Wanna dance? _______________________________
Discover the joy of a "called" dance.
Wanna dance? _______________________________
Discover the joy of a "called" dance.
The Dancing Violet: "Calling" All Dancers
Parties and Events
Schools, Churches & Fundraisers
Parties and Events
Give your guests the gift of a dance!
There is something powerful about the shared musical experience of being together on the dancefloor and in a world where communal experiences are becoming rarer, dance satisfies a deep rooted desire we all have for interaction.
A caller keeps your evening moving along ensuring everyone is entertained
Give your guests the gift of a dance!
There is something powerful about the shared musical experience of being together on the dancefloor and in a world where communal experiences are becoming rarer, dance satisfies a deep rooted desire we all have for interaction.
A caller keeps your evening moving along ensuring everyone is entertained and feels included from the very young to those who want to take things at a steadier pace. It is also great fun to watch for those who are sitting one out.
Whether your event is at a vineyard, a gymnasium or a five-star hotel, dancing is a delightful and memorable way to throw a party!
Fill out the contact form below to discuss your event. From space requirements to music, there are several factors that can make for a great celebration.
Our History
Schools, Churches & Fundraisers
Parties and Events
Founded in 2016, The Dancing Violet has called dances for schools (kindergarten through highschool) and events for more than 8 years. Our mission is to help everyone discover the joys of a called dance where all ages and stages are invited to the floor for a whiz bang of a good time. With rich roots in contra, ceilidh, and English count
Founded in 2016, The Dancing Violet has called dances for schools (kindergarten through highschool) and events for more than 8 years. Our mission is to help everyone discover the joys of a called dance where all ages and stages are invited to the floor for a whiz bang of a good time. With rich roots in contra, ceilidh, and English country, the time is ripe to dust off these communal dances, add our own special flair and jump in. Is it possible for complete beginners to dance a 500 year old dance to music from the 1970's? Absolutely.
Intergenerational. Time-tested.
And totally accessible.
Schools, Churches & Fundraisers
Schools, Churches & Fundraisers
Schools, Churches & Fundraisers
"Let us admit that if all that talk about basketball and volleyball “furthering community and encouraging teamwork” is true, it is all the more true of a Scottish reel...
Team sports are primarily an occupation of the young and tend to separate young people from old people, whereas a dance allows young and old, male and female, married a
"Let us admit that if all that talk about basketball and volleyball “furthering community and encouraging teamwork” is true, it is all the more true of a Scottish reel...
Team sports are primarily an occupation of the young and tend to separate young people from old people, whereas a dance allows young and old, male and female, married and single to be involved in the same physical task, thus offering a far more accurate depiction of society...
All the couples in a dance are physical co-laborers—there is nothing even vaguely abstract about it—and so a dance is an icon of what a healthy community must be when the dance is over....
For the love of God, we need more dancing." -
Joshua Gibbs
The Dancing Violet has called dances for schools (K-12) for more than 8 years.
Thanksgivng Festival or Christmas Ball? A unique spring fundraiser for parents? Fill out the contact form below to discuss your event. From space requirements to music, there are several factors that can make for a great experience.
Thoughts
When I think of the word "dancer" or "singer" I think of someone who has had years of training with perfect rhythm and natural talent. But we're all meant to sing and dance even if we're not particularly gifted at it. From choirs to folk music, tribal celebrations to regency era balls, communal song and dance have historicaly been a part of every group under the sun. Except now. While community singing is still somewhat hanging on in our culture through community choirs and faith communities, communal dancing is all but non-existent. Its not part of our cultural repertoire. And that's a shame, because it really is something everyone can do and enjoy. And I think it is important.
Philosopher and educator Joshua Gibbs states that in dances there are "gestures that recall our shared humanity because they unavoidably remind us of our shared physicality. Human beings ought to touch one another, but not however and whenever they please. Dancing teaches us that there are proper and improper ways of handling other human bodies—and it teaches us this not through theories, but through experience...We now regard physical contact between persons as either sexual, violent, or an indication of sickness (a doctor touches his patient). However, dancing offers us physical contact with others which is generous, structured, mannered, and lively."
And it is just so. much. fun.
On a recent trip to London, I was able to attend several different types of community dances, seeing it function in a modern environment. From a 20-something ceilidh to an "all skate" English country dance with varied ages and stages, these Brits knew how to have an "evening out."
"THERE ARE SHORTCUTS TO HAPPINESS AND DANCING IS ONE OF THEM."
Vicki Baum
