Contra Dancing in Athens, Ohio.
Due to the great attendance at the December dance, we're able to add another dance to our schedule:
Saturday, February 4th
7:30 Beginner's Lesson
8:00-11:00pm Dancing
Tunes by The Boys of the Hock
Calling by David, Stephanie, Martin & Adriane.
What is contra dancing?In short, it's a type of American folk dance, somewhat similar to squaredance, but done in facing parallel lines. (It is not line dancing, however!) All dances are taught first, and prompted by a caller as needed.
Contradancing is easy to learn, aerobic, and always uses live music, generally based on oldtime and Celtic fiddle tunes. Anyone may attend a dance, there is no club membership required. In this dance tradition, partners generally change for each dance, so if you arrive solo, it's no problem. Dress in comfy clothes and shoes. Here's a great descriptive essay on contradance There is also a nice video. Can't get enough contradancing to suit you? Check out these other regional dances: |
The cost is $7 for adults, $3 for students, $15 for families, children 10 and under free. Ohio University students admitted free to dances held in the Baker Center, compliments of the Department of Recreation and Sports Pedagogy. Fall 2011 dance schedule Saturday, September 10th - Shade Community Center Music by Contraband headed by local fiddler Mark Barsamian, featuring Mark Delozier and Kevin Fletcher. Calling by Richard Ades of Columubus. Saturday, October 15th - Shade Community Center Music by local favorites Boys of the Hock. Calling by Eric Conrad of Columubus. Saturday, December 10th - Shade Community Center Music by P.F. Flyers - Bernie Nau, Lynn Shaw, Liz Shaw & Nick Weiland. Caller Carol Kopp of Cleveland. Saturday, February 4th - Shade Community Center Music by local favorites Boys of the Hock. Calling by the locals: David, Stephanie, Martin & Adriane. Saturday, April 14th - Shade Community Center Music by Three Men Sitting. Caller TBA.
photo above: board members and friends of SEOTDS meet on the shore of Lake Logan during the annual Mayapple Stomp. (Please note that no Mayapples have been harmed in the15 years we have co-hosted this mini all-volunteer dance weekend! ) Need more info? Call Adriane Mohlenkamp at 740-590-4102 or email athenscontra (at) gmail (dot) com. |
