Newsletter of the Central Illinois English Country Dancers

Spring 1998

The Central Illinois English Country Dancers had a very successful year in 1997. We held 10 monthly dances at the Springer Cultural Center with an average attendance of 18 dancers and 8 musicians. Noteworthy events at the Springer Center were the Washington's Birthday dance in February with 30 dancers in attendance and the Independence Day dance in July with 25 dancers. In addition to the Christmas and Playford Balls we held three other special events; a pool party in July at the Hobgood's, a dance at Susan Burt and Larry Stout's home in Normal in August and a dance in the Sunken Garden at Allerton Park in September.

This year the weather cooperated with us on our outdoor events. July was very hot so dancing in the pool was very refreshing. In September the rains held off to allow us a fine day for dancing at Allerton Park.

This spring we have a couple of special events planned. On February 22 we will once again hold a dance to celebrate George Washington's birthday. At this dance we will feature early American dances of the sort that Washington enjoyed. On Saturday, April 18 John Ramsay from St. Louis will be leading some afternoon workshops followed by a special evening dance. John is the former director of the Berea College Country Dancers. He is now retired and currently dances with the St. Louis English Country Dancers. Further information on time and place for this event will be made available as the details are worked out. The spring season will of course culminate with our Playford Ball on Saturday, June 6.

For further information:

Jonathan Sivier - 217/359-8225, email: j-sivier@uiuc.edu
Jane Hobgood at 217/328-1708
The CIECD webpage; http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~j-sivier/ciecd/

Spring schedule:

Most dances will be held at the Springer Cultural Center, 301 N. Randolph in downtown Champaign. We ask for a $1 donation at these dances to pay for the use of the facility.

Sunday, January 25: Dance from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Springer Cultural Center.

Sunday, February 22: George Washington's Birthday Dance from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Springer Cultural Center. This dance will feature early American dances from the Colonial and Revolutionary eras.

Saturday, March 21: Dance from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Springer Cultural Center.

Saturday, April 18: Afternoon workshops led by John Ramsay with a dance in the evening. Details to be announced.

Sunday, May 17: Dance from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Springer Cultural Center.

Saturday, June 6: Playford Ball from 7:00-11:00 p.m. at a location to be announced.

For the current schedule and further information return to the CIECD webpage
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