NGI Recipient: Kate Bryant
Session Attended: Country Dance and Song Society - English & American Week (2011)
Dear CDSS and Pinewoods Camp,
Thank you so much for granting me the opportunity to attend English and American Week at Pinewoods this year. I’ve been dancing English and Contra for a few years now, but now live a bit farther away from the dances so I don’t get to go as often as I’d like. I’ve always loved to dance and so it was a great pleasure to be able to immerse myself. Camp was an amazing experience, perhaps a more traditional week than the ones I have heard about in years past – due to the lack of electricity thanks to the hurricane! I was very impressed to see how everyone came together and adapted so easily. As the week wore on, I was especially sad to see how quickly the time flew by since camp had been shortened by a couple of days. The week as a whole was incredible, especially the music – occasionally I had to force myself rest my feet so I could just sit and listen to the music.
The entire week was filled with lovely moments, but there is one I must share. One evening, right at dusk, I had stopped by my cabin and then heard the music of a saxophone wafting through the trees. Recognizing the Abbots Bromley tune, I stepped outside to see the dancers appearing in the fading light and proceeding to dance ever so quietly and softly. It was truly a magical sight.
I had one of the best weeks of my life at camp this year and I can’t wait to come back. With the amazing dancing, the stunning location and wonderful people, it was extremely hard to leave. Thank you again.