Star of the North: English Country Dance Weekend
October 9–11, 2026
Get swept away in the joy of live music and dance at Tapestry Folkdance Center’s Annual English Country Dance Weekend!
Star of the North 2026 Schedule
Friday
7:30 pm Registration
8–10: pm Welcome dance
Saturday
9:30 am Coffee & registration
10 am-12pm Dance workshop
12pm-2pm Lunch break
2 pm 4pm Dance workshop
4:15-5:30pm Musicians workshop
5:30-7:45pm Dinner break
8pm-10:30 pm Star of the North Ball
Sunday
9:30 am Coffee & registration
10 am-1pm Farewell dance
Featuring caller: Joseph Pimentel
Joseph Pimentel is a popular English dance leader and choreographer known for his clear teaching, discriminating taste in dances, and respect for tradition. He has led dance events throughout the US, Canada, and the UK, and as far afield as Egypt, Jordan, and Japan. A native New Englander happily settled in Houston, Texas, Joseph has published three books of dances— The Cardinal Collection, The Goldcrest Collection, and The Green Jay Collection, with companion CDs for the latter two. A few of his beloved choreographies are: Come with Voices Singing, Beautyberry, Mile of Smiles, and Mr. Hamilton’s Inauguration.
2026 Star of the North Band: Constellation
Rachel Bell and Susan Kevra long ago discovered that their accordion and clarinet playing blended exquisitely. When Dave Wiesler, pianist and guitarist extraordinaire, joined them for Set for Spring in 2023, Constellation was born. Since that pivotal moment, these three musicians have developed a distinctive sound with their unapologetic rhythmic propulsion, inventive textures, playful improvisation, and a commitment to what works best for the dance. Susan’s expertise as a caller and choreographer, and Dave and Rachel’s tune-writing skills, bring extra depth and dimension to the band. These three might be scattered across the US, but when they come together to play, the music is out of this world! Susan and Rachel published their book of English country dances and tunes, Trip to Provence, in January, 2026.
Registration Now Available!!
Rachel Bell, accordion
Susan Kevra, clarinet
Dave Wiesler, keyboard
Accommodations within easy commute of Tapestry Folkdance Center:
Tapestry is located in the Longfellow neighborhood of south Minneapolis. We are 3 blocks from a light rail station, and right off a bus line running on Minnehaha Ave, making us easily accessible by public transportation if you arrive in town without a car.
There are several Airbnb’s/VRBO vacation rentals nearby. Here are a couple within walking distance:
Here are some hotels that are off off light rail stations - a 10-20 minute train ride to Tapestry:
If you are driving, and want to stay somewhere with free parking an easy drive to Tapestry, we recommend looking at MSP airport hotels. The drive will be about 15 minutes, and you will be unlikely to hit traffic.
REFUND POLICY
Once an event registration is received at Tapestry Folkdance Center, the following refund policy applies:
All refund requests must be made in writing and sent to Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave. S, Mpls, MN 55406 or emailed to staff@tapestryfolkdance.org.
A $20 cancellation fee will be charged by the event for all refunds except for those issued in the case of illness or injury. Please include medical confirmation with refund request.
For any amount not refunded, you may request acknowledgement of a tax-deductible donation to Tapestry Folkdance Center.
A refund request more than 60 days prior to the first day of the event will receive a full refund less the $20 processing fee.
A refund requested within 60 days of the first day of the event will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the event organizers.