A taste of Renaissance English dancing is coming to town, with the Flying Romanos from New York performing music by local composer Elizabeth Goosen. She will be in our studios to talk about the music and the new CD which is being released this weekend.

You say you've never heard of English Country Dancing?! You're in good company, since many people are unfamiliar with it. But if you've watched Pride and Prejudice on tv, or seen Sense and Sensibility or Emma at the movies, you have indeed seen it. But fear not - English Country Dancing is not the obscure relic you might think it to be! While this traditional form of dance has been around for several hundred years, it's still thriving today, and right here in Winnipeg!

Elizabeth Goossen began English Country Dancing (ECD) over 40 years ago She is one of the founding members of The Village Green English Dancers of WInnipeg. In the early years she was a dancer. As the years passed her interest , knowledge and expertise grew. She became one of the teachers of the group, began devising dances and then about 10 years ago began composing music for the dances as well. In 1981 she devised a trilogy of dances for a visiting workshop teacher> The impetus for creating a new dance is always a special occasion, a birthday, an anniversary, a departure of a friend and in 2007 , to celebrate VIllage Green's 30th anniversary, the creation of 20 dances with music composed for 12. At this time Village Green's house band, The Fine Companions recorded these tunes. These can be heard on Daisies in the WInd, Volume 6. Elizabeth continues to be an integral part of Village Green sharing her love and passion for Enlgish Dance.

The Flying Romanos, from New York, have recorded Elizabeth's music and are "flying" in to help her launch the CD with a performance.The Flying Romanos are: Robin Russell (“RO”) on piano Marnen Laibow-Koser (“MA”) on violin, viola, recorders Norma Castle (“NO”) on flute and percussion.

The Romanos have been playing and having fun together since 1998. When they play for dancing, they strive above all to provide clear phrasing and a strong rhythmic pulse that will drive the dancers into the specific moves of the dance at hand; they also like to give each tune a distinct “flavor.” You can find them playing at ECD and contra groups in the NY Metro area, and further afield at dances, balls, dance weekends and special events in the US and abroad.

 

There is a whole weekend of dancing from April 28-30, but the CD release is taking place on Saturday April 29th. Here are the details.