The 30th Annual Winter Solabration!

It’s hard to believe that this will be 30 years! And we’re still doing it!
The Winter Solabration is a celebration of the Winter Solstice in music and dance. The dance consists of traditional American community dances Ð contras, squares, and a few circle and couple dances Ð all carefully taught and walked through so that all can participate. Guests also participate by bringing a potluck snack or dessert to share. At the beginning of the evening there is wassail and community singing for everyone, followed by Bryan Connolly Extreme Juggling, the Balkanika Folk Ensemble, and our wonderful storyteller, Susan Marie Frontczak. Following the Grand March there is dancing for all, with other special performances throughout the evening, including the Solstice Sword Dancers, a Mummer’s Play, the Maroon Bells Morris Dancers, and a special surprise event, as well.

It all started with Karl Dise. Twenty-nine years ago, he said: “Let’s have a big Christmas feast and party and dance.” That was in 1986. It was so much fun, we decided that we should do it again next year. Then we just kept on doing it. This year will be the 30th! Things have evolved and changed some since those early years. We loved the feast, and felt that it was an important part of the event, but it soon evolved into a dessert or snack potluck. (Way easier!) We added a storyteller and a juggler when we realized that we didn’t have much for kids, and people wanted their kids to be a part of the event, too.
You’re invited to come and join the revelry. On December 19th, from 6 to 11:30 pm, at the Sons of Italy Hall, 5925 West 32nd Avenue in Denver. Adult tickets are $33, children (6 – 12), $9 and Teens/Students, $19. Tickets and more information at wsolstice.org. From Chris Kermiet

Editor’s note: Chris has been calling dances from Americana to Celtic for over 35 years.  We congratulate him on his 30th Winter Solabration – a great community event!