Belgian-born Paul Oorts, is very active in the world of English, contra, and vintage dances in the DC-Baltimore area. With the trio Goldcrest he performs at dance events all over the US. He also performs and tours with his wife, hammered dulcimer player Karen Ashbrook. As a teacher and staff musician, he has been on faculty at many week-long camps including Augusta Heritage Center (WV) the Swannanoa Gathering (NC), Common Ground on the Hill (MD), Pinewoods (MA), Kentucky Music Week, and the Volksmuziekstage in Gooik (Belgium). During the academic year Dr. Oorts teaches Italian and French at Loyola University in Baltimore.