Here goes…

I really don’t like writing lengthy things on the Internet and wish Tim Eum had attended this event, as he writes wonderful reports which describe what went on in great detail. But… he wasn’t here. So, someone has to do it - because this festival is soooo wonderful that the world needs to know about it… As I said, here goes:

If you didn’t attend this year’s Harvest Holiday Festival at  the Sterling Hotel in Dallas TX, you missed one of the nicest round dance events of the year. It is completely true that Texans are one of the friendliest species on Earth, and they try to prove it every year during Thanksgiving week.

We arrived Sunday evening (regards to the airline gods) in order to participate in the Monday evening dance that opened the week long activity. Except for one night, there was a party to which everyone was invited directly after each evening dance at 10:00. (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the party is preceded by practice dancing the teaches so far presented lest we forget!)  And everything is upstairs in the same hotel (Other than wishing to eat out, everything happens in the hotel.).  People bring home made goodies to share along with maybe an adult beverage or two, etcetera, plus lots from the festival staff. Sometimes we don’t get enough sleep, I wonder why?

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday all feature a teach in the morning, a teach in the afternoon, and the dance and party in the evening. Tuesday morning, Glen and Helen Arceneaux substituted for Ron and Marilou Webb (she is  recovering from knee surgery) to teach Milo and Grace Ferry’s cha from ICBDA “Dance with Me” V+1.  Tuesday afternoon brought Ed and Karen Gloodt teaching their own FT/JV “Syncopated Clock IV +1. There was enough time left over for a review of the cha too!

Wednesday morning was devoted to Mark and Pam Prow teaching their own Canter Waltz IV “This Is Your Song”. This would make a great introduction to the Read’s new phase VI Canter Waltz. Dick and Karen Fisher took the afternoon to teach their very nice IV+1 bolero, “I finally found someone”. If you need a dance to teach romantic sways, this is it!

Being present Thursday  meant you had to eat restaurant turkey if you wanted it, but it was well worth the trade in my opinion to listen and dance to Theron and Christine Hixon teach the Hall of Fame waltz, “Someone Like You” V+1. That afternoon, Steve and Jean Philson taught the classic quickstep “St. Michael’s” Maybe I won’t stumble through it next time (as much). For the first time, there was no party afterward except for a staff celebration. ALL OF THIS ABOVE WAS FREE, AS IT IS EVERY YEAR. It is hoped that you will stay in the hotel and register for the weekend to help defray expenses.

Friday is when the Harvest Holiday officially begins. With a trail in request dance in the afternoon, and a harvest ball in the evening, the evening concludes with a dinner/snack (this year it was Mexican Haystacks) followed by Ron Webb cueing as many diehard rounds as could be danced (Most diehard dancers were in bed by 2 AM.)

Saturday morning we were treated to the guest instructors, Curt and Tammy Worlock teaching Ron Rumble’s new foxtrot, “That’s You 6”, along with their own bolero “Feel My Love” in the afternoon.  Saturday evening, after the Harvest Ball, a complete buffet breakfast was served at 11:00 PM. This was followed by Die-Easy Rounds for a couple of hours. Remember those gimmicks in the phase two and three dances? They are all here, hosted by never tiring Christine Hixon.

Oh, finally, it was Sunday morning! Coffee and donuts were followed by the Worlocks reviewing their two teaches and it was over, except for hugs and fond farewells.

If you can get away from your in-laws for Thanksgiving week, and you love to dance, plan to attend next year’s Harvest Holiday. Once again, the  guest instructors will be the Worlocks.  It will be the 49th Harvest Holiday with the 50th coming in 2010.  It might be the best kept secret best time in the round dance world!

By the way, this was not a paid political advertisement, but only the best way I can think of to help build up attendance for next year. As with many round dance events, attendance was down this year. It would be so much better if you were here too!  If you miss coming, you might regret it! So first forward this to someone else who might come, and then file away this email in your calendar utility so it pops up every month to remind you to register. If you don’t know how, contact Glen Arceneaux for help.  For more info: www.harvestholiday.com

Joe Krivan