The CommonWealth Dance Collective

06/09/2026

The CommonWealth Dance Collective, a local traditional percussive dance ensemble that is part of AACTMAD (Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance), celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. Don Theyken is a photographer and videographer who generously shares his work for all of us to enjoy, and he filmed the anniversary party, including the following video. This video of his showcases and celebrates the community of dancers and musicians we have been building:
https://youtu.be/VDfvJu9CqgI?si=2ZMlvBaO_aQo7UFM

If you are interested in learning traditional percussive dance, Ann Arbor Rec & Ed is offering a class this summer starting on Sunday, June 28. Please feel free to comment or PM with any questions! You can find more information about the class here:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/aareced/activity/search/detail/65104?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

The CommonWealth Dance Collective celebrated its 20th anniversary i...

05/24/2026

This winter, Leim Irish Dance invited us to perform at their annual show. We had so much fun and are looking forward to opportunities to collaborate and build community with them in the future! We performed a set featuring two Appalachian clogging favorites with a historical Marley clog dance from the Vaudeville era sprinkled in between.

https://youtu.be/vkDok5VCANc?si=3aCqa7zyq-mxPeK3

You'll also find a behind-the-scenes clip of our Rise & Shine rehearsal with their group, showcasing Irish dance, Appalachian dance, and Canadian step dance:

https://youtu.be/4yv9DXELyhw?si=A0dIFJazgHm0XFvb

Glimpse behind the scenes during our rehearsal with Léim Irish Danc...

05/08/2026

If you are curious about Contra Dancing, AACTMAD is hosting the annual Apple Blossom Bliss, and on Saturday there is a lesson for beginners at 7pm with a beginner-friendly Contra dance starting at 7:30pm.

Learn more and register here:

Apple Blossom Bliss Contra WeekendMay 8-10th, 2026 MusicStringraysBig Fun 2026 T-Shirt w/ Design by Sam Bartlett of the Stringrays!Only $20 at the door! Gender Free CallingGaye FiferSam Smith Apple Blossom Bliss Registration from $30.00 Contra Dance Weekend in Ann Arbor, MI May 8-10th, 2026 Dance: A...

04/26/2026

Wheatland's Traditional Arts Weekend is an annual event happening again next month. In 2019, we enjoyed performing to the joyous live tunes played by Luke Panning on fiddle and Myron Grant on guitar. We hope you'll enjoy this blast from the past -- leave us a note on YouTube to let us know you stopped by (and feel free to like and Hype the video if you'd like to help our YouTube community grow):

A Piece of Cake? Appalachian Dancing to Indian Corn at Wheatland | "Ooga" LIVE

04/20/2026

Add a dash of Appalachian clogging to any recipe!

Find us on YouTube to watch the full routine -- link in bio.

04/18/2026

What is your favorite part of Big John McNeil? (Favorite part of the tune arrangement or the choreography or the footwork?) Comment on the video on YouTube with a timestamp so other viewers can watch or listen to your favorite part too!

14 likes, 4 comments. "We are the DRUMS! | Appalachian Traditional Dancing to Big John McNeil"

04/03/2026

We have a new session of traditional percussive dance for beginners starting Sunday, April 12 at 2:30pm offered through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed -- please share to spread the word. No prior experience is necessary:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/aareced/activity/search/detail/65103?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

03/05/2026

Hopping along toward Spring.

02/02/2026

Congratulations Léim Irish Dance on a wonderful Annual Show! Great job, dancers and musicians 👏 Thank you for including us as guests -- we hope for more collaborations in the future! And thank you for the thoughtful card and beautiful 💐

01/07/2026

Big John McNeil at the Michigan Celtic Festival

Musicians: Sarah Vaujin (guitar), Nate and Sam Jacobson (fiddle)

Check out our YouTube channel linked in our profile for more videos!