We have fond memories of the fabulous workshop weekend in 2023 and are already busy planning another weekend full of music and dance on 23-24 March 2024, stay tuned…

Guest Teacher: Wijnand Karel
Dance has been the main theme throughout Wijnand Karel’s life. As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a classical ballet dancer, but when he took his first folk dance steps at age 10, it was love at first sight, and he has never looked back. After graduating from the Rotterdam Dance Academy, he became a professional performer with the world renowned Internationaal Danstheater. Since 1998, Wijnand has been a full-time dance instructor and choreographer, who also teaches dance didactics. When he teaches, Wijnand likes to explain how dance styles are shaped by the geographical and cultural origin of the dance, as well as traditional clothing styles, creating an immersive experience for his students.
Wijnand will join us in Ottawa, all the way from the Netherlands, to teach an International Folk Dance workshop on Saturday, April 29, as well as a workshop “How to Teach International Folk Dance” on Sunday, April 30.
Live Music: Tom Pixton & the Pinewoods Band
The Pinewoods Band showcases the far-reaching talents of an eclectic and spirited group of musicians who have been playing together at home in Greater Boston and throughout the US and Canada since 1991. Their energy, wit and enthusiasm are matched by an amazing breadth of repertoire and instrumental command. Over the decades, The Pinewoods Band has worked with just about every active folk dance teacher, either at Pinewoods Camp or at other camps and festivals. The Pinewoods Band has enjoyed a special collaboration with renowned Balkan dance specialist Yves Moreau since first working with him in 1991.
The Pinewoods band will play live music during our World Dance Party on Saturday evening, April 29.

Program
Saturday, April 29
9:30 – 12:00: International Folk Dance Session – with Wijnand Karel
14:00 – 16:30: International Folk Dance Session – with Wijnand Karel
18:00 – 19:30: Dinner
20:00 – 23:30: World Dance Party – with live music by Tom Pixton and the Pinewoods Band
Sunday, April 30
9:30 -12:00: Session “How to Teach International Folk Dance”, Part 1 – with Wijnand Karel
14:00 – 16:30: Session “How to Teach International Folk Dance”, Part 2- with Wijnand Karel
Please note: the workshops on Sunday are geared towards international folk dance teachers
Location
Churchill Recreation Centre
345 Richmond Road
Ottawa, K2A 0E7
Cost
Members | Non-Members | |
Saturday AM Workshop | $25 | $30 |
Saturday PM Workshop | $25 | $30 |
Saturday Dinner | $40 | $40 |
Saturday Party | $30 | $40 |
Saturday Full Day (including dinner) | $100 | $120 |
Sunday Teaching Workshop | $50 | $50 |