October 3, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at her home in University Place, near Tacoma. Bring your instrument(s), a friend, perhaps a yummy snack to share, and consider what favorite tunes you’d like to play! Leslie’s address is 8609 42nd St. W., University Place, WA. Need directions? Call Leslie at (253) 905-6028. —Martha Levenson

When: Wednesdays, October 21 through December 2 (no class Thanksgiving week) Where: Phinney Neighborhood Center, Room 2 Cost:

Skandia members $48; non-members $55 —Kathi Ploeger

Beyond Basics class Thursdays, October 29–November 19 This fall, we’ll spend time with glorious dances from Dalarna: the polskas from Orsa, Boda, and Rättvik. Whether you are new to one or more of these dances or have taken many a spin around the floor in a Dalarna-inspired evening, you will gain skills and increased confidence. What better way to spend a fall evening? Join teachers Elaine Mathies and partner at Phinney Neighborhood Center. Class meets in the lower building of the Phinney Neighborhood Center, Room 32, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Skandia members, $40; nonmembers, $48. —Elaine Mathies

Musicians jam Sunday, October 18 After you’ve danced and played the night away at the Skandia Ball, you’ll be eager to jam with our visiting Swedish musicians. You’ll have time to sleep in, then come on over and jam at Kathi Ploeger and Don Meyers’ house from 1 to 3 p.m. The address is 7016 17th Ave NW, Ballard (Seattle). If you need directions, you may call Kathi at (206) 499-7717 or Don at (206) 619-4510. Dancers are welcome, as space allows. —Kathi Ploeger

Welcome new member: Soren Huber

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October 2015

SKANDIA NEWSLETTER

Outstanding October events feature Swedish dance musicians

She plays her instrument with authority and a hint of a smile. Come and see for yourself! Lena loves to dance (and especially gammaldans), so ask her for a dance when she’s not on stage.

Five talented Swedish musicians (Staffan, Håkan, Tommy, Lena, and Lars) will play for your dancing pleasure the weekend of October 16–18. To check out the group, visit YouTube, and in the search box type “spelar hargalaten” (don’t worry about diacritical marks; this phrase gets you to the right spot). You’ll see the group playing a time-honored hambo tune called “Hårgalåten” for dancers of Akademiska Folkdanslaget in Stockholm. Skandia offers three opportunities to spend time with these delightful people, including the Third Friday dance, the next evening’s gala Skandia Ball, and the Sunday afternoon musicians’ jam (and they can’t wait to jam with local musicians!). See details on all activities elsewhere in this newsletter. This summer, Jerry Walsh, Karen Goettling, and I spent a sunny afternoon with the group in a tiny community of Smidö in Uppland. A nicer group of people would be difficult to find, and they are thrilled to be coming to Seattle (and Vancouver, B.C.). We’ll long remember our private “concert,” the musicians’ obvious joy in playing together, and their tight, highly danceable arrangements. The group, loved by bygdedans and gammaldans fans in Stockholm and beyond, just celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special bash for its many fans. Come dance to their music and see what keeps audiences engaged and on the dance floor until the last note fades. —Judy Patterson

Greetings from Skandia’s Swedish guests! The five musicians coming from Sweden kindly responded to questions about their musical training and experience. Since I had more information than one newsletter article could accommodate, what follows is an overview. Their histories (and stories) are varied and interesting, so please feel free to introduce yourselves and learn more.

Lena (contrabass) A former educator, Lena was born in Åsele, a small community in Lappland. Her first instrument at age 7 was piano, but in her teens, the guitar caught her interest, followed by accordion and cittra. The transition to double bass was born of necessity. While playing cittra in a group called “Cittrasterna,” she recalls that they always had to hire a bass player. “How difficult could it be?” she wondered aloud. Said and done: One of the members borrowed a bass for her to play, and that’s how it started.

L - R, group members are Staffan, Håkan, Tommy, Lena, and Lars.

Håkan (durspel and dragspel) Västmanland, close to the Dalarna border, was where Håkan began playing melodeon at age 8. He was originally self-taught, but later studied with Walle Söderlund, a wellknown Swedish accordion teacher in Stockholm. Gammaldans and polskor from Norway and Sweden top his list of favorite music, but not all polskor can be played on every type of accordion. That’s why you will see him switching instruments as he performs, sometimes playing his current main instrument, a five-row button accordion. Håkan’s other hobbies include blacksmithing and mechanical shop, house-building, and carpentry. You might also chat with him about his decade as a beekeeper or his interest in gammaldanser, polskor, and Latin American dancing.

