Dance Workshops
Hoop Dance
Come and experience this revolutionary movement that combines meditation, exercise, grace and play. Hooping is an amazing path for conscious embodiment and creative expression. Taught by Jewels of HoopDrum.
Adult Beginner
This playshop is intended for folks in a new relationship with the hoop. Hoop Booth beside the Meadow Stage, Saturday 11am
Adult Intermediate
This playshop is intended for those who have some experience with the hoop. We’ll explore some intermediate/advanced and off-body techniques to take hooping to the next level. Dance Tent, Friday 12noon
Swing Dance
Award-winning ballroom dancer, Adam Phillips, started teaching when he was 19 years old. In addition to Swing dancing, he teaches a variety of dance styles, including Salsa, Merengue, Rhumba, Foxtrot and Tango. He is currently a free-lance dance instructor and teaches private and group classes throughout the Triangle. Dance Tent, Friday 6:30pm
Clogging with Apple Chill
Learn to clog, a form of percussive dance based on local dance styles hundreds of years old! Get your feet flying as the Apple Chill Cloggers teach some easy steps to get you started. No experience necessary; if you can walk, you can clog! Performance: Main Stage, Saturday 1pm; Workshop: Saturday 11am
Zydeco, Cajun & Country Two-Step
Jack Wolf and Sandra Smith from Hillsborough, NC, like to think of themselves as “crossdancers.” They run a bimonthly dance called Dance Gumbo. This is a gumbo of swing, latin, zydeco, waltz, cajun and country two-step. To quote Jack, “Improv is great, but learning to couples-dance—lead and follow—is an intimate way to communicate with friends or strangers, in a gentle, sensual, caring manner. My goal in particular is to get the younger adults and teenagers to catch the dance fever.” Dance Tent, Two-Step Saturday 7:30; Zydeco Saturday 2:30pm; Cajun Sunday 1pm
Music Workshops
Banjo with Richie Stearns
Richie Stearns has played in bands ranging from Donna the Buffalo to Natalie Merchant; he co-created The Horse Flies and helped found the GrassRoots Festivals. He is also an excellent banjo teacher… so stop by the front porch with your banjo and learn a tune, or just hang out and listen. Front Porch, Saturday 2:30pm
Introduction to the Didgeridoo with Harper (Yidaki)
Harper will provide a general introduction to the Australian indigenous instrument, the didgeridoo (yidaki), and its place in Aboriginal history including discussion of the spiritual and healing qualities of the instrument and its use in Aboriginal religious ceremonies. He will also talk about the different types of woods and keys available, demonstrate breathing techniques to develop circular breathing, various birdcalls and rhythms through song. This workshop is designed for beginners and advanced players, or for people who just want to listen to the haunting woody tones of this incredible instrument made by nature. Front Porch, Friday 5:30pm
Songwriting with Old Man Luedecke
Luedecke is a young man with an old soul whose raw emotional sound is tinged with bittersweet hopefulness. He channels a sound of folk singers of days gone by, but it’s Luedecke’s contemporary lyrics, coupled with the rhythm of old time banjo that audiences connect with. Anchored in his music’s melodic confidence is an ability to tap into a common muddled and often dark search for meaning. Front Porch, Saturday 12noon
African Drum Workshop with Diali Cissokho
Check out Diali Keba Cissokho’s performances throughout the festival, but don’t miss your chance to learn some high-energy drum rhythms from Senegal, West Africa. Bring your own drum or borrow one of Diali’s. Cabaret Tent, Sunday 3:30pm
Blues Guitar, Piano & Song with Ron Hunter & Ironing Board Sam
Ron Hunter was born in Winston-Salem, NC. His father, who was a sharecropper, taught Ron how to sing and play the guitar at a young age. Mentored by the legendary Guitar Gabriel and versed in R&B, Rock & the Blues of BB King, Ron plays both electric and acoustic guitars in dramatically different styles. From Gabe’s advice, Hunter developed his unique sound all while raising a family and working a day job. As a maintenance man, you could find Ron locked up in his closet-sized office, plucking away at his guitar and pouring out the blues. Hunter just released his second album The Great Unknown, which, aside from receiving praise in the Living Blues magazine, proves his mastery of the blues and folk niches.
