Jessica Foster
Staff WriterA crowd of people traveled from near and far to attend a community folk dance Friday, Jan. 16 at the Central Learning Center.
The dance was spearheaded by Forest Lakeís Henry Anderson who grew up doing old time dancing on Minnesotaís Iron Range.
These days he is a member of the group Tapestry and is heavily involved in Scandinavian dancing in addition to New England Contra Dance.
ìIt was a pretty good turnout for the first time,î Anderson said of the 80-90 dancers who turned out for the first installment in the folk dance series here. ìWe had a good time.î
Folk dancing, he said, is an all ages activity.
ìItís more of a family type atmosphere, not a bar room atmosphere,î he said.
Upcoming dances
Those interested in folk dancing are encouraged to attend upcoming dances.
Folk dancing in Forest Lake, Anderson said, is an entry level proposition. With that, all levels are encouraged to attend. The half hour class before the dancing gets in gear is there to help inexperienced dancers gain confidence in their abilities.
ìItís for anybody who wants to try something different,î he said.
A dance is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20 in the Central Learning Center. The dance is 7:30-10:30 p.m. with a lesson beginning at 7 p.m.
Another dance is scheduled for Friday, March 12 in the Central Learning Center. The dance is 7:30-10:30 p.m. with a lesson beginning at 7 p.m.
The dances are offered through Forest Lake Community Educationís Adult Enrichment Program.
While there are only two dances scheduled, Anderson said they likely will continue as long as the interest is there.
ìThereís no reason we canít keep doing it for as long as Community Ed will let us,î
Anderson said.
The dances will feature Jim Brooks as caller. Brooks is a member of Wild Goose Cloggers.
Musicians scheduled to perform at Adam Granger and Friends. Granger is one of the founders of the Powdermilk Biscuit Band, the house band on Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor.
The cost to attend the dances is $7 per person or $12 per family.
For more information on the classes call Henry Anderson at 651-464-2044 or Amy Florin at 651-982-8372.
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