Dancing and music and ancient instruments at Vinterdans

Vinterdans, Friday, February 1, 8 – 11pm, Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 – 52nd Ave. W. (between Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood)

Skandia Folkdance Society invites you to Vinterdans, a special evening of music and dancing. Skandia will transform the hall with festive decorations and put out the “welcome” mat. Come enjoy the camaraderie and the joy of live Scandinavian music.

The nyckelharpa dates back
to the year 1200 in Sweden

Guest musicians include Seattle Lilla Spelmanslag, a talented group of kids ranging in age from 8 to 18, and Ben Teitelbaum, internationally acclaimed master of the Swedish nyckelharpa.

The ‘Lag starts the evening with a set of lively dance tunes. These young musicians play with skill and energy beyond their years, share a passion for Nordic music, and are looking ahead to a summer music adventure in Sweden. More about the group.

Dancers will flock to the floor when Ben Teitelbaum takes the stage and fires up his Swedish nyckelharpa for the second set. The nyckelharpa dates back to at least the year 1200, and requires diligence and persistence to learn. A highly respected musician and ethnomusicologist, Ben is a virtuoso at playing this unusual string-and-keyed instrument. His considerable talent earned him a Swedish scholarship for advanced musical study and the first-ever American degree in nyckelharpa performance. He now heads the Nordic Studies Department at the University of Colorado in Boulder. The remainder of the evening holds more musical surprises, and Ben will play a second set. Get ready for a musical head rush!

Ben Teitelbaum heads the Nordic Studies Dept
at the University of Colorado in Boulder and is a
virtuoso on the nyckelharpa

You don’t need a partner or a folk costume to come to this dance, and if you prefer to just listen to the music, that’s fine. The per-person price, $15, gives you a chance to listen or dance, watch a great diversity of Scandinavian dance styles, and chat with other friendly onlookers. Of course, Skandia hopes that one and all will join in the easy mixers and other accessible dances, but the choice is yours.

Longing to dance? Then this is your chance to get started in a welcoming environment. Our one suggestion: wear low-heeled shoes that turn easily. Your feet will thank you! Learn more about Skandia Folkdance Society, 206-784-8959.