What does Cast Off 8’s Offer?
Learn more about what we do
Beginner’s Classes
Each year we offer Beginner's classes. Beginner’s classes start on Wed. Sept. 11, 2024 and feature two “free nights,” to explore how much fun club square dancing is for you! (Sept. 11 and 18, 2024). Held at Lothrop Elementary School in Pittsford, Vermont, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Couples or singles welcome, there are helpers or “angels” to help you learn all the square dance calls in Mainstream square dance, so you can dance anywhere in the world! Children who are interested and can follow what the caller is teaching are welcome (generally age 8 and up). Classes last 12-20 weeks after the “free nights,” A graduation celebration acknowledges the new class with food and fun! For the last hour after the Beginner’s Class (8-9 PM), we dance a mix of Mainstream, Plus and Advanced for Club members.
Summer Workshops
Members of the club arrange for summer workshops to work on skills learned during the regular Club year. Separate from the official Club activities, members of the club get to participate in extra fun and square dance skills! We learn a lot and strengthen our abilities every summer, dancing with Peter Tobin!
Introduction to Large Dances and Festivals
Through classes and dances, members learn about and are mentored in attending their first larger square dance festivals, such as the Maple Sugar Festival in S. Burlington, The Vermont Dance (full day in May), New England Square Dance Convention, and national and international square dance opportunities.
Monthly Dances
The club hires additional experienced callers from New England and beyond for monthly theme based dances. Dancers gain experience dancing to different callers and styles.
Club Dances
Monthly club dances are held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland, VT. Club dances are listed on this site. Guest callers from New England and beyond call for the Cast Off 8's.