In Memoriam
Remembering Sarah (Sally) Stackhouse by Livia Vanaver
In 1967 I was dancing with Fred Berk's Hebraica Dancers, the resident company at the 92nd Street Y, . At age 16, I was the youngest member of the Company, There were several dancers who were going to the American Dance Festival that summer at Connecticut College in New London. It was the first summer ADF included a special teen program. The Jose Limon Co was in residence there. I fell in love with them . . . but most especially with Sally. I followed her around like a puppy. I snuck into the . . .
From a postcard in 1967 at American Dance Festival/Connecticut College, New London.
Sarah Stackhouse dancing with Louis Falco & Jose Limon. photo: Getty collection
Image restored by Shiloh Vanaver
Remembering Sarah (Sally) Stackhouse
Words by Livia Vanaver
In 1967 I was dancing with Fred Berk's Hebraica Dancers, the resident company at the 92nd Street Y,. At age 16, I was the youngest member of the Company. There were several dancers who were going to the American Dance Festival that summer at Connecticut College in New London. It was the first summer ADF included a special teen program. The Jose Limon Company was in residence there. I fell in love with them.... but most especially with Sally. I followed her around like a puppy. I snuck into the theatre, watched all the rehearsals and came to every performance..... then and subsequently for years.
Her expressivity, and depth of feeling touched me to the core. Her dancing was soulful and transcendent and she inspired me and so many of us dancers.
Years later after Sarah and her husband, Nano, moved up to New Paltz, where Bill and I had been living since 1974, we found to our delight that our houses was only 10 minutes away! Since the 90's, our Company and Youth Company have loved dancing in her studio above the garage. Many dances were created there. We shook the rafters. Sarah was always welcome to join us, and always gave great feedback. She inspired many of our young dancers during one SummerDance teaching the Essence of Limon. . Her welcoming, encouragement and generosity will always be appreciated. Sarah was on the Board of Advisors of The Vanaver Caravan for many years.
I loved just being with her. In 2022 we decided to practice Miss Craske's 8 port de bras from Cecchetti ballet. We both loved the iconic arm movements. When we couldn't remember them exactly, we zoomed in Diana Byer, our mutual friend and the keeper of Miss Craske's vast knowledge and Cecchetti sylabus. This past year, our relationship included matzo ball soup which I enjoyed making for her knowing that this was something she could eat . Those matzo balls were filled with my love for her. Indeed every interaction I had with Sarah was full of love. She engendered that feeling in all of us.
[The photo at the top of this post] was a postcard from 1967 with Sarah, Louis Falco and Jose Limon, when we were at Connecticut College for the American Dance Festival. I carried it with me for years. Two years ago, I asked my son, Shiloh (who does amazing photo restoration work) if he could restore it.
I gave a nice blown up and framed version to Sarah for her birthday and the first thing she said was, "My feet were so dirty, but I guess that's how every dancer's feet were in those days".
We will miss her deeply. Her life was a blessing to all who knew her.
Past event: July 3-8: Rudolstadt, GERMANY
From July 3rd-8th, the Company will be on tour in Germany, performing at Germany’s premier folk festival, Rudolsdadt. The Vanaver Caravan performed at Rudolsdadt in 1996 and 2007. We can’t wait to go back! SCHEDULE. If you happen to be in Germany, come find us (or plan a fun stop in Germany for your summer vacation).
Nathan and Evita + Isa and Talli, performing “Peace Pin Boogie” at Rudolstadt in 2007
From July 3rd-8th, the Company will be on tour in Germany, performing at Germany’s premier folk festival, Rudolstadt.
The Vanaver Caravan performed at Rudolstadt in 1996 and 2007. We can’t wait to go back!
If you happen to be in Germany, come find us (or plan a fun stop in Germany for your summer vacation).
"Into the Light" 2018
Performances of our Holiday Show will be held on Dec 1st, at Sinterklaas, 8th and 9th at Kaatsbaan International Dance Center.
