Claire Takemori~
Dance Teacher

Claire Takemori~ Dance TeacherClaire Takemori~ Dance TeacherClaire Takemori~ Dance Teacher

Claire Takemori~
Dance Teacher

Claire Takemori~ Dance TeacherClaire Takemori~ Dance TeacherClaire Takemori~ Dance Teacher

Want dancing at your event?

Let's chat, I can help!

Let's chat, I can help! Let's chat, I can help! Let's chat, I can help!
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testimonials

Blessed Wedding Day !

Blessed Wedding Day !

Blessed Wedding Day !

"What a blessing to celebrate our wedding day with you!! Your presence has added so much love and wonders to our special day.

Thank you for putting so much attention to our preferences and the preparation ahead of time. We could not be more thrilled with how smoothly and FUN the whole dance went! It was a real surprise for our guests and they LOVED it!!!

On the evening of the wedding day, Aaron told me it really was the happiest and most beautiful day of his life…I couldn't agree more ~ you made it all so beyond our dreams!"

Pie Ranch Barn Dance

Blessed Wedding Day !

Blessed Wedding Day !

"I’m feeling so much gratitude for your calling skills Claire and for all the joy you inspired in everyone last night. It was honestly one of my favorite dances after 18 years of holding these!"  

Nancy Vail, co-owner Pie Ranch

Wedding Dance

Blessed Wedding Day !

School Orientation Dance

"Claire, I wanted to reach out and thank you for your excellent programming and calling for our wedding last night. It was incredible, and people I was expecting to sit out the entire time had a blast!" 

-Rose Axelrod

School Orientation Dance

School Orientation Dance

School Orientation Dance

""Usually I don't like dancing, but I had such an amazing time at the barn dance!"

Pt Reyes 8th grade orientation

Zoom Organizer

School Orientation Dance

Zoom Organizer

"wanted to say how grateful I have been for your help over these past two years. Your thoroughness, your calm, your good humor—you epitomized grace under pressure to me.

I think you have done a great good work and have helped hundreds of people get through an impossibly hard time."

Sharon Green, Oakland CA

Dance Teacher

School Orientation Dance

Zoom Organizer

“You have a gift for being a dance leader, especially in these times!  Your positive attitude and smile is infectious.  And your teaching skills are excellent!”

Paul Rosenberg

About events

How Claire can make your event spectacular

Claire has many years of experience bringing Americana and International folk dance and song to a wide range of events.  


She is well known for teaching dances at weddings, community gatherings, and school events as well as contra dances, English County dances, Square dances, Waltzes, and private dance lessons.  


She has taught dances from Hawaii to the West coast, Idaho, Texas, and up & down the East coast. Claire brings the joy of dance, no matter the age range or occasion.  


 Claire speaks some Spanish, French, & Japanese, and can bring a live band, or high quality recorded music for your event. 

What can my event look like?

We begin with a call or email to discuss your event, timeline, budget and needs.   I will help you plan an amazing dance portion of your event to entice everyone to  move with smiles & laughter. 


You can have an hour of inclusive "hoedown" dances right after your wedding;  a fun, exciting teen dance evening, or an elegant Parent/teen formal dance with lessons and live music.   The sky is the limit! 


Other occasions include: Bat/Bar Mitzvah celebrations, Anniversaries or birthdays, community gatherings and University or corporate orientations.  

Claire's dance philosophy

I believe that dance is the birthright of all humans. 


My heart is filled with JOY, when someone tells me before the dance "I can't dance", but afterwards is laughing, smiling and filled with life.  


This is my gift to the world, to share music and dance. 