Staffan (fiddle) Like his colleagues, Staffan found music fascinating when he was young. He remembers his first performance at age 7, standing on a chair in a small school room, singing Hugo Alfvén’s “The winds sigh in the forests” while his older brother played guitar. His main work in music has been teaching classical guitar and leading young students in different folk-music groups. He also has what he calls “a parallel music life in a variety of folk-music groups and time spent performing troubadour songs.” Musical genres Staffan enjoys (besides Swedish folk music) include classical music, songs from the Mediterranean, and music from South and North America (as in Bob Dylan). He likes to sing and does so with enthusiasm, as you’ll hear at the Skandia Ball (or perhaps the night before).

October 2015

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SKANDIA NEWSLETTER

Lars (nyckelharpa) Lars currently leads the Järfälla Spelmän, a group with 80+ members. He recalls fondly that his parents sang in a choir and his childhood was filled with music, including special times singing at home with his mother and brother. The first “big” performance (age 7, with brother, age 4), was singing on a popular Swedish radio program called “Barnens Brevlåda” (Children’s Mailbox). Classical music captured his interest early on, and Lars learned recorder, then flute. His university major was music, with flute as his primary instrument. For two decades, Lars played and taught flute, but folk music was waiting in the wings. A scholarship to study at a Hälsingland music camp with local tradition bearers sparked his interest in folk music, and he began playing nyckelharpa. (His father, who had built his own nyckelharpa years earlier, was no doubt pleased.) Later, Lars studied with the renowned Eric Sahlström at Ekebyholm and completed a year of study at the Eric Sahlström Institute. Now he coordinates the Ekebyholm course and serves on the Board of the Eric Sahlström Memorial Foundation. This summer, Lars successfully tested before the Zorn jury and received the certificate between bronze and silver, a well-deserved accomplishment.

Tommy (cittra) Like Lars, Tommy grew up in a musical family. His first musical memory is his mother playing harmonica to popular songs on the radio. Tommy attributes his feel for rhythm and musical phrases to her. “She could hear a new song and immediately play it, but she could never explain how she could do it. I was envious, for sure! Sometimes she had to do typing work at home. She used to load the record player with records (78 rpm) then put me on a rocking horse while she worked. I loved it! (Not the horse, especially, but the music.)” Early on, Tommy developed an affinity for American music, and if you know the words to “North to Alaska,” he can sing right along with you. His first musical studies involved guitar, and later different brass instruments, including baritone horn, and valve and slide trombones. That interest expanded, and over time, Tommy became the principal baritone horn player for the Järfälla Symphonic Band (of which he was a member for over 40 years). Tommy recalls that touring Japan as a member of the Järfälla Spelmän was quite the musical adventure. “On one occasion, we played for 150 Japanese folk dancers in Swedish costumes, dancing to Swedish folk music. It was amazing!” How did a masterful baritone horn player become a cittra enthusiast? “One day some years ago, I spied a cittra, a Swedish simple chord instrument. I started to pluck the strings, trying to play along with Lars as he played

nyckelharpa. I was immediately hooked. What a fine instrument to accompany fiddles or key harps! What a nice sound—but unfortunately, rather weak. Thanks to that moment, I finally discovered the fantastic treasure of Swedish folk music. But, since cittra is rather unusual, even in our country, I didn’t know how it should be played. So I guess this lack of knowledge led me to a more personal way of playing.” (Author’s note: one word describes his playing: Wow! Keep an eye on him while he performs—he has fiery fingers!) I hope this overview gives you a sense of these charming musicians and their diverse interests. Come and dance to their music! — Judy Patterson

Skandia Ball Allspel set list Calling all musicians! As your allspel leader at the Skandia Ball this year, I am very excited to invite you to contribute to the awe-inspiring sound we will make together. All the tunes we will be playing are available on the Skandia allspel CDs, and there are plenty of golden oldies that many of you already know. We will rehearse the entire set list on the day of the ball, beginning at 5 p.m., leading into the social hour at 6 p.m. Musicians who attend the full rehearsal will get into the ball for half price. I’m honored to lead this set and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. Here is your list:. Vals fr. Kall (for standard family waltz mixer) Steffaleken JP’s Paradmarsch (for Swede-Finn mixer) Mörk ö 4-7 Stockholmslåten Knapp Britta’s Brudpolska Schottis fr. Porjus Hambo-polska fr. Persbacken (Jokkmokk) Norbommen Fanteladda Atataktan (polska efter Kristian Oskarsson) Familje Sextur (mixer) Arctic Circle waltz Gammal Jes Polska efter Börjes Olle —Leslie Foley

