The Stockholm Folk Music House Association

Every Sunday:
Open House: Workshops with dancing, music and song. Dance to folkmusic. Café.
Dance house for children and tango once a month

Fridays:
Friday dances with concert, Swedish christmas carols.

In addition:
Weekend courses: Polska, tango
Music and dancing event, Bus trip to Ransäter
About the association and Skeppsholmsgården

NB! for times etc. see the program

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Open House Activities

The doors are kept open for all, members as well as visitors, every Sunday from 6 p.m. The season lasts from the first Sunday in September until the end of May. At Christmas and Easter the activities are moved from Sunday to Monday.

Once you are within the 17th century building, music will reach you from every corner. Bring your own instrument and do not forget your dancing shoes! Play with fellow musicians just for fun or, for even more fun, accompany the dancing (sign upp for half an hour dance music on the dance music list).

If you like to dance there is a nice dancing room at your feet. If you get tired, take a seat in the café and enjoy the music from the musicians that gather for improvised concerts. There is no entrance fee.

Program
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Dance instructions
Free dance instructions in traditional dances are given every Sunday. At 6 p.m. you can join the lessons in "gammeldans" and from 7 p.m. there is a one hour instruction in "polska". All lessons starts out from a beginner level but can also be joined by those with some experience in the various dances. You will find the lessons a very useful and enjoyable introduction to Swedish and Scandinavian traditional dancing as well as an excellent opportunity to make friends who share your interest in music and dancing.

Play tunes in the "Låtstuga"
From 6 p.m. skilled musicians will teach you how to play traditional tunes in our music workshop, the "låtstuga". The teachers play violin but other instruments are also welcomed.

Sing in the "Visstuga"
From 7 p.m. we sing and troll by ear from the traditional treasure of songs and tunes. There will be a leader for the session but everyone is free to suggest songs to be sung. Join the singing or just sit down to listen.

See our program
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Dancing
At 8 p.m. as soon as the dance instruction ends, the dance continues as long as there are musicians willing to play or sing, often till midnight. We dance in the big room where the Swedish Navy used to sew and repair their sails. The dancing takes place in a very informal and equal way, whether man or woman just hold out your hand with a smile and you will find a dance partner for the next dance.

Café
In our non smoking café (smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building) the smell of fresh bread and brewed coffee will meet you at the door. Eight voluntary groups take it in turns to prepare a wonderful buffet. You will find the prices very reasonable and the entertainment that the musicians provide is free. The café is open from 6 p.m.

Dance house for children
Every second Sunday of the month the house is open for children between 4.45 and 5.30 pm. The children dance to live music. Children of all ages are welcome. See the calendar for details.

Tango
The first Sunday of the month the dance hall is invaded by tango enthusiast from 4.15 p.m. You are welcome to join in no matter if you want to brush up your style or just enjoy the dancing. Details in the program.

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Fridays

Friday dances and concerts, where renowned musicians are engaged, take place at least once a month. An admission fee is charged on these occasions and admittance is limited. The program can be found in the newsletter where Friday dances are listed separately. Usually we start with a concert at 8 p.m. and the dancing startes an hour later and goes on till midnight. Tickets are available from 7.30 p.m. You will find details in the calendar.

Christmas celebration, takes place on a Friday shortly before Christmas.

Courses

Dance courses one weekend every fall and spring. Basic as well as more avanced. And tango of course. See our program!

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In addition to Sunday activities the Folk Music House organises:

An outdoor music and dance event takes place in the beginning of June. We play and dance on the quay outside the house if the weather so permits.

A bus trip to the Ransäter Folk Music Festival is organised in June.

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The Stockholm Folk Music House Association

was founded in 1979. Since 1981 Skeppsholmsgården has been the home of our activities. The main purpose of the Folk Music House is to spread folk music, traditional dances and songs. We are politically and religiously independent.

All work is voluntary and many hands are needed. We are divided into several groups in charge of different activities. More than 100 people are involved in the café groups alone.

There is an elected steering committee and an annual meeting. Member and committee meetings are held on a regular basis. A member newsletter is distributed several times a year. Please contact coffea group members or steering committee officials if you are willing to contribute. The steering committee members are listed on the bulletin board in the ground floor corridor.

The membership fee for 2010 is 150 kr to be paid in postal giro account 62 05 24-9. There are currently about 700 members. The membership year covers fall and spring terms.

Skeppsholmsgården

Skeppsholmsgården was build by the Navy in the 18th century. Skeppsholmens Hemgård and Folkhögskola are now housed in this historic building. Small boats are still built in the house and coastal vessel rigging maintained and kept in the entrance hall. There is a smell of tar in the air.

We dance in the old sail-making hall on the second floor. The old worn wooden floor is perfect for dancing

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