Ironing Board Sam is a truly gifted and engaging performer. Sam’s powerful, soulful voice and remarkable piano prowess remain undiminished. In fact, he believes that he’s only getting better with age, saying, “This is the time when in my life it seems to be that I’m at my best because I know more on how to write music, know more how to play it, know more how to get it to the audience, know more about everything. I’m 70 years old. It took this time, you know.” Check out these Music Maker Bluesmen on the Front Porch, Saturday 4pm
Fiddle with Claire Byrne of Driftwood
Driftwood has been said to wrap together “all manner of musics that fall under the Americana blanket.” It is modest to say then, that Claire Byrne incorporates a variety of fiddle styles into her music. Bring your fiddle and learn a tune with her. Feel free to bring recording devices and plenty of questions! Front Porch, Sunday 1pm
Cigar Box Guitar with Justin Johnson
Multi-instrumentalist and award-winning slide blues guitarist Justin Johnson has become widely known for his unique approach to solo performance, using a loop station to accompany himself, and a varied cast of guitars to craft the exact combination of tones he wants. Be sure to catch Justin’s performance at the festival, and then join him in this workshop for an exploration of the history, tunings, and techniques of the cigar box guitar, and tips for using a slide with the CBG to get that deep-roots blues flavor. Front Porch, Friday 4pm
Irish Dance Music with The Grady Girls
Performers of GrassRoots Festivals past and future, these sprightly young ladies would like to show you an Irish tune or two. Bring your fiddles and tin whistles and stop by the Front Porch, Friday 2pm
Cajun Fiddle with Michael Doucet and Mitchell Reed of BeauSoleil
Nominated for over 11 grammys in their 30-year-plus career, BeauSoleil offers cajun music that is authentic and honest. Stop by the front porch for an intimate look at the Louisiana fiddle style of Michael Doucet and Mitchell Reed. Front porch, Sunday 12noon
Children’s Music Workshop
Spread Your Musical Wings with the Angel Band Foundation. See description in Children’s Activities. Children under 10 at the Kids Tent, Friday 2pm; Ages 10+ at The Outpost, Sunday 11am
Movement Workshops
Tensegrity
Modern version of movements called “magical passes” developed by Indian Shamans who lived in Mexico prior to the Spanish conquest. A mix of the terms tension and integrity—terms which connotate two driving forces of magical passes. Dance Tent, Friday 10:30am; Saturday 10am; Sunday 10:15am
Beginner Aerial Silks
Explore the art of aerial dance on silk fabrics! This one hour introductory lesson will allow students to try several simple aerial dance poses, therapeutic inversions and basic climbing technique for silks. Please wear fitted clothing (no jewelery ) and be ready to hang upside down. Warning: highly addictive! Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Aerial performance by Kaci (AcroEntertainment) and Liz (Cirque du Vol) immediately following workshop. Meeting Oak Behind the House, Saturday 11am
Yoga
These workshops will start with a short meditation, then go into some all levels yoga postures to warm up, followed by holding poses, ending with time for relaxation. There will be focus on linking the yoga poses with the deliberate movement of the breath in order to find your own particular edge in each position. The classes will provide a safe space for exploration of the internal world in order to connect to your deeper nature and tune-in to the body’s innate wisdom. All levels, including beginners, are welcome—advanced variations and modifications will be provided according to experience.
Movement Tent
Gentle Yoga
Led by Tina Craven, Sunday 3pm
Integral Hatha/Vinyasa Flow
Led by Peggy Selby, Friday 11am & 4pm; Saturday 4pm
Hatha Yoga
Led by Casey McAuliffe, Friday 9am & Saturday 9am. Led by Kelsey LaPoint, Sunday 10am. Led by Emily Burrows, Sunday 4pm.
