Old-Fashioned Folk Dance/Cake Walk set for Nov. 16

As part of the Introduction to Folk Music class taught by Lynette Swiger, a traditional dance night will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16, in the Great Room of Cultures at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center. The public is encouraged to attend, and admission is free.

Live music will be provided by the Kennedy Barn String Band, and the dance will be led by Taylor Runner, an accomplished square dance caller from Morgantown, West Virginia. Taylor mentored under Morgantown musician and caller Worley Gardner who was featured in Robert Dalsemer’s book “West Virginia Square Dances” published in 1982. Worley was known as a “singing caller” and Taylor learned his unique style of calling. He now travels to dances throughout the state and region teaching dancing and calling. Taylor is recognized for his ability to make dances fun and easy for everyone including first-time dancers. No one is made to feel discouraged or uncomfortable and it’s almost impossible to see a dancer without a smile on his or her face as they move around the room. Taylor’s passion and respect for old-time dance is evident in his enthusiasm, and he easily spreads that enthusiasm to others.

A traditional cake walk will be held to close the dance. Anyone wanting to donate cakes or home baked goods for the cake walk is encouraged to do so but it is not expected or required. Whether you come to dance or to listen and watch, this promises to be an evening of traditional fun and entertainment, and the Folklife Center is pleased to open this event to the public.

Folklife CenterFrank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife CenterOld-Fashioned Folk Dance/Cake Walk