INTO THE LIGHT HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Into the Light is The Vanaver Caravan’s Holiday Show, in collaboration with Arm-of-the-Sea Theater. This heartwarming performance tells the fantastical story of a young girl’s journey around the world to discover how different cultures celebrate light in the darkest time of the year. Join us for this enchanting, festive dance, with live music, and puppetry as a faithful Bear guides young Lucia around the world. Filled with color, pageantry, and the heartfelt celebration of multi-cultural traditions for everyone in the family, Into the Light honors the traditions of Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, (India) Sankta Lucia (Sweden), Winter Solstice, and Yule. Members of The Company will join our Youth Company & Caravan Kids for the Feature Performances.
Saturday, December 1st
Into the Light at Sinterklaas Festival in Rhinebeck. Enjoy three half hour excerpted performances at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Church of the Messiah Epscpl, 6436 Montgomery St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, USA. Free event. More Information.
Saturday, December 8th & Sunday, December 9th
NEW! For the first time ever, we are presenting four feature-length at Kaatsbaan International Dance Center in Tivoli, NY on Saturday Dec. 8, & Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018 at 1 PM and 4 PM as part of its Youth and Family Performance Series.
For more info plus video and photo previews, CLICK HERE.
October 19th: Turn Turn Turn
Don’t miss The Company in a performance of Turn Turn Turn: Pete Seeger in Dance and Music. October 19th at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Performance at 7:30pm.
Click Image for Video Preview!
Don’t miss The Company in a performance of Turn Turn Turn: Pete Seeger in Dance and Music.
October 19th at the Chandler Center for the Arts.
Performance at 7:30pm.
About the Performance
2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the iconic folk musician and political activist, Pete Seeger. The Vanaver Caravan, one of America’s most celebrated folk music and dance troupes, pays homage to its friend and mentor, delving with artistic integrity and deep affection into the extraordinary life and musical legacy of Pete Seeger.
The longtime friendship between Bill & Livia Vanaver and Pete Seeger blossomed into collaboration in 1996, when Pete suggested he play for The Vanaver Caravan dancers. This forty-year relationship and professional collaboration laid the foundation for their new full-length program, Turn Turn Turn
Turn Turn Turn honors Pete’s music of social justice and humanity. Now, more than ever, The Vanaver Caravan feels moved to bring Pete’s music with its relevant message, to the stage through dance and new musical arrangements. With five musicians and seven dancers, this program takes the audience on a journey through American history, focusing on the U.S. from the 1930′s through the 2000′s. The show includes styles from clogging to swing dance and Zulu “Gumboot” dancing. Audience participation is encouraged and there is an opportunity for young people to perform alongside the Company. This dance and musical tribute with archival projections, Turn Turn Turn incorporates such legendary Pete Seeger songs as: Kisses Sweeter than Wine, We Shall Overcome, Where Have All the Flowers Gone, Guantanamera, Wimoweh, and Turn, Turn, Turn. Recently performed excerpts of Turn Turn Turn have had audiences on their feet, and at times moved them to tears. Energized by Pete’s enduring message, audiences are inspired to make our world a better place.
The current cast of accomplished dancers & musicians includes: Livia Drapkin Vanaver, dancer/choreographer; Samantha & Brian Lawton-stars of the Swing Dance World, and dancers from around the world; Carla Giudicelli, Rafal Pustelny, Emily Vanston, and Ray Davis.
These Vanaver Caravan musicians have been with the Company since the late 70’s: Bill Vanaver, folklorist, composer, multi-instrumentalist/singer, and musical director; Evan Stover ~ fiddler extraordinaire; Linda Richards, Director of Music for the Clearwater; Toby Stover keyboards and percussion; Henry Chapin ~ bassist, singer, and veteran folk performer.
Based on a script by Dominic Orlando, Pete's story weaves throughout the production as “connective tissue.” Davey Steinman coordinated the archival slides and visuals from Pete’s life and songs.
October 19, 2018 @ 7:30 pm
Chandler Center for the Arts
71 N Main St
Randolph, VT 05060
Cost: $42, $34, $27
Contact: 802-728-6464
www.chandler-arts.org
Photo by Lois Greenfield. 2017.