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    COMING EVENTS

    4/19/2025

    River Falls Contra Dance

    7:30pm

    -

    11pm

    River Falls Lodge, Marietta SC

    Event Details

    4/19/2025

    River Falls Contra Dance

    Lettuce Prey: Joey Dorwart plus 

    https://harvestmoonfolk.org/events/


    7:30pm

    -

    11pm

    River Falls Lodge, Marietta SC

    4/20/2025

    OFB Callers Collective Contra

    5:30pm

    -

    830pm

    Harvest House: 205 Kenilworth Ave Asheville

    Event Details

    4/20/2025

    OFB Callers Collective Contra

    Callers Collective

    Mentoring new callers and a new band! 


    https://www.facebook.com/events/634794019342396

    5:30pm

    -

    830pm

    Harvest House: 205 Kenilworth Ave Asheville

    5/9/2025

    the LEAF Retreat French Balfolk Workshop

    12:15pm

    -

    1pm

    The LEAF Festival: Lake Eden, Black Mountain NC

    Event Details

    5/9/2025

    the LEAF Retreat French Balfolk Workshop

    Learn easy, fun French community dances with live accordion music!  All dances taught and prompted. 

    https://theleaf.org/leaf-may-retreat/

    12:15pm

    -

    1pm

    The LEAF Festival: Lake Eden, Black Mountain NC

    5/9/2025

    the LEAF Retreat Contra Dance

    11:15 pm

    -

    12:45 am

    The LEAF Festival: Lake Eden, Black Mountain NC

    Event Details

    5/9/2025

    the LEAF Retreat Contra Dance

    Contra dance at Eden Hall. Come early for a quick lesson at 11:15pm

    George Paul & Cecelia Vacanti !!! 


    https://theleaf.org/leaf-may-retreat/

    11:15 pm

    -

    12:45 am

    The LEAF Festival: Lake Eden, Black Mountain NC

    5/11/2025

    the LEAF Retreat FAMILY Dance

    11:15am

    -

    11:45am

    The LEAF Festival: Lake Eden, Black Mountain NC

    Event Details

    5/11/2025

    the LEAF Retreat FAMILY Dance

    Family dance at Eden Hall. All ages!  

    Just 30 min, so come early! 


    https://theleaf.org/leaf-may-retreat/

    11:15am

    -

    11:45am

    The LEAF Festival: Lake Eden, Black Mountain NC

    PAST EVENTS 2025

    3/4.11,18,25/2025 Clyde ECD Beta Class

    Haywood County Employee Beta class in English Country Dance with Ron Arps

    3/7/2025 Tryon PACJAM Dance

    Family dance for all. PACJAM teen musicians

    3/16/2025 OFB Collective Contra

    Mentoring new callers

    3/21-23/2025 Spring at Sautee Weekend

    Toss the Possum

    The Dog Walkers 

    Claire Takemori, Warren Doyle

    https://sauteenacoocheecenter.org/event/spring-at-sautee-contra-dance-weekend/

    3/29/2025 Special Sat Contra

    River Falls had to cancel due to fires/smoke and ContraForce came to Asheville to share yoga, dance, joy. 

    4/4/2025 Celo Contra Dance

    live band, local musicians

    4/3/2025 OFB Contra

    Tune Drivers: Amy Buckingham (bass),
    Bob Buckingham(guitar)
    Fred Stoll (fiddle),
    Pam Stoll(fiddle),

    PAST EVENTS 2025

    1/12/2025 Old Farmer's Ball Contra Dance

    GRYN : George Paul, Ryn Riley 

    https://oldfarmersball.com

    1/17/2025 Celo Contra Dance

    The Jig is Up: Danny Blose, Eric Witherspoon, Lucy Perry

    1/24-25/2025 Swing Shift Weekend

    1/24/25 Lexington KY 730-11pm

    1/25/25 Berea KY  215-11pm  (contra, swing, potluck dinner, swing, contra) 

    Evil Tiwns band:David Courret-Knight, Laurie Fisher. 

    https://www.swingshift.ltda.us 

    1/27/2025 Louisville KY Contra

    Tom Cunningham & Laurie Fisher

    https://www.louisvillecountrydancers.org/calendar

    2/2/2025 OFB Adv Contra

    For experienced dancers, comfortable with no-walk-thru contra, complex choreography, and faster moving tempos. 