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Notice of Annual Meeting and Board of Trustee elections Mark your calendars for Friday, December 4, 2015, for Skandia’s usual First Friday dance, along with our annual seasonal Julestuga celebration and a brief Annual Meeting, where members will elect Board trustees for 2016. Continuing to serve on Skandia’s Board of Trustees (and not up for re-election) are Pat McMonagle, Sal Gordon, and Amy Ravenholt. Kelly Britz, Karen Goettling, and Jerry Walsh, whose terms are up, will leave the Board. Next time you see Karen and Jerry, be sure to thank them for their support of Skandia!

Cost:

$15 Nordic Heritage Museum members $20 Nonmembers

Tickets: Eventbrite (directly, or via link from www.nordicmuseum.org) —Kathi Ploeger

Danish music workshop

Current board members running for re-election are Avilio Moreno Villamediana and Mike Hart. Avilio and Mike will be joined on the ballot by Elaine Murakami and Pat Pi (thank you, Elaine and Pat!). There is plenty of room on that ballot for your name, as well! If you have any interest in running for a Board position—or supporting someone else who is eligible and would like to run—please send an email (no later than October 8th, please) to Kelly Britz at [email protected]. Candidates must have been members of Skandia for at least one year. We are always open to your nominations; just please first make sure the person agrees to run. —Kelly Britz Election Committee Chair

Hone your Scandinavian music skills in a special workshop by the prize-winning and engaging Danish musicians Kristian Bugge (fiddle) and Mette Jensen (accordion). This workshop will take place in Seattle on Saturday afternoon, October 10, 1–4 p.m., at the home of Lyn and Kelly Blanchard. Come on out to 10401 11th Ave NW, Seattle WA 98177 for some wonderful teaching!

Marin/Marin in Seattle! Those who attended the Väsen concert and dance in July will recognize Mikael Marin, one of Väsen’s founding members. He plays five-string viola and violino grande in this duo with Mia Marin. Mia Marin plays five-string violin and is an experienced composer, taking inspiration mainly from traditional music, but also from jazz and classical music. Together they form Marin/Marin. Their repertoire is a mix of traditional Swedish music and original compositions. According to one review, “…lets loose a fiddle duo that surpasses almost everything else in the genre. It sparkles and shines, it’s profound, it’s groovy, it’s beautiful… Frighteningly good.” You won’t want to miss this evening of beautiful fiddle music. The evening will begin with a concert, and then some space will be cleared for those who want to dance. Bring your friends. This is an event you don’t want to miss! When: Thursday, October 22 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Where: Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 NW 67th St, Seattle

—Leslie Foley About the workshop: In the workshop we will work on traditional music from a few of the most famous Danish folk music regions. Kristian has been specializing in musical dialects from around the country. Some of the richest areas are small islands like Læsø and Fanø and the northwestern region called Thy, and Kristian’s home region around the town of Vejle on the Jutland east coast. The repertoire consists of old dance tunes: whirling walzes, happy polkas, groovy jigs, fiery reels, and breathless hopsas, plus the exotic “Sønderhoning” dance tunes from the island of Fanø. So, there is more than enough to work on for an afternoon workshop like this. You’ll get some good tunes to take home and some of the spicy stories about musicians, their lives, and ways to party. We’ll mainly play by ear, so bring some simple recording equipment. —Kristian Bugge

October 2015

Kathi’s corner Åtabakspolska Föllinge, Jämtland, Sweden This gentle dance from Sweden, which is popular among both musicians and dancers, was taught by Judy Patterson and Jerry Walsh at the September 18 dance. Dance it to any slow Jämtland polska. Order:

3 Försteg, 5 Polska, 7 Polkettering, 1 Transition, 8 Bakmes

Försteg:

Outer hands forward, M’s hand on top. (1) Outer, (2) inner slides pointing towards partner, (3) inner.

