• Tweet

• Tweet

Star Hampshire is a small and friendly music and dance weekend, with no more than 80 participants. The main focus is American contra dances, with square dances and couple dances included as well. There is often a secondary dance theme; in the past this has included workshops in English country dance, Kerry sets, Balkan dance, vintage ballroom dance, tango, and waltz.

On the dance floor, you’ll find experienced dancers and those who are newer enthusiasts. You need not come with a partner. You’ll learn that many folks return year after year, drawn by the magic of dancing in this special place.

Highlights of the weekend include evening dance parties, morning workshops, singing sessions, and an afternoon concert by staff. There’s an early morning wake-up waltz session in the lobby of the historic Oceanic Hotel. Top-notch callers and musicians will keep your feet moving and your face smiling. Other conferences going on at the same time provide opportunities for singing and yoga.

The relaxed schedule gives you time to wander on the rocks and watch the waves crashing. You can sit in the rocking chairs on the wide front porch, chatting with a friend or engrossed in a book. You can participate in a memorable camper-organized non-denominational chapel service, sitting in candle lantern light as dancers and musicians share tunes, songs, stories, and poems.

Good food, simple living, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, a panoramic view of the natural world – dancing on Star Island is like no other dance experience.
Join us!

Rick Mohr, caller: From Boston, now Philadelphia, Rick has been on staff at dance camps around the country; this year he’s everywhere from Oregon to Virginia to Tennessee. He is also a prolific composer of great dances, including several that combine features of contras and squares. He is also a musician (fiddle, melodeon) and an avid Morris dancer.

Dave Langford, fiddle: Boston area denizen Dave is a veteran of the New England dance scene and performs throughout the country with the Latter Day Lizards. He is a frequent staff member at Pinewoods and other dance camps, offering dancers both fiery fiddling and a friendly attitude.

Karen Axelrod, piano: Karen hails from Northampton and plays for contras as well as English country dance. She’s known for her powerful rhythmic accompaniment, her creative improvisation, and her wicked sense of humor. She also plays accordion for the Orion longsword team in Boston.

Peter Siegel, guitar and mandolin: Peter lives in southern Vermont, just 25 minutes away from Greenfield, MA, where he is a regular member of the Greenfield Dance Band. He and Dave (along with Peter Barnes) appear often as the Les-Z Boys. He is also a talented singer-songwriter and he’ll share some of his favorites with us.

Peggy Martin, Conference Chair: email hidden; JavaScript is required, David Millstone, Program Coordinator: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Registrar: Chrissy Fowler, email hidden; JavaScript is required 93 Kaler Road, Belfast, ME 04915

Registration Fee: $75 per person

Download Star Hampshire Registration Form