    Laura Legnick & Paul Moore.  FREE, and donations to the band welcome. 

    https://oldfarmersball.com  at Harvest House Asheville

    2/7-9/2025 Cabin Fever Weekend

    Fri, Sat, Sun contra dances with Ice Cream Truckers: Noah VanNorstrand (fiddle, mandolin, feet) Kelsey Wells (banjo, fiddle) & Spintuition: Silas Hamilton (Guitar, Piano, Fiddle, Vocals, Feet), Willy Clemetson (Fiddle, Vocals, Feet), and Samuel Foucher (Accordion, Piano, Vocals) 

    www.KnoxvilleContra.org

    3/9/2025 New Callers Workshop

    For experienced dancers, you will learn the basics, practice calling, and get an email with links, dances, and a caller's workshop PDF.  Preparing for calling a dance at OFB Warren Wilson Open Caller Mic 3/13/25.  MUST RSVP. 

    3/13/2025 Old Farmers Ball Contra Dance *Open Caller Mic*

    Anyone can try calling a dance!  Sign up at the dance, or message me a week ahead to learn a dance.  oldfarmersball.com 

    3/15/2025 Harvest Moon River Falls Contra

    Windmill band: Steve Trisman, Laurice Fisher 

    3/16/2025 Old Farmers Ball Family Dance for All

    Open band. All welcome to help the next generation of dancers 

    3/20/2025 Franklin NC Contra Dance

    Toss the Possum!  Rob Zisette & Laura Zisette

    https://www.facebook.com/FranklinContra/

    3/20/2025 Franklin NC Contra Dance

    Toss the Possum!  Rob Zisette & Laura Zisette

    https://www.facebook.com/FranklinContra/

    PAST EVENTS 2024 (JAN-MAR)

    1/1/2024 Community Contra Dance (Private)

    1/12/2024 Maui Community Dance, Maui Waldorf School

    1/14/2024 Hayward Contra Dance

    LeeAnne Welch & Andy Imbrie at Hill & Valley Club, 1808 B St, Hayward, CA 

    sfbaycontra.org

    1/20/2024 Happy Hearts Contra Dance

    Shira Kammen & Patti Cobb. 

    1707 Alameda Ave, Alameda CA 

    2/10/2024 Jonesborough Contra Dance

    Rheva and Keegan

    Langston Center, 315 Elm St, Johnson City, TN

    2/17/2024 Boone Contra Dance (cancelled)

    3/2/2024 John C.Campbell Folk School Contra Dance

    Alex Cumming (VT), Erynn & Carl 

    folkschool.org

    3/3/2024 John C.Campbell Folk School English Dance

    Alex Cumming (VT), Gretchen, Steve 

    folkschool.org

    3/15/2024 Atlanta Contra Dance

    Ed Baggott, Elsie Peterson (AL)

    contradance.org 

    3/16/2024 Harvest Moon, River Falls Contra Dance

    Contra Force: Andrea Raffield, Joey Dorwart, Jimi Peirano, Karin Mcquade. 

    https://harvestmoonfolk.org 

    3/31/2024 New Callers' Workshop

    Harvest House Community Center 205 Kenilworth Road Asheville, NC 28803

    PAST EVENTS 2024 (Apr-Jun)

    4/4/2024 Old Farmer's Ball Contra, Asheville NC

    Fred Stoll (fiddle), Marshall Goers (banjo & mandolin), Lucy Allen (guitar), Pam Stoll (bass)

    4/5/2024 Celo Community Contra Dance, Burnsville NC

    4/6/2024 Triangle Country Dancers: Carrboro Contra Dance

    David DiGiuseppe, Kathleen Fownes, Rob Sharer

    4/13/2024 Jonesborough Contra Dance

    Nic Coker, Garrett Andrews

    4/14/2024 Harvest House, English Country Dance

    Co-calling with Bob Thompson

    https://www.ashevillenc.gov/locations/harvest-house-community-center/

    4/20/2024 Charlotte Contra Dance

     Wolf Moon String Band:Marshall Goers (banjo & mandolin), Lucy Allen (guitar) 

    Brooke Lauer, Briggs Hamilton  https://www.charlottecontradance.org 

    5/3/2024 Atlanta Contra Dance

    D/S/M: Dave Marcus (concertina), Scott Russell (guitar), Melissa Kacalanos (percussion, hurdy gurdy)  https://contradance.org 

