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Bev
Bernbaum
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Bev Bernbaum has been addicted to all things contra since she was first introduced to it at the wonderful Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (Albany, NY) in the summer of 1996.
Not long afterwards, she made her debut as a caller for a group of drunken students in a college pub ! Seeing that things went much better than anticipated that night, she decided to keep at it.
Since then, Bev has been in demand as a regular caller in her home town of Toronto, and at other dances and dance weekends in Ontario. She's called at the Toronto Spring Thaw, the Owen Sound Spring Fling *and* the Hamilton Harvest Dance Weekend. Bev was delighted to be calling contras at the inaugural dance program at the Summerfolk Festival in 2007.
Bev often travels south of the border to call in both small and large venues. From a small family dance in Buffalo NY to a large New Years Eve dance in Hartford CT, communities seek her out to provide a great experience for their dancers. She made her 6th consecutive appearance calling dances at the New England Folk Festival in 2009.
Bev's easy going style has also made her a popular choice with bands. She's called with small bands like Duncan Cameron and Fiona Coll, Tunescape, and Kitchen Chair, as well as bands known across North America like Hot Point Stringband, Crowfoot, Groovemongers, and Notorious. Whether it be New England style, Irish, or Old Time, Bev's a master of them all.
Bev's philosophy is to call the dances that she likes to dance herself. She's always on the lookout for interesting figures or formations to mix things up. Her clear voice, calm manner and straightforward teaching style make contra dancing a pleasure for both beginning and experienced dancers.