Summerdance by Christina Horzepa

Caramoor’s 2011 Dancing at Dusk series kicks off, quite literally, on June 29 with a concert of Irish music. Certainly there will be lots of kicking, as dancers demonstrate traditional Irish dancing. But the event promises much more than straight-legged, high-reaching, Riverdance-style kicking.

The Dancing at Dusk series, hosted by Caramoor Family Program Designer Katie Kresek, uses music as the catalyst for a wonderful journey of exploration. Katie creates a multisensory experience that includes listening, learning, dancing, and a range of related art activities suitable for toddlers, teens, and anyone in between. The program she’s planned, called “Irish Music with a Global Twist,” promises to be far more nuanced than a simple step dancing demonstration. The event will mix traditional Celtic fiddle tunes with American folk and world music influences. As the musicians play, a dance instructor will encourage the audience to join in jigs, reels, and other traditional dances. In addition to listening and dancing, there also will be opportunities to picnic, mingle, chat with musicians, ask questions about the music, learn about the instruments, and more. An intelligent and engaging hostess, Katie is also a master at pacing, so the afternoon promises to be that priceless (affordable, too) commodity: an event that all ages can enjoy with equal vigor.

Christina Horzepa
Caramoor Contributor