DANCE | SATURDAY, APRIL 11 | 7–10:30 PM (WORKSHOP & REHEARSAL 1:30–4:30 PM) | SLIDING SCALE
New Mexico Folk Music and Dance Society presents Sage Assembly: A Southwest English Ball!
Sage Assembly is an annual English Ball with a workshop and rehearsals in the afternoon and a fancy ball in the evening. This event is scheduled for April 9, from 7–10:30 PM, at FUSION | 708 (with workshop & rehearsal at 1:30–4:30 PM). This event is supported in part by CDSS.
Registration is Open! If they are not at capacity, then walk-in will be available, so register to save your spot. Registration is strongly encouraged! Registration is on a sliding scale with a recommended rate of $50.
What does your registration fee cover? Your registration fee gives you access to the Saturday Workshops and Fancy Dress Ball, plus an elegant spread of potluck refreshments. While the recommended rate of $50+ dollars may seem like a lot, please remember that six professionals (caller, band, and sound) plus staff at the venue are paid for this event. Your $50+ supports these artists at market rates! Additional support of $25+ for Sunday Brunch attendees also supports their professionals and helps their organization make ends meet. Thank you!
Why is NM Folk Music & Dance Society using a sliding scale? Not all local dancers can afford $50 for a day of festivities, so if you can contribute above and beyond that recommended amount, you help others to attend. As always, they believe that the more the merrier on the dance floor and welcome those from all walks of life!
Do I need to know how to English country dance already? Some experience is recommended, but not required. All the dances are taught. If you are new, it’s highly recommended that you attend at least one Second Sunday dance and the Sage Assembly workshops. If you are newer, they may recommend sitting out on a couple of advanced dances in the evening Ball. Please ask experienced dancers around you to be your partner, especially early in the evening. While it may be tempting to partner with others of the same level, it will expedite learning and make the dance as a whole more smooth to have partners of varying levels!
During the Rehearsal, the evening’s Dance Callers will teach the dances in a workshop format. In the evening, the Dance Master will also present walk-throughs of the dances. At the evening break, dancers will enjoy an elegant spread of potluck refreshments.
What is the Sunday potluck brunch & dance? This is a casual event at a private residence (Not at FUSION). It features a homey atmosphere where folks can enjoy the music from a cozy patio, dance up a storm to lovely acoustic music and connect with friends from near and far. Brunch is potluck, so bring food to share (no sign-up necessary—but please bring allergen labels). Due to the smaller location, we will have a limit on registrants for this sub-event.
Please sign-up here to bring a delicious snack for our Saturday potluck table!
Housing Share Board: Do you have a spare room that you can offer for visiting dancers? Are you a visiting dancer that would appreciate a homestay? Leave your information here!
When: April 11, 2025, Workshop &Rehearsal 1:30–4:30 PM, Fancy Dress Ball 7–10:30 PM
Where: FUSION | 708, 708 1st St NW, Albuquerque
Caller: Rebekah Valencia (OK)
Caller & Pianist: Jacqueline Schwab (MA)—from the renowned English band Bare Necessities
Music: Idlewild—Mirinisa Stewart-Tengco (NM), Jacob Chen (OK), & Clara Byom (TX)
Cost: Registration is on a sliding scale. We recommend $50+ for the Saturday Workshop, Rehearsal, and Ball; $25+ for the Sunday Dance and Potluck Brunch.
Registration is available here (for both the Saturday Events and Sunday Dance/Brunch).
Note: If you wish to register a different number of people for the two days, please fill out the registration form twice.
SCHEDULE
1:30–3:00 PM Dancing in Harmony
A workshop for dancers of all experience on flow, connections, and dancing enjoyment!
w/ Jacqueline Schwab
3:15–4:30 PM Ball Rehearsal
A chance to practice dances for the ball!
w/ Rebekah Valencia & Idlewild
7–10:30 PM Fancy Dress* Ball
Dance Callers: Jacqueline Schwab & Rebekah Valencia
Music by Idlewild (Clara Byom, Jacob Chen, and Mirinisa Stewart-Tengco) w/Jacqueline Schwab
*Dress as you fancy!
Additional Event with Limited Capacity Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 10AM–2pm (Not at FUSION)
Potluck Brunch and Dance w/Idlewild, Jacqueline, & Rebekah.
Where: Private Residence (address provided upon registration).
Be sure to register early to reserve your spot!
This event is supported in part by a community grant from the Country Dance & Song Society.
Quality bar service provided by Safe House Distilling Co. and Teller Genuine Vodka.
