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37th ANNUAL WASHINGTON SPRING BALL

SILVER SPRING CIVIC BUILDING, MD ยท MAY 6, 2023 

ABOUT WASHINGTON SPRING BALL 2023

The Washington Spring Ball is a joyful yearly event of English Country Dancing to glorious music. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. We have a review session the day of the ball, where most of the dances will be taught. Attending the practice session is strongly encouraged but not required. In the evening at the ball, all dances will be briefed (talked-through) and then prompted for the first few rounds. Dancers wear what makes them feel happy and festive; some choose attire from the 18th or 19th century.

Program prepared by April Blum and Melissa Running.

Music for the practice session will be played by Tina Chancey and Paul Oorts.

The ball will be played by Terpsichore (Elke Baker on fiddle, Liz Donaldson on piano, and Ralph Gordon on cello) 

The Ball is supported by a generous grant from Montgomery County's Community Access Program.

Read the 2023 Washington Spring Ball program (with dance instructions!) here


Questions? Contact Ball co-Chairs Bob Mathis or Joanie Blanton at ball.chair@fsgw.org 


PERFORMING ARTISTS

PRACTICE SESSION 

program organizer & caller, APRIL BLUM

program organizer & caller, MELISSA RUNNING

music, TINA CHANCEY


music, PAUL OORTS 

BALL PROGRAM 








music, TERPSICHORE



The ball will be prompted by a selection of our local callers.

Music by Terpsichore featuring National Scottish Fiddle champion Elke Baker* (fiddle, viola), Ralph Gordon (cello, bass) and Liz Donaldson (piano).

*Unfortunately, Elke Baker won't be to play at the ball owing to illness.  However, we are thrilled that Tina Chancey has agreed to fill in on fiddle!

EVENT DETAILS

 TICKET    PRICE
through April 1      
 General Admission    $45
Members    $40
Student / Limited Income  Admission    $25
  
after April 1 
General Admission   $55
Members   $50
Student / Limited Income Admission   $25

WHERE: Great Hall, Silver Spring Civic Building

801 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD

WHEN: Saturday May 6th, doors open at 7:00 pm and dance starts at 7:30 pm and goes until 11:00 pm. Included is an afternoon practice from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.

FOOD: check out this link for local restaurants. We will NOT be hosting a potluck like in previous years.

ACCESSIBILITY: all venues are accessible; there will be changing rooms available this year (2023)

PARKING: Free parking on weekends in the public parking garage across Ellsworth Dr, and other nearby garages. Directions to the Silver Spring Civic Building, including parking information and public transportation

PRACTICE: You can join our weekly Wednesday Night English Country dance to practice or attend the Practice Session held from 2:00 - 5:00 pm the afternoon of the event at the Civic Building.

MORE QUESTIONS? You can view the answers to commonly asked event questions at our Spring Ball FAQ page here. 


COVID PRECAUTIONS: This is a Tier 1 event. We will be following FSGW Guidelines for a Tier 1 event, which can be found here. All participants must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 (with at least one booster) and wear KN-95 or N-95 masks.  Participants must provide proof of full vaccination with at least one booster (completed at least two weeks before the ball) at the door unless they previously did so at a FSGW event.  If you can't purchase your own KN-95 or N-95 mask beforehand, KN-95 masks will be available at the ball ($1 each).

The Civic Center is a Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star Accredited facility that was equipped with MERV13 air filters at the beginning of the pandemic. 


    DONATE 


    The Rich Galloway Fund

    The Rich Galloway Fund was created in 2022 to support the participation of students and others with limited income at the FSGW Annual Washington Spring Ball and to help cover the logistical costs of the ball.

    Please donate to this fund: any amount is welcome!

    Richard Michael Galloway (1947 - 2021) was a longtime contributor to the English country dance community in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas.  He was a vibrant dancer, caller, organizer, and teacher.  For many years he designed printed programs that documented ball dances and set an elegant and playful tone for the annual Washington Spring Ball.  He also wrote several English country dances.  The dance Rich Delights was written in his honor by Philippe Callens in 2003.

     DONATE ONLINE

    DONATE BY CHECK: 

    Make check out to Folklore Society of Greater Washington, write “Rich Galloway Fund” in the memo line of the check, and send it to this address: Folklore Society of Greater Washington, P.O. Box 323, Cabin John, MD 20818.

    GET INVOLVED

    VOLUNTEER

    Volunteer! The Spring Ball always needs volunteers to help set up, assist with decorations, greet people, set up the room, and more. Volunteering allows you to be part of the community.

    For more information, contact our Committee Representative. Volunteers do not receive free tickets.


    Join the ECD Committee! The English Country Dance Committee organizes the yearly Washington Spring Ball as well as weekly dances with funding from FSGW. We are eager to meet new faces and incorporate new marketing ideas to reach a wider audience.  

    For more information, contact our Committee Representative.


    Join the FSGW Board! The Folklife Society of Greater Washington funds and supports local community events for public enrichment. We currently have openings for secretary and publicity chair. Join us to help make a difference in your community! Becoming a part of FSGW Board allows individuals to give back to their community while developing career building skills.  

    For more information, contact our President Charlie Pilzer or the office. 

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