Polska:

M: W:

(1) L, (3) R (1) R, (3) L

Polketterring: Clockwise, first measure toward middle. Transition: M: change to reverse polska hold, (1) R, (2) L, (3) slap R heel. L: (1) L, (2), (3), place L next to R. Bakmes:

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SKANDIA NEWSLETTER

M: (1) R, (2) L, (3) R, (4) L behind R, (5&) pivot both heels, (6) full feet on floor. W: Same, except starting with (4), i.e., L behind R.

Character: Elegant or graceful. Flat-footed polketerring. Please note that these cues are intended to be a reminder to those who have learned the dance, not a complete description of the dance.

—Kathi Ploeger

Skandia Basics in Kirkland! A 5-week series of Skandia Basics classes through the Kirkland Parks Department starts Thursday, October 1, and continues until Thursday, October 29. The class will emphasize the waltz and hambo. The instructors are Patrick McMonagle and Pat Pi.

Singing workshop with Reidun Horvei Like a poet laureate in the U.S., Reidun Horvei is the “county singer” of Hordaland. She is from Voss in Western Norway, an area where folk music has been a continuous tradition, including song and instrumental music. This workshop will concentrate on the vocal folk music of Hordaland. Come and learn some of the songs, together with Reidun. The only qualifications are that you are interested in the topic and like to sing. When: Saturday, October 24 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Where: Nordic Heritage Museum 3014 NW 67th St, Seattle Cost:

$20 Nordic Heritage Museum members $25 nonmembers

Tickets: Eventbrite (directly or via link from www.nordicmuseum.org) —Kathi Ploeger

Future events 11/5–8 (Utah) Scandi Fall Fest 2015, Salt Lake City, Utah. Dance instructors: Mikkel Thompson and sister Valerie Thompson; Music instructor: JohnAnders Persson. Dances taught will include Telespringar and Bondpolska fran Vista. November 5 Thursday evening concert, Friday evening dance workshop; all-day Saturday dance and music workshops; Sunday dance and music reviews. To register and view all the details, visit www.saltlakescandidance.org/fall-fest-2015.html. 11/22

VASA Mount Vernon, 4th Sunday dance. Live music by Gammeldansk of Vancouver, B.C., 2–5 p.m.

Pricing: $50 for Kirkland residents; $60 for others. Phone: (425) 587-3336.

1/14–2/11 2016 (Kirkland) Skandia Basics on Thursdays in Kirkland!

Also scheduled are two follow-on Thursday series: 1/14/2016 to 2/11/16 and 2/25/2016 to 3/24/16. Registration details will be the same.

2/25–3/24 2016 (Kirkland) Skandia Basics on Thursdays in Kirkland!

—Patrick McMonagle

Save the date for Vinterdans! It’s happening the First Friday in February 2016, which is February 5, and will feature a special Swedish guest. There will also be a music workshop on Saturday, February 6. Add it to your calendars now! —Martha Levenson

2/5–6, 2016 (Lynnwood) Vinterdans, Cedar Valley Grange. Details TBA. 5/13–16, 2016 Springdans Northwest. (Change of date for 2016 only.)

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October 2015 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1 (Seattle) Skandia Beyond Basics, 7:30–9 p.m. (Kirkland) Skandia Basics, 7:30–9 p.m.

2 (CVG, Lynnwood) Skandia 1st Friday dance. Class, dance, 7:30–11 p.m.

3 (University Place) Skandia Jam, 9:30 – noon

4 (Seattle) Swedish pancake breakfast., 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (Port Angeles) Dance, 7–9 p.m.

5 (Poulsbo) Scandinavian dance, 7–9 p.m. (Portland) Norsk Runddansere, 7:30– 8:30 p.m.

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7 (Seattle) Skandia Basics, 7:30–9 p.m. (Burnaby, B.C.) Scandinavian dance, 7:30–10 p.m.

8 (Seattle) Skandia Beyond Basics, 7:30–9 p.m. (Kirkland) Skandia Basics, 7:30–9 p.m.

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11 (Port Angeles) Dance, 7–9 p.m.

12 (Poulsbo) Scandinavian dance, 7–9 p.m. (Portland) Norsk Runddansere, 7:30– 8:30 p.m.

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14 (Seattle) Skandia Basics, 7:30–9 p.m. (Burnaby, B.C.) Scandinavian dance, 7:30–10 p.m.

15 (Seattle) Skandia Beyond Basics, 7:30–9 p.m. (Kirkland) Skandia Basics, 7:30–9 p.m.