Partner Stretch Yoga
Led by Sarah Sotak, Saturday 11am
Power Yoga
Led by Leahann Bowen-Schmitt, Friday 10am & Sunday 12noon. Led by Monty Coggins, Friday 1pm, & 5pm; Saturday 2pm
Yoga for Back Care
Led by Sarah Sotak, Saturday 1pm
Lil’ Asana: Yoga for Kids
The intention of this class is to help kids discover how their bodies move and to cultivate breath awareness, creativity, freedom of movement and fun. This is primarily done through the practice of yoga asanas (postures) and non-competitive movement games. Storytelling, art, nature and basic concepts of yogic philosophy may be incorporated if time allows. Movement Tent, Led by Bryanne Senor, Friday 12noon. Led by Casey McAuliffe, Sunday 9am
Rise and Shine: Kids’ Yoga
Come start the day off by stretching, breathing, flowing and relaxing at this yoga class especially for children (parents are also welcome to join in). Plenty of songs, games and movement for those kids still working on the wake up, and also time to slow it down and find some peace. No need to bring mats – just come with an open mind and open heart.
Cabaret Tent, Friday 10am & Saturday 10am
Nia
Come and experience the pleasure of Nia (Pronounced “nee-ya,”), the hottest fusion fitness in mind-body wellness. For all levels and ages. Nia is a joyful and exhilarating practice that combines martial arts, yoga, dance and spiritual self-healing. It delivers a safe, effective cardiovascular workout with total body conditioning and personal growth benefits. Join us for Nia and experience the joy of movement… the body’s way! Led by Amanda Kaufman. Movement Tent, Friday & Saturday 3pm
Tai Chi
This Five-Element Tai Chi is a graceful, easy-flowing, dance-like form that is very easy for people to learn in this festival setting. We do it in a circle and embody the qualities of each of these elements and bring in practices to more deeply connect us to the Sky/Heaven energies above and the Earth energies we live on below with a focus to harness their gifts and integrate them into our bodies and hearts more consciously. Led by Janice Marie Duran. Movement Tent, Saturday 5pm
Dances of Universal Peace
The Dances are designed to inspire the spiritual essence within us. They are a group of simple, meditative, joy-filled circle dances. They use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from many of the world’s wisdom traditions. The Dances have no performers or audience. No musical or dance experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome to join in. The leader teaches the group the words, melody and movement before each Dance. Many experience a profound feeling of being alive, a knowing of deep peace within oneself and among a community in motion. Led by Raymond Smith. Movement Tent, Sunday 11am
Animal Frolics Qigong
The Taiji movement art is based in part on the shapes and energies of animals. Explore the round lightness of crane, the solid and grounded bear, the agile and playful monkey, the quiet grace of deer and the fierce focus of the tiger! We will stand and walk with each of these animal energies, to enhance breathing, balance, relaxation and the flow of our own energy. Led by Kathleen Cusick Magic Tortoise Taijiquan. Movement Tent, Saturday 1pm & Sunday 1pm
Capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian moving art-form. Created by escaped slaves as a tool of liberation, capoeira is now recognized as the national sport of Brazil. It is a combination of a dance and a martial art whose core centers around music. Participants will learn the basic movements of the standing game, and learn a little bit about the music of capoeira. Led by David Walker. Movement Tent, Sunday 5pm
Bellydance Technique and Combinations
We will explore bellydance technique through different parts of the body, and learn combinations to demonstrate those moves. We will learn something new each class, and build a nice little repertoire to take home. Also taught will be a bit of dance theory, and different ways to interpret music through these simple, beautiful moves. All ages are encouraged to participate! Feel free to sport your favorite fest wear – this class is about expression! Led by Jaia McClure. Movement Tent, Friday 2pm; Saturday 12noon & Sunday 2pm