Skandia Folkdance Society's Virtual & Live Third Friday Nordic dance

About this event

Skandia's Third Friday night dance in November will be both live AND virtual! The dance is held at the Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 . You can choose to attend in person or via Zoom. Singles welcome as well as couples. First timers can attend for free!

Harry Khamis and Pat Pi will teach Polska från Boda, named after a small town in Dalarna, Sweden. It is a lovely polska with a special försteg (introductory walk) and a polska turn that has a special svikt (gentle down-up motion).

Next, the trio Sprida Ut will bring their sweet harmonies and well‑played rhythms to the Grange stage to delight dancers for the evening. The musicians are Kris Johansson and Brian Nelson on nyckelharpa and fiddle, and Nola Nelson on guitar and keyboard. Some singing by all — and perhaps an amusing story or two — will add to the evening’s enjoyment. Brian says, “We love playing music for dancers and seeing the joy on their faces, which in turn energizes our playing. Our other joy is bringing the story of these wacky instruments (our nyckelharpas) to people who have never seen or heard them.”

About 20 years ago, nyckelharpa player Bart Brashers played a part in the trio's formation. Bart made a light-hearted comment to Kris and Brian that “With two harpas, all you need is a guitar and you'll have a band!” Since Brian’s wife, Nola, played guitar, they invited her to join, and the group was born.

The name followed shortly afterward. Brian had found the phrase “sprida ut” online and wondered if it might hint at being “strung out,” thinking of instrument strings. He checked with Skandia friend Bengt Haag, a native Swedish speaker, who said the words made him think of dancers “springing up.” That image fit perfectly, and the name stuck.

7:30–10:30 pm., Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA. $15; $10 for Skandia members. Info: www.skandia-folkdance.org.

If you are feeling at all unwell or you know that you’ve been in proximity to someone who has COVID, please stay home and take care of yourself.

From Seattle Nordic Dance and Music Meetup Group