16 (CVG, Lynnwood) Skandia 3rd Friday dance. Class, dance, 7:30–11 p.m.

17 SKANDIA BALL, 6–11 p.m., Latvian Center

18 (Seattle) Musicians’ jam with Swedish musicians (Port Angeles) Dance, 7–9 p.m.

19 (Poulsbo) Scandinavian dance, 7–9 p.m. (Portland) Norsk Runddansere, 7:30– 8:30 p.m.

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21 (Seattle) Skandia Basics, 7:30–9 p.m. (Burnaby, B.C.) Scandinavian dance, 7:30–10 p.m.

22 (Seattle) Skandia Beyond Basics, 7:30–9 p.m. (Kirkland) Skandia Basics, 7:30–9 p.m.

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25 (Port Angeles) Dance, 7–9 p.m.

26 (Poulsbo) Scandinavian dance, 7–9 p.m. (Portland) Norsk Runddansere, 7:30– 8:30 p.m.

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38 (Seattle) Skandia Basics, 7:30–9 p.m. (Burnaby, B.C.) Scandinavian dance, 7:30–10 p.m.

29 (Seattle) 30 Skandia Beyond Basics, 7:30–9 p.m. (Kirkland) Skandia Basics, 7:30–9 p.m.

31

October events Sundays (Port Angeles) Regular Sunday dance. Scandinavian and ballroom dancing Sundays, 7–9 p.m. Scandia Hall at 131 W 5th St., Port Angeles, WA. Donations taken at the door. Info: Sandy or Paul, (360) 457-7035 or [email protected]. Mondays (Poulsbo) Scandinavian dance instruction, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Sons of Norway Hall, 18891 Front Street. If the Skandia Ball on October 17 merely whets your interest in dancing, come with or without a partner and continue dancing at the party dance in Poulsbo on October 19. Bring a treat to share and your dance shoes. Questions: Julie at (360) 394-9698 or Laurel at (360) 876-8907. Mondays (Portland) Norske Runddansere Scandinavian Folkdance. First night of fall teaching season is September 14th. We dance and teach couple and circle dances and lively mixers from all five Scandinavian countries. We meet at Scandinavian Heritage Foundation’s Nordia House at 8800 SW

Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223. Regular admission is $4; first dance free, and free for students; $50 for annual membership. Everyone is welcome! Please bring separate indoor dancing shoes. Lessons every Monday, 7:30–8:30 p.m., fall–spring. Open request dance year-round. Info: Newgards, (503) 636–7509 or [email protected]. Website: www.norskerunddansere.org Wednesdays, (Burnaby, B.C.) Scandinavian dance. Weekly teaching & request dancing to recorded music from September through April, with time off around Christmas. Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas St., 7:30–10 p.m., $8. Second Wednesdays are live music nights at an alternate location; see www.vcn.bc.ca/scandi for the venue and details. Info: Judith, (604) 526-4722 or [email protected]. 10/1–29 (Kirkland) Skandia Basics on Thursdays in Kirkland! Peter Kirk Center. Taught by Patrick McMonagle and Pat Pi. 10/4 (Seattle) Swedish pancake breakfast. Live music, dancing, and authentic Swedish pancakes,

