The Allegan Woods Folk Arts Co- Operative (AWFAC), in conjunction with the department of dance at Hope College, will sponsor a residency in Michigan and American folk dance with Glen and Judi Morningstar on Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23.
The Morningstars will guest teach for the college's "Folk, Social and Square Dance" class and "Period Dance" class, as well as present several lectures. They will also conduct afternoon workshops, coupled with evening dances, on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 22-23.
The workshops and dances are open to the general public. Singles, families and beginners are welcome.
The workshop on Friday, Nov. 22, will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hope College in Snow Auditorium of Nykerk Hall of Music, located in the middle of campus along the former 12th Street between College and Columbia avenues. The dance will follow at 7 p.m.
The workshop on Saturday, Nov. 23, will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Park Township Hall, located at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds on Ottawa Beach Road in Park Township. The dance will follow at 7 p.m.
Admission to the workshops is free. Admission to the dances is $6 for those of the general public who are 16 or older, and free for those 15 and younger. Admission to the dances is $5 for AWFAC members. For Hope students, admission is free for the Friday dance and $5 for the Saturday dance.
Live music for the workshops and dances will be provided by Judi Morningstar with Dave Raffenaud and Mark Schrock. Participants are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably, with a comfortable pair of shoes.
Glen and Judi Morningstar have an extensive history of bringing a high-quality historical dance experience to people of all ages and backgrounds. Glen Morningstar's mission is to educate youth and adults in the traditions of music, song and dance from 1500 to 2000, with a focus on Michigan and American traditions of the 19th and 20th centuries. Fiddle, five-string banjo, sea shanties, lumbering shanties, square dances, reels, contra dances, dance history and deportment are at the core of the workshops. Fun and interaction are emphasized in the workshops, which include demonstration and participation.
Glen and Judi Morningstar have taught, played, presented and called throughout the state of Michigan, including regularly at Lovett Hall in Greenfield Village and at the popular Wheatland Festival. They are also known throughout the Midwest and internationally.
Both AWFAC and the college's department of dance are committed to bringing quality dance experiences to the Holland area. The collaboration between AWFAC and Hope is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Holland Area Arts Council and Michigan Dance Heritage. Additional information may be obtained by calling (616) 396-2060.