I learned of the SCA while in grad school at Michigan. I cut my teeth so to speak with the Ann Arbor group: the Barony of Cynnabar. In many ways, I still consider myself apart of that group. I live in Lexington, KY now; so, I play with the Shire of Dragonsmark and the UK college group: Vale d' Azure. I am the Dance Minister for the area and I occasionally give lectures for both groups. The nice part to all of this is that Cynnabar and the two Kentucky groups are in the same kingdom (similar to a 'state' category) of the SCA: the Midrealm Kingdom. This way, I still see some of my friends at SCA events.
I teach European dancing from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Honestly, our Russian dances date back only 100 years or so, but we want to offer a wide variety of dances from lots of countries. So, we dance these dances as well; however, I always inform those dancing that this certainly is not pre-1600. I've not had an issue with people refusing to dance these; so, I'll continue.
I mention the Russian dances specifically, because of my fascination with Russian culture. I'm working on a Russian Persona to role-play at events, etc. I haven't worked out all the details yet. Oh, people do not have to role-play at events. So far every event I've attended, I've just been me.
Since interacting with people involved in the SCA, I've learned how to dance, sew, do calligraphy, fence a little, and make fun of people who take fighting tournaments too seriously. I've much to learn before I could ever consider myself proficient at any of these activities, even dancing. However, I learn and enjoy myself every time I partake.
Groups
SCA webpage
Midrealm webpage
Cynnabar: Ann Arbor/UM group
Dragon's Mark: Lexington group
Vale d'Azure: UK group
Links to Info and Main Page
Articles and Lectures for the SCA
Dance Minister's Report
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