By: Madeleine Donegan, SFU student
What: Swing dancing describes a variety of types of dance that arose alongside the popularity of jazz music in New York City. Swing dancing is both vernacular and social, and anyone is welcome to join to any degree they wish. The dances are hosted by Rhythm City Productions, who also offer a variety of classes and workshops to those interested in swing dance of all abilities. Their website features videos to help learn and review swing dance fundamentals.
When: 8:30–11:30 p.m., every Thursday
Where: St. Michael’s Hall, 2474 Prince Edward St.
Cost: DJ nights: $10, live band nights: $25 in advance/$30 at the door (The first three Thursdays of the month are DJ’d, and the last Thursday of the month has a live band).
Folk Singing: Sacred Harp
What: Sacred Harp is a folk singing tradition originating from the British Isles and Ireland, making its home in New England and the American South, and now spread across the world. The “Sacred Harp” in question is a metaphor for the human voice; the singing is done acapella from a large book of music adapted from various Christian hymns dating from the 18th century to the present. Sacred Harp is not performance based; the pieces are not practiced and singing is not performed, it is just music for music’s own sake. Beginners to the tradition or to music as a whole are very welcome; the focus is not on sounding perfect, but on making music together. While it originates from a certain Christian musical tradition, the Vancouver group itself is not religiously affiliated and the current group of singers is quite diverse.
When: Usually 3:00–5:00 p.m. every Sunday (Note: times sometimes vary; check the group’s Facebook page).
Where: Usually under the overhang at Mount Pleasant Elementary (Note: locations also sometimes vary; check the Facebook group, Vancouver BC Sacred Harp, for updates).
Cost: Free
What: Welsh is a Celtic language spoken primarily in the country of Wales, in the British Isles. The Vancouver Welsh Society was founded in 1929 and regularly hosts a variety of events and activities related to Welsh culture. Every Saturday morning, there is an informal social gathering held to practice speaking Welsh. All levels of ability and experience welcome; including those who have no personal/familial connection to Wales, or knowledge of the language.
When: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., every Saturday
Where: The Cambrian Hall, 17th and Main St. in Vancouver. Come around to the back of the building and through the back door.
Cost: Free
