In order to facilitate communication within the Guild, I have added a new section to the Saltare website to maintain the membership roster. There has not been a current roster for quite some time, so I would like to start fresh and get everyone’s information. To register, click here.

Most news and updates will still be going out through the website, mailing list, and Facebook page. The Guild roster will be used mainly to contact people regarding classes and revels, and to coordinate voting on Guild positions and rule changes.

If you are the official dance leader for your group (European or Eastern), send me an email and I’ll add that information to the database. Also feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the new system.

This year’s Saltare Collegium was a great success, but now is the time to start planning for the next one. To that end I have begun soliciting bids for the event. I have also enlisted the aid of some very talented people who have been generous enough to offer their services to the Guild.

First, I have given the position of Eastern Dance Deputy to Lady Cigan Oszinte from the Shire of Flintmarsh. She is very excited about the opportunity to get to know the members of the Eastern dance community and find new ways for Saltare to help them spread the joy of dance throughout the kingdom.

I have also appointed Lady Margavati from the Barony of South Downs as Collegium Deputy. She did an excellent job as event steward for this year’s Collegium, and expressed an interest in helping with the next one. As the Collegium is traditionally hosted by a different group each year, I thought it would be helpful to have someone for the next Collegium steward to consult with on the specific requirements of this event.

Email links for both of these ladies can be found on the Saltare website.

This year’s Saltare Collegium was a great success, and there are many people without whom it could not have happened. Thanks to the Barony of the South Downs for hosting the event and providing organization, support, and delicious food for us. Also thanks to the members of the Shire of Talmere who helped us secure the site and provided addition signage.

Of course, without the fine teachers, talented musicians, and enthusiastic dancers the day would not have been possible, so we are grateful to all of you who attended and hope to see you again next year!

If you would like to host the Collegium next year, it’s never too soon to start planning for it. Please send any bids or questions to the Guild Steward. The sooner planning begins, the more smoothly things will go.

You don’t have to wait until next year to get your next dance fix, of course. If you need resources to help start or improve your local dance practice, let us know and we can get you what you need. Many good resources can be found through the Saltare website as well. If you would like to host a Regional Dance Practice, we can help you organize that as well.

A new section has been added to the contest page for this year’s Saltare collegium, discussing what one might do do become a better dance partner.

Only five weeks left until this year’s Saltare Dance Collegium! The class schedule has been posted, and there’s plenty there for everyone to enjoy: 17 teachers, 27 classes, and over 40 hours of instruction on European dance, Eastern dance, and music of both styles. There will also be an afternoon practice session for the musicians and classes on how to teach dance and run a hafla. The evening will feature a European ball and a hafla, both with live music and a tasty shared sideboard prepared by Mistress Serena.

Check out the event website for directions and more information.