Book of the Week #21

Traditional Barn Dances with Calls & Fiddling by Dudley Laufman and Jacqueline Laufman (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2009)

Dudley and Jacqueline Laufman, known as the "Two Fiddles" have played fiddle together for traditional New England dances for over 20 years. They are juried artists with the NH State Council on the Arts.

This volume, one of many by the Laufmans, includes a DVD and two CDs to create a "comprehensive package that contains everything you need for teaching 53 dances to participants of all ages and abilities."

The book begins with an introduction by Theodore Levin and provides pictures of the dances; sheet music for fiddlers; calls, teaching suggestions, and facts about the dances; and information to help you organize a dance in your community -- a barn is not required.

Dudley Laufman, in addition to being a musician, is a poet and was recently named a National Heritage Fellow.