Enjoy live music, dance your heart out, meet your neighbors, and participate in a lively dance community that extends from coast to coast. Contra dancing is an old New England dance form that has experienced a tremendous revival in the last fifty years. We contra dance to live music—often a fiddle with guitar, piano, banjo or other accompaniment, playing mainly jigs and reels. A caller teaches the
dances by walking all the dancers through the figures before the music begins, then calling the figures during the dance. Each dance of the evening begins with lines of couples facing couples, joining hands to dance a number of figures together. The figures are repeated, and everyone eventually dances with everyone in the set. At the end of one dance, it is customary to find a new partner for the next dance; men and women ask each other to dance. No need to bring a partner. Previous dancing experience is not necessary. If you can walk quickly, count to eight, and know right from left, you can contra dance. Beginners are heartily encouraged to arrive on time for an introductory dance at 7 PM. Comfortable, breathable clothing is best to wear: contra dancing is good exercise! Bring clean, comfortable, non-marking shoes for dancing. We'll take a break part way through the dance to refuel and rehydrate. We'll have potluck finger food if you bring something, and we'll save on cups if you remember your own water bottle. Contra dances will be held at the Sandpoint Community Hall on the second Friday of each month from September through May. Suggested donation is $5 per person. The contra dance series is sponsored by Emily Faulkner, Lost Horse Press, and Sandpoint Parks & Rec. For more information, please call 263-6751.
