A tip of the hat to the Cedar Valley Grange

The Cedar Valley Grange boasts wooden floors
20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Dancers appreciate wooden floors

By Judy Patterson, Skandia Folkdance Society

Planning ahead - dance your shoes off at Vinterdansen Feb 21 reminded me that a huge thanks to the Cedar Valley Grange is in order. For more than a decade, its Board has allowed Skandia Folkdance Society and other dance groups to rent the cozy hall for classes and special events, helping to ensure that folk traditions thrive and are shared.

While Skandia has taught hundreds of people to dance on the fine sprung floor, a multitude of talented local musicians (and tradition bearers from all over Scandinavia) have made the hall ring with lively dance tunes — music for “newer” dances like the schottische, waltz, and hambo, as well as older dances, called “bygdedanser.” The history of these two types of dances is an interesting read, but I’ll save it for another article.

Now, about Vinterdansen … it is festive, friendly, and foodies, you’ll be happy! Dancers of all levels mingle and encourage newcomers to join in. People flock to the dance floor to learn easy mixers on the spot, and invariably exit the floor beaming. The one treat your feet will thank you for is low-heeled shoes that turn easily. For Scandinavian turning dances, high heels can be dangerous and uncomfortable.

Don’t care to dance? That’s fine, too. Chairs surround the periphery of the Grange hall, and you may simply enjoy the gaily decorated hall, listen to great music, and marvel at the whirling dancers. Or, head downstairs to dine on array of savory and sweet treats.

Vinterdansen admission is $15.

If you have questions about Scandinavian music and dancing, just drop me a note.  I hope to see you at Vinterdansen!