Registration for YDW 2024 is now open! September 6-8!
YDW is an awesome youth-focused traditional dance and music gathering in rural Vermont featuring lots of contra, English, and couples dancing, as well as singing, jamming, and opportunities to get to know cool people from near and far. Our goal is to help and inspire the next generation from across North America to connect with each other and develop skills for participating and leading in all aspects of our vibrant dance community.
The weekend is open to anyone 18 or older, and is designed to be affordable and accessible, especially to younger dancers. You can read more about the history and mission of YDW, or meet our organizing committee.
For future updates, check the links below.
Questions about YDW? Visit the FAQ or contact the organizers.
With its unique mix of driving cello, 12-string guitar, and a hell of a lot of foot percussion, Calico brings a fiery twist to the fiddle music of Québec and New England. Whether they’re playing archival crooked tunes or new compositions, Casey Murray, Jesse Ball, and Eric Boodman create a joyous sound all their own. They’re bound to make you want to get up and dance!
Jonathan Werk is an oboist living and working in Montreal, after growing up as the child of a contradance musician in Ottawa. Music has always been a central focus in Jonathan’s life; starting at a young age he developed a love for music of all genres from classical to irish to klezmer, which lead him to the unusual situation of playing oboe for traditional folk dances, including contradance, balfolk, and English country dance. Jonathan has performed for many dance events around Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Vermont, Massachussets, New York, and California, including dance camps including CDSS’s English Week, Dance Music \& Spice, and BACDS’s Hey Days. Jonathan volunteers extensively in his local Montreal dance community, as organizer, sound technician, and often caller. In addition to oboe, Jonathan also plays accordion, irish whistle, hotel bell, didgeridoo, and bombarde.
Kristen Planeaux began playing classical piano at the tender age of eight and continued on until she found her true calling—traditional dance musician—at 23. Ever since, she has brought her own flavor of bold rhythm and warm, imaginative harmony to the English andAmerican scenes. She is a retired member of The Ripples and a current member of River Road with Jesse Ball and Sarah-Hadley Yakir.
Grace Hendrickson-Jones is a Montreal-based musician who plays with dance bands Modern Birds and Les Quatre Patates. They completed their Bachelor of Music in Classical Flute Performance at McGill University in 2019, and have been active in their local folk dance scene for the past ten years as a dancer, musician, caller and organizer.
Washington-based Lindsey Dono brings crystal-clear teaching and thoughtful programming to the caller’s mic. When not on stage, Lindsey can be found geeking out over choreography, mentoring up-and-coming callers, and exploring floorcraft across a range of dance forms.
A NYC-based folk dancer, caller, teacher, and organizer, Alexandra is a contra dance caller who calls weekends and festivals all over the country. She tours, calling local dances for both contra and English Country Dance. Her clear teaching, smooth voice, and fun dance selection delight dancers coast-to-coast. Alex is excellent with all levels of dancers whether they just walked in the door or have been dancing since before she was born. She has dances for all the folks!
Whether behind a mixing desk, playing smooth techno tracks, or holding any number of instruments, Jared Kirkpatrick (he/they) finds himself at all manner of dance events across the country. Bringing quality sound and smooth, twisty music to dance floors and concerts alike, Jared works to improve any event he’s involved with. You’re sure to have a wonderful time gliding across the floor at this year’s YDW techno contra, complete with driving beats and synchronized lights!
Lumyr Derisier is a Boston based dancer who has been dancing for over a decade. With a love of dance, and a passion for people, Lumyr finds joy in the product and process of creating art. His passion is to see a dance community without walls in the city of Boston where a “we can ‘’ attitude thrives among all its participants.
Lumyr started dancing to reggae/dancehall music in Boston after which he trained Salsa and Bachata under the direction of Anara Frank of Metamovements dance company, and Alma Latina Boston, respectively. His belief, that “dance is language. Style is a matter of translation”, influences how he blends movements from different genres in his dancing.
Lumyr began teaching bachata with Alma Boston In 2018, and has since joined Salsa Y Control Dance Company, teaching bachata. He is most known for his big smile, hearty laugh and chiropractic hugs.