Rocky IX

English Country Music and Dance Workshop

The Denver Chapter ARS sponsored an all day English Country Music and Dance Workshop on Saturday, 3/6/10 with guest presenter, Pat Petersen. Pat is a nationally known ARS certified teacher as well as an expert on early music and English country dance. The Workshop was held at the Berkeley Community Church in Denver and was a wonderful collaboration between 33 early music musicians and 24 country music dancers from the area. Pat put together an exciting program of English Country music pieces by Purcell and Handel that the musicians practiced in the first part of the day. In the afternoon and evening sessions there was an opportunity for the musicians to dance the pieces learned earlier with much needed guidance from the local country music dancers! Favorite pieces by Purcell and Handel included Lilliburlero, Hole in the Wall, Elverton Grove, Handel With Care, and the very fast Siege of Limerick. The event offered a unique and enjoyable experience for musicians and dancers to collaborate and appreciate beautiful music and dance together. There are already requests to have a similar event next year.