BOTH PHOTOS BY BEN SMITH
Michael says. A waltz is also occasionally thrown
“We felt like we were acting,” Eicher said. “I
into the mix. It’s all good exercise, she says.
discovered I liked acting.”
English Country Dances sometimes spur
For the International Folk Dances — the next
people to make costumes — apparel typical of
one is scheduled for December 14 — the band
the era. After attending her first English country
has learned songs from Israel, Croatia, Bulgaria,
dance, Eicher decided to sew a dress and added
French Canada, Ireland, Bolivia and China.
gloves and a headpiece with flowers. A friend
“We’re having so much fun with this,” Michael
hired someone to make herself a dress, too.
says. A world map is pinned to a wall in the ballroom, with pins marking countries whose music the band has performed. “We will keep adding to it,” Michael says.
While children younger than 10 would
find most of the dances challenging, a family dance scheduled for January 6 at 5 p.m. is perfect for families with youngsters. Parents are encouraged to bring their younger children to these events.
Contra dancing is
extremely popular in
For a schedule of dances in 2020, visit fifthreelmusicanddance.com.
New England, where it originated in the United States, and is also common in the Pacific Northwest and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Eicher, who plays piano, has been asked to
sit in with the band on occasion — although, these days, she declines. “I’d rather dance,” she says. :
66