October 2015

9 SKANDIA NEWSLETTER with ham, lingonberries, and all the fixin’s. Music Skandia Newsletter by Seattle Skandia Spelmanslag, Skandia Kapell, Published by Skandia Folkdance Society and Folk Voice Band. $9; SCC members, $7; P.O. Box 17123 children ages 5–12, $5. 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Swedish Seattle, WA 98127-0823 Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave N. (425) 954-5262 10/9 Scandinavian Folkdance, 8 p.m., Swedish www.skandia-folkdance.org Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle. Look for us on Facebook! Search on Skandia Washington Band to be announced - Patrick McMonagle hosts. Editor: Kathy D. Bruni; Subscriptions: Don Meyers & Kathi Donations to band and Swedish Club accepted. Ploeger; Distribution: Toni Randall, Yolanda Gordon, Hank Pettit It’s a folk dance party: “A Lotta Shoe Leather Worn Out”—Pat celebrates 50 years of folk dance, Address newsletter items to: since October of 1965. Kathy D. Bruni, Editor 14805 NE 177th St 10/12 (Portland) Hambo Fest with Norske Woodinville, WA 98072-6223 Runddansere. Learn the hambo, 7:30–8:30, then (425) 485-1638 dance Sweden’s National Dance and other easy Email: [email protected] dances until 10 p.m. Members free; nonmembers, $5. Please bring separate indoor dancing shoes. Address member information and requests to: Location: SHF’s Nordia House (8800 SW Oleson Skandia Membership Committee P.O. Box 17123 Road, Portland OR 97223). Seattle, WA 98127-0823 10/17–18 (Seattle) Leif Erikson Lodge 2-001 Bazaar. Email: [email protected] Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sons of Norway, 2245 NW 57th St. Info: (206) Skandia Folkdance Society Board of Trustees: President, Kelly Britz; Vice President, Patrick McMonagle; Treasurer, 783-1274, [email protected], or Sal Gordon; Secretary, Karen Goettling; Trustees, Mike Hart, www.leiferiksonlodge.com. Amy Ravenholt, Avilio Moreno Villamediana, & Jerry Walsh. 10/17 (Seattle) Skandia Ball, Latvian Center, 11710 3rd Ave. NE. Dance lesson and social hour, 6 p.m.; Send items for the Other events column to: dance, 7–11 p.m. [email protected], or mail (typed only) to Kathy D. 10/21 Skandia Basics class taught by Don Meyers and Bruni, Skandia Newsletter, 14805 NE 177th St., Woodinville, WA 98072-6223. Items for the November issue must arrive Kathi Ploeger, 10/21–11/19, plus 12/2 (no class by October 10. Please include date, time, cost, location, conThanksgiving week). tact phone number, and email address. Priority is given to local 10/23 (Tacoma) Scandinavian Dance with Sons of Scandinavian dance and music events. Norway, 7–10:30 p.m. NOTE: This time only, the dance is Friday. Music by Skandia Kapelle. Learn Directions to regular Skandia events or review schottische with Jennifer Roach at 7 Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle: from I-5 northbound or southbound, take exit 172 (N 85th St/ p.m. Dance, 8–10:30 p.m. Scandinavian couple Aurora Ave); drive west on N 85th about a mile; turn south onto dances. Circle and mixer dances reviewed. No Greenwood and go south 1 mile; turn left at 67th (where Greenwood partner needed. Normanna Hall, 1106 S. 15th St. doglegs east and becomes Phinney); go half a block downhill to (corner of 15th and M L King St. Tacoma). $10 for the lower parking lot. Room 2 is in the main building, next to the adults. $7 for Sons of Norway--Norden 2 members upper parking lot. ($10 for couples). $5 for non-dancers. Students free. Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood: from I-5 Info: (253) 759-3731 or [email protected]. north- or southbound, take exit 179; turn east on 220th St. Go half a mile to the stop sign at 52nd St.; turn left and go a short mile to the 10/23–25 Fall Swedish Music & Dance Weekend, featuring hall (on your left). Dances on first and third Fridays of every month. Paul Dahlin and Bruce Sagan, Folklore Village, Wisconsin. Info: www.folklorevillage.com. Newsletter advertising policy 10/26 (Portland) Norske Runddansere’s Harvest 1. Skandia will not accept paid advertisements for the newsletter. Dance Scandinavian Folk Dance. Live music by 2. Announcements of activities and events congruent with Hale Bill and the Bopps of Washington, 7:30–10 Skandia’s educational and cultural foci will be accepted on a p.m. Festive attire encouraged, Bring snacks to share. space-available basis, unless they conflict with scheduled Skandia events. Exceptions can be made for the inclusion in Members, $8; nonmembers, $12; listening only, the monthly calendar listing. $5; family(2 adult fees), $16–24. Please bring sep3. Classified advertisements from Skandia Folkdance Society arate indoor dancing shoes. Location: SHF’s Normembers for non-commercial purposes will be accepted for dia House (8800 SW Oleson Road, Portland OR free on a space-available basis. An example of “non97223). Info: www.norskerunddansere.org. commercial” would be a member trying to sell a pair of dance shoes that no longer fits. 10/29 Skandia Beyond Basics class taught by Elaine 4. Any exceptions to these policies have to be approved by the Mathies and Pat Pi, 10/29– 11/19. Board of Trustees.

Newsletter publication

SKANDIA FOLKDANCE SOCIETY SKANDIA NEWSLETTER 10

October 2015

Post Office Box 17123 Seattle, WA 98127-0823

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