Contra Dance at Wesleyan, February 28.

This Friday from 8-11PM


In Beckham Hall (in the Fayerweather building, Wyllys Ave., on Wesleyan's campus)
(Open to public and free, with an optional donations box to help support the musicians and caller.)

What is contra dancing?  It's a kind of social, community-oriented dancing that's been going on in New England and across the country for ages.  It's an evening of easy-going fun, featuring dancing in "sets" of about a dozen couples.  You interact with your partner, and with everyone else in the set too, as you dance with easy walking steps to energetic, live music.  In addition to the live musicians (playing folky fiddle-type music), there's a caller who first explains the movements, and then prompts you during the dance.  There's no fancy footwork, no lessons required ahead of time, and you don't have to show up with a partner.  The music is full of energy and joy, and the evening is all about making connections and supporting the community.  

Music by Wes alum Emily Troll (on accordion and fiddle), Max Newman (on guitar), and Glen Loper (on mandolin).


Calling by Sarah VanNorstrand, from just outside Syracuse, NY.