Dancing and singing

The latter part of today was devoted to dancing and singing - watching Morris dancers and singing the St. John Passion of J.S. Bach in rehearsal. The Morris dancing is an annual Memorial Day weekend event - the Marlboro Ale (gathering) - which draws about 18-20 groups from all over the U.S., Canada, England and sometimes Scandinavia. It always takes place in Newfane, which is one of Vermont's handsomest villages, with its court house, church and Grange forming a perfect backdrop. This was the 40th anniversary of the first Ale, and it had particularly fine dancing and a lot of humor (the "fools" who act as clowns in the group can be both incredibly talented and clever).

I had to leave before the dancing was over to get to my rehearsal, but it was worth it. Singing the St. John is fun ! 

           Morris dancers with church in background. 

             Morris dancers with court house in background.

              Characteristic white handkerchiefs . 

   

                               Doing leap frogs 

                      A "rag " group with sticks 

Rehearsing the St. John with our director, Mary Westbrook-Geha. 

               A bit of the Blanche Moyse Chorale