    5/4/2024 Chez Marie Contra Dance

    Lydia Ievins (MA), Dave and Robbin Marcus

    https://www.chez-marie-studio.com/events

    5/10-12/2024 The LEAF Festival

    Playing With Fyre:  George Paul, Steve Kemble,  Willy Clementson (VT) 

    https://theleaf.org/leaf-festival-lineup/ 

    5/18/2024 River Falls Contra Dance

    ContraForce ! Andrae Raffield, Joey Dorwart, Jimi Peirano, Karin Mcquade


    6/6/2024 Berkeley Contra Dance

    The Whiskey Brothers: Dave Courchaine -- guitar, John MacFarlane -- fiddle, Jeff Ward -- mandolin

    https://bacds.org/series/contra/berkeley_wed/

    6/8/2024 Bat Mitzvah Dance

    Private event

    PAST EVENTS 2024 (JUN-NOV)

    6/9/2024 Hayward Contra Dance

    Rodney Miller, Jeffrey Spero 

    https://sfbaycontra.org

    6/10/24 San Francisco School Dance

    Rodney Miller, Rebecca King

    6/13/2024 Teen Redwood Music Camp Dance

    John Weed, Tyler Weed, Adam Henley

    https://www.communitymusicschool.org/redwood-music-teen-camp4

    6/15/2024 Pie Ranch Meadow Dance

    Home Pie String Band!

     https://www.pieranch.org/work-day-meadow-dance

    8/22/2024 Old Farmers Ball Contra Dance

     The Dog Walkers: Tory Horner, Nic Coker, Art Shuster, Karen Gaughn

    https://oldfarmersball.com

    8/23/2024 Atlanta Contra Dance

    The Dog Walkers: Tory Horner, Nic Coker

     https://contradance.org 

    8/24/24 Sautee Nacoochee Contra Dance

    Tory Horner & Nic Coker, Art Shuster. 

    https://www.snca.org/contra/home.php

    8/31/24 River Falls Techno Contra Dance

    DJ Taco Shel

    https://harvestmoonfolk.org

    9/7/2024 Franklin Contra Dance

    https://cdss.org/organizer/friends-of-contra-dance-of-macon-county/ 

    10/4-5/2024 Dancing Fish weekend

    ContraPositive: Matthew Christian, Matt Diaz, Joe DePaolo 

    https://dancingfish.dance/

    11/9/24 Maui Contra Dance

    Maui Jam musicians

    https://www.facebook.com/mauicontra

    11/16/2024 Tapestry Fundraiser for Asheville

    Waltz workshop, Family Squares, Contra Flourish workshop. 

    https://www.tapestryfolkdance.org/ashevillebenefit

    PAST EVENTS 2024 (DEC)

    12/13/2024 Atlanta Contra Dance

    Griddle Lickers: Evan Kinnery (fiddle, harmonica), Mick Kinney (piano), Mickey Nelligan (banjo) 

    https://www.contradance.org

    12/14/24 Chez Marie Holiday Waltz, Contra

    Waltz, Carols, Catered Dinner, Contra, Bonfire

    Contra Dance with Playing with Fyre ! 

    https://www.chez-marie-studio.com/events/starry-starry-night

    12/30/2024 John C Campbell Winter Week

    Musicians:

    Serendipity: Barb Seppeler, Laurie Giroux-Gillman, Boel Gidholm (English)

    Chicken Feathers: Laurie Andres, W.B. Reid, Bonnie Zahnow  (American Contras and Squares)

    Brasstown Bal Folk Band: Rachel Bell, Charlie Beck, Geraud Barralon (Bal Folk)

    Callers: Seth Tepfer, Janet Shephard, Annie Fain Barralon

    Special Guests: 
    Susan Kevra, Claire Takemori, Dan Seppeler, T-Claw Crawford, Wendy Graham

    https://folkschool.configio.com/pd/2572/winter-dance-week-2024


    Copyright © 2025 Claire Takemori, Dance Teacher - All Rights Reserved.

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