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Put some spring in your step - come dance with us!
... on May 9-10 (Friday-Saturday), 2025
Caller: Will Mentor
Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: "It's about the dancers!"
Band: Stomp Rocket
Our first band will be fabulous New England band Stomp Rocket. Their facebook page promises:
Beacoup de stomping pour le contra danse, avec Dave Langford on fiddle, Glen Loper on mandolin and banjo, and Bethany Waickman on guitar and sometimes piano.
Caller: Rick Szumski
Rick Szumski from Ann Arbor, Michigan has contra danced across much of North America for more than 25 years. As a caller, Rick draws upon his dance experience to deliver a broad selection of lively, fun dances wherever he calls. Known for clear, concise, and enthusiastic teaching, Rick helps dancers of all skill levels connect with the music & dance on their own terms. His ready smile, pleasant voice, and relaxed presence encourage everyone to enjoy contra dancing as much as he does.
Band: Jon Cannon & Adam Iredale-Gray
Jon (http: //joncannon.net) is a truly multi-talented person. He is a researcher, musician, educator and entrepreneur. He has studied a wide range of world music, including Jewish, Romanian, Celtic, and American fiddling. He performs regularly on violin, sometimes as a member of award-winning Boston klezmer band Ezekiel's Wheels.
He is also in demand as a contra dance musician, both on fiddle and on guitar accompaniment, and has played for over 150 contra dances up and down the Eastern Seaboard. He has taught violin students across a wide range of ages and levels, both in private lessons and in workshops at camps, festivals, and schools.
Adam (www.adamiredalegray.com) is a versatile fiddler, guitarist, producer, and engineer with deep roots in traditional music and a commitment to innovation.
Nominated for a 2019 JUNO Award for Instrumental Album of the Year, he's a compelling performer and an in-demand collaborator.
Adam started playing professionally at the age of 14, and by the age of 17 was gigging 6 nights a week in Victoria BC playing Irish, country, bluegrass, and early music. Adam attended the Victoria Conservatory of Music, studying jazz and classical music on the violin and upright bass, and later graduated from the performance program at Berklee College of Music (2015) with a minor in jazz theory. At Berklee, Adam studied violin with Simon Shaheen, Matt Glaser, Darol Anger, and Bruce Molsky, and music theory with Daniel Ian Smith.
2025 Schedule:
Friday, May 9 |
Registration |
Friday, May 9 |
Will Mentor with Stomp Rocket (Mask Mandatory) |
Saturday, May 10 |
Will Mentor with Stomp Rocket (Mask Mandatory) |
Saturday, May 10 |
Fist half - Rick Szumski with Jon and Adam, Second Half - Will Mentor and Stomp Rocket (Mask Optional) |
Saturday, May 10 |
Registration |
Saturday, May 10 |
Will Mentor with Stomp Rocket (Mask Optional) |
Health precautions:
We have been trying to adjust participation requirements responsibly, according to recommendations from health care providers, and the diverse opinions and needs of our members, musicians, and callers.
To best accommodate our diverse dance community, some of the dances during the weekend require the use of masks (N-95 or equivalent preferred).
If you do not have a mask that is not a problem. There will be N-95 or equivalent masks available for free at the registration desk.
Important Notes:
Toronto Contra Dance uses the gender-free role terms Lark and Robin. We are a consent-based dance community. For more information, please see our Code of Conduct.
Toronto Contra Dance is SCENT-FREE. For the well-being of all dancers, please plan ahead and avoid all products containing fragrance on your body, hair or clothing.
Bring a WATER BOTTLE! We will have water for you to refill it (no juice), and masking tape for labelling it with your name. Also bring a TRAVEL MUG; there is a cafe across the street, but please help us avoid needless garbage by using a travel mug if you go there.
Please let us know of any allergy concerns; snacks will be provided at break time and we'll do our best to accommodate everyone. If you are bringing your own snacks, please note: there must be NO NUTS in the hall. St. Barnabas Church now requires all events to be nut-free.
Registration and Prices
To be sure of a spot, please sign up ahead of time for the full weekend. We have been known to sell out! Register by March 31 for the early bird weekend pass discount!
Option 1: Register online for a weekend pass or individual sessions using the link below and pay securely with a PayPal account, credit card or e-transfer.
Option 2: Come to a regular TCD contra dance, register and pay by cash, cheque or credit card.
Option 3: Show up at Spring Thaw and pay cash at the door - if there are spots left!
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ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE AT 11:59 P.M. MAY 6, 2025.
Click here to register for Spring Thaw 2025
Cancellation Policy:
We want anyone who is not well to stay home. You will be able to receive a full refund on your pre-registration if you email treasurer [at] tcdance.org by the start of the dance.
Currency Note for Americans:
All prices are in Canadian dollars. If you pay electronically, your bank will convert the payment to the equivalent US$ amount. If you wish to pay with US$ cash or cheques, the funds will be taken at par. (So paying by card will save you a lot!)
Venue
St. Barnabas Church Hall (side entrance):
175 Hampton Avenue, Toronto
Local Dining
The Spring Thaw is held in an area of Toronto known for its impressive selection of restaurants, cafés and bistros.
Printable Restaurant_List and Google map.
For our American guests
Welcome! We're glad you are coming.You can visit this US Department of State web site regarding entry into Canada and returning to the United States.
Questions?
Please contact us at thaw@tcdance.org
Location: St. Barnabas Church Hall, 175 Hampton Ave, Toronto ON. Near Chester subway station. (Directions)