Every week
Changes are afoot at Merion Meeting's renamed "Friends Hall" that will impact our finances and our dancing experience. The good news is that major renovations are planned -- air conditioning, accessible bathrooms and redone plumbing, etc. The challenging news is that in September, our rent will jump from $50 a night to about $175, and it will rise again in January and every year thereafter. We are looking at $8000+ more in expenses than last year and there will also be budgetary ripple effects. The board has decided to raise prices somewhat. We are also looking to find other sources of income or ways to save money. Please let a board member know if you have ideas.
PRICE CHANGES We are instituting these entry prices starting in October: Wednesday dances: $7 - $15+ Saturday afternoons: $10 - $15+ Saturday evenings: $15 - $25 We will have passes for anyone who cannot come dancing because of the price. For more details, see the full letter from board president, Jenny Beer Letter
Join us for our regular Wednesday evening English Country Dance at Merion Friends Meeting Activities Building. (logistical details below)
Looking at this on your phone? Jump to the upcoming events calendar.
Musicans' Gathering
There was a large and pleasant musician gathering at Peggy & Ret's barn on June 28th. Thank you to the Music Development committee for organizing and to all the musicians who attended.
Colonial & Regency Historic Dancing
Our Colonial Assembly demonstrates 18th century Colonial and early 19th century Regency periods and we expect to be busy in Philadelphia 2026 for the 250th celebrations! There are two performances coming up, on Sunday, September 27 at 2 00pm at the Bala Cynwyd library is a free performance in Regency costumes. On Saturday, October 24 at 12:00pmat the Main Line Unitarian Church in Devon is another performance and there is a suggested donation. Addresses can be found on the Performances page.
GCD urgently needs to train more musicians and dancers in how to run our sound systems (Merion, Summit). If that interests you, please contact anyone on the board. And if you want a low-key way to check out if you'd enjoy doing this, help out with set up or take down at our dances. Just ask the sound person what you can do to help. You can also ask the them if you can "shadow" them some time.
The Sunday afternoon Mt. Airy Barn Dance will be back in November.
The Teen Dance will start again in September.
GCD organizational matters
GCD Code of Conduct: The Germantown Country Dancers' code of conduct reflects the values that have always been a part of our community. Please read them now and again! Code of Conduct PDF.
COVID notice: Masks are optional but welcome for all GCD events. Please stay home if you have possible symptoms or have had close exposure in the past 5 days. If you test positive within 3 days of attending a GCD event, immediately let someone on the board know or email info@germantowncountrydancers.org. Your identity will not be revealed in any public information sent out. Thank you.
Regular Dances and Events
| When? | What? | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays Year round (occasional exceptions) 7:30 pm – Arrive for new dancers' orientation |
English Country Dancing
Sliding scale Admission: |
Merion Friends Meeting Activities Building |
| First Saturdays October - May 3:00–5:30 pm – Afternoon Workshop | ECD for intermediate and experienced dancers** see below
Sliding-Scale Admission: |
Summit Church, Mt. Airy |
| Mt. Airy Barn Dance 1st Sundays, November – April 2:00–3:45 pm |
Old time fun for all ages: FaceBook page
Adults $5-10, kids and teens (age 4-18) $3-5. |
Summit Church, Mt. Airy |
Before you come...
On Wednesday evenings and at the Mt. Airy Barn Dance, new dancers are always welcome! Each dance is taught, then prompted. You don't need to bring a partner, as we change partners throughout the session. Friendly folk will ask you to dance. English Country Dancing is community dancing, where one of the pleasures is interacting with everyone in the room.
Please wear flat-soled shoes.
** First Saturday workshops and evening programs are more difficult than on Wednesdays. The programs are intended for intermediate and experienced dancers who know standard figures, such as casts and leads, siding, single and double figures of eight, and all manner of heys.
Venues
Germantown Country Dancers holds dances in two locations:
Merion Friends Meeting Activities Building 615 Montgomery Ave, Merion, PA 19066 (on the Main Line)
Summit Church, Mt. Airy, Westview & Greene Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Join us!
Do you appreciate the events GCD sponsors for dancers and musicians? For a small amount, you can become an Official Member of this great organization! (With the side-benefit of guaranteed Ball admission if you register in time.)