Photo by Robert Forsyth
Written by David Liden, former Folk School Development Director, Chairman of the Board, and now a local musician and friend.
After almost thirty years in Brasstown, Bob Dalsemer has moved to a lovely new home in a residential community in Black Mountain, North Carolina where he joins a number of musical friends. But rest assured, he took a piece of Brasstown with him: a wonderfully whimsical quilt. This quilt was created and blessed by lots of his friends who pieced and sewed a little bit of their hearts and memories into a beautiful expression of thanks for helping us understand that music and dance are a natural part of a full life.
During his tenure, Bob was the backbone of music and dance at the Folk School and beyond that, an inspiration to greater Brasstown. He saw music and dance as essential to Mrs. Campbell’s understanding of the Danish Folk School idea. In his own words:
“While music and dance are class offerings at the Folk School, they play an even greater role in community building: an important aspect of the Folk School philosophy. Mrs. Campbell made special note of the importance of community singing, folk dancing, and singing games in bringing folks together.”
Photo by Robert Forsyth
Photo by Robert Forsyth
Photo by Robert Forsyth
Photo by Martha Owen
Photo by Martha Owen
Photo by Celia Larson
From 1991 to 2013, Bob played an essential role in renewing the Folk School’s music and dance program through his national, and even international, reputation as a master caller, teacher, and musician. He created new classes and recruited new teachers. He built Winter Dance Week into a vibrant event encompassing a variety of traditions. He popularized the Tuesday night dances and Friday night concerts for students and neighbors. The Saturday night dances flourished with live music, popular callers, and musicians from all across the region. And all the while, there was an enthusiasm for inclusiveness where everyone, especially young people and beginners, was always welcome and dancing was fun. When Annie Fain Barralon took over upon Bob’s retirement, the foundation was in place for her to build on.
Photo by Robert Forsyth
Photo by Robert Forsyth
Photo by Robert Forsyth
Photo by Robert Forsyth
Bob’s place in the local community of dancers and musicians was equally important and inspiring. He was the anchor of the local Morris Dance bands with his accordion providing the musical core, suggesting the perfect tunes, and encouraging others to rise to his standards. The Tuesday and Saturday night dances for students and neighbors were always fun because he was there to call, play or dance. He was always ready for a jam or to add music to a local event. And, he inspired our local Dog Branch Cats dance band as the fiddler who always had the right tune in mind, providing a danceable blend of melody and rhythm.
So now we want to thank him for the dance. For the opportunity to enjoy each other, meet new people, and build community. We wish him all the best and look forward to frequent visits. How long will it be before they have a regular square dance and string band in his new community?
Bob accepting the County Dance & Song Society’s Lifetime Contribution Award in 2011
The Folk School transforms lives, bringing people together in a nurturing environment for experiences in learning and community life that spark self-discovery. Located in scenic Brasstown, North Carolina, the Folk School offers year-round weeklong and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing.
My fond memories of times spent at the Folk School are due in large part to Bob’s welcoming presence, and his unfailing enthusiasm. He is a true work of art, and this memory quilt is an incredible expression of the love and care he has shared for so many years.
Morris and Mummers Mayhem,
English Country, Contras,
and Singing Squares,
Thank you, Bob, for Everything!
In Music and Dance, Forever,
Footloose Pete
We welcome Bob to the Asheville area!
Thanks for many years of top-notch dance and music events. Scott and I tried not to miss any! Enjoy living at Highland Farms– several of
my kin folk lived there– it’s a wonderful place.
An amazing story, an amazing community and an amazing man. You are all so fortunate, and I see, Bob, that you don’t lose your community in moving away. Best to you All!
Bob – we love you and will miss you as we get back into dancing & making music at the Folk School… and elsewhere in your large dance gypsy caller circle! Thank you for all of your leadership, community support, and friendship!… as well as your music! Enjoy… and come back to visit! Love Anne… & martin
Yes! Ditto ditto. Luv ya Bob.
Bob – retiring? No way! With such a strong commitment to folk arts and education in addition to being a community builder, my guess is that his spirit will persist in some way. I think back to the joy had at folk school dances led by Bob and the wonderful times when the Morris sides of Brasstown would join our Morris troupes in Asheville. From my outpost in Seattle, best wishes to Bob!
We all owe a lot to Bob. Thanks for everything! Going back a long ways, too.
We love Bob!
Thank you to you Bob Dalsemer you made it great for us Danes too. Thanks indeed for calling, playing and story telling and and being a good friend. Have a nice time in your new resident too. Thank you also to The John C Campbell Folk School for employing this great person and for the warm society you built for us all. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all in Brasstown and the sorrounding area. Hans Rosgaard, Roedkaersbro, Jutland – Denmark.
This is so awesome to see! Congrats Dad, proud of all that you accomplished at the Folk School!! – Andrew
A beautiful tribute, and so well written…when words hardly express the feelings and capture the memories. That’s where personal quilts come in! Yes, Bob…thanks for the dance.❤
Thanks for all the good times and fond memories. All the best for a wonderful time in Black Mountain. Come back soon. Marolyn and Rooney Floyd