SPA CITY CELEBRATION
Traditional music and dance to be featured at Flurry 'Winter Roots' Festival
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> The Flurry “Winter Roots” Festival, a celebration of traditional music and dance, is happening this weekend in the Spa City.
This winter’s festival, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 19, will take place entirely within the Hilton and Saratoga Springs City Center complex on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs.
The event will offer more than 100 sessions of live music and dance for all, featuring contra dancing continuously throughout the weekend and a full schedule of swing and blues dance on Sunday.
Winter Roots will include 18 different dance styles such as Irish, English country, waltz, balfolk, Czech, square dance, sean-nós/old style Irish, Métis and French, Canadian, Zydeco, samba, Israeli and Scottish country dancing, along with concerts, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to jam with other musicians.
Swing dance programming will take place Saturday night and all day Sunday.
Sessions range from beginner through experienced levels, and there will be lots of opportunities to learn how in a fun and friendly environment.
Dances are informal, participatory and appropriate for singles and couples. Eventgoers never need to attend with a partner for partner dances, and partners will change between dances in many of the sessions.
It is recommended to dress casually and comfortably, with soft-soled shoes preferred.
“Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or musician, love to experience new types of dance, learn new musical tricks, or just enjoy listening to fantastic tunes among friends,” a press release for the festival said, “there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Winter Roots!”
Adult ticket prices range from $38 to $145. Volunteers are needed, and free admission is provided for those who work six hours during the weekend.
Per the Winter Roots COVID-19 policy, attendees must document vaccination with an initial dose/series, plus one booster if first vaccinated in 2021, and must document a negative rapid test on the day of entry. Masking is optional but encouraged. Masks will be provided, and some
dances will have a mask-required
line/section. The full policy with additional details is available online at https:// www.flurryfestival.org/ winter-covid-policy/.
Winter Roots will not include sessions specifically focused on family or children’s programming.
More information about ticket sales, the schedule of sessions, performers and volunteer opportunities can be found online at www. flurryfestival.org.