Artist-in-Residence, Becky Hill hosts Master West Virginia Square Dance Caller, Flatfooter & Musician, Mack Samples for a weekend of fun, fast friends, cool tunes, and hot dances. A concert, community dance, and a day-long series of workshops welcome beginners, budding pickers, and avid dancers. If you’ve ever been to Helvetia Hoot or Dare to Be Square, this will be a similar experience. This weekend offers a window into traditional mountain square dances, Appalachian storytelling, old-time fiddle tunes, flatfooting, folklore, and more.
- 9:30–10:30 a.m. All-level Traditional Mountain Square Dance with Q&A
Let’s get the day started right. Before coffee, there was square dancing. Come solo or with a partner and we’ll all ease into the day with some basic warmup dances. - 11:00–12:00 p.m. Beginner/Intermediate Flatfoot Clogging with Old Time Slow Jam
We’ll keep our blood moving as Becky Hill teaches the room. If you already flatfoot, perhaps you’d like to learn a step or two like Mack or Lou? If you’ve never danced a beat in your life, we’ll get you going too. Also look out for a mini demonstration of steps from dancers like Thomas Maupin, Aurthur Grimes, and Robert Dotson. - 12:00–1:30 p.m. LUNCH
***Bring a lunch and feel free to grab a picnic table in the garden or anywhere on campus. - 1:30–2:30 p.m. Storytelling in Appalachia- Reflections of West Virginia In Poetry and Prose
While we digest our lunch, Mack will step into his author/storyteller shoes. We’ll take a ride through central WV as he doodlebugs his way through the afternoon. - 3:00–4:00 p.m. Glenville, WV Style Square Dance Figures, Calls, & History
The distinct visiting couple Glenville Style came together over the last century, catered to keeping dancers in time with the calls and the rip-roaring banjo fiddle bands. It is said that the playful improvisation of figures was to make sure dancers didn’t get ahead by predicting a repetitive choreography. What we’re left with is an incredibly fun style of set dancing which weaves together various traditional figures in each dance. - 4:45-5:45 p.m. Presentation on Old Time Music & Dance (open to the public at no charge)
Mack was an educator, so we can’t let him leave without his storied presentation of the roots or old-time music and dance. He’s given this presentation at Warren Wilson College, Augusta Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College among others. - 7:00–10:00 p.m. Stay a while longer and enjoy the Saturday COMMUNITY DANCE featuring the House Band w/ caller Mack Samples. (open to the public)
Check out the Folk School’s Blog for more Appalachian Music & Dance Weekend Events.
For folks who wish to stay the weekend call 828-837-2775 for information regarding the Folk School camp ground reservations and policies.
About Becky Hill:
Becky Hill is a percussive dancer, choreographer, educator, and square dance caller. She is honored to be the current Artist-in-Residence at the Folk School and is excited to introduce you to Mack Samples one of her all-time favorite people and dance callers. As an avid organizer and teacher, Becky’s work is deeply rooted in the intersections of dance, music, pepperoni rolls, and community.
About Mack Samples:
Mack Samples was born and raised in Corton, West Virginia, a rural community near the Kanawha/Clay County lines. Since his retirement in 1999 Mack has enjoyed some success as a writer, authoring nine books. Mack has always been involved in traditional music. His band, The Samples Brothers, has been active since 1978 and still performs on the festival circuit. He is a well-known traditional square dance caller. In 2003 Mack was presented with the Vandalia Award, the highest award for the preservation of traditional life in the Mountain State.
