Video of "Helen's Gifts" dance

[donwfbell]

Helen's Gifts (a double circle mixer) by Don & Diane Bell (2026)

A tribute to Helen Patti, an avid dancer in the Capital Region.

Tune: Simple Gifts by Joseph Brackett (1848)

Caller: Don Bell

Music: Contravention - Alan Thomson (keyboard), Eric Buddington (fiddle), Malcom Callagy (cello)

Danced in the Buhrmaster Barn in Colonie, New York on June 14, 2026.

Notes:

Our dear friend, Helen Patti, passed away in 2026. She was a loyal supporter of the Capital English Country Dancers from the beginning and danced with us until very recently. Always cheerful and gracious, she shared her lifelong experience of English dance with us. For years, she was the one who thanked our performers in the old-fashioned way with handwritten cards and using her calligraphic skills, prepared posters highlighting the performers for our monthly and special dance events.

As a magician – she called herself Magic Patti, if we recall correctly – she occasionally entertained us by pulling rabbits, doves and all manner of things out of her top hat. She was a unique and special person who will be missed by many.

https://saratogatodaynewspaper.com/helen-elizabeth-janes-patti-2/

Simple Gifts Lyrics

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where I ought to be;
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed;
to turn, turn, will be my delight.
Till by turning, turning we come round right.

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