COMMUNITY CONTRA DANCE
August 14, 2010
Historic Gym
Music by Bill and Libby Hicks
with Rob Harper Caller

“Dancing with the feet is one thing,
but dancing with the heart is another.”
~Anonymous

No experience or dance skill is necessary to enjoy the fun and community spirit of contra dancing and no partner is needed. Attire ranges from swirling skirts (mostly on the women) to overalls and shorts. Comfort is key, and everyone is invited. From a warm welcome at the door to swirls of smiles on the dance floor, you’re sure to have a great time. And all for less than it would cost to go to a movie!

For more information call Walter Daves at 706-754-3254 or email Julianne Wilson at thrivingspirit@me.com.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. there will be a potluck supper open to anyone who would like to come. PLEASE bring a dish to share, preferably a casserole or salad, as we seem to get “top heavy” in the dessert department.

Each dance during the evening is explained by the caller and walked through without music first, and there are fewer than a dozen basic steps involved. As dance coordinator Walter Daves is often heard to say “Contra dancing is just walking to music…if you can walk, you can dance!” No partner needed! No experience necessary!

EVENT TIMES
6:30 p.m. for the potluck
7:30 p.m. for the dance introduction
8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for the dance

ADMISSION
$8 for adults
$7 for SNCA members
$4 for students.
Children 7 and under are admitted Free
(must be accompanied by a supervising adult)

LOCATION & ATTIRE
All Saturday dances are held in the SNCA Historic Gymnasium.
Attire ranges from swirling skirts (mostly on the women)
to overalls and shorts. Comfort is key, and everyone is welcome.

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Contra dancing (the term is derived from “country dancing”) is a group-based social activity that has a long tradition. It is similar to square dancing and the Virginia Reel, usually done in circles or lines in which partners dance with many other couples in turn throughout a dance set. There are a few basic dance figures that are combined in various ways, prompted by a caller. These figures are repeated with all of the dancers in a set. The result is a lot of fun in moving to the music with a group of dancers, each person contributing to the shared experience.

If you’ve not been to one of these wonderful evenings yet, there’s no time like the present to come see the fun we’re having. Each dance has a handful of children (who spend some time on the dance floor and some on the swing set outside!), a growing contingent of high school and college students from around the region, and adults up into their 70’s and 80’s. Some come to eat, listen, and watch -- most come to dance at least a few dances, and then there are those who start with the first dance and don’t stop till the band is packing up their instruments! Wherever you might fall along that continuum, your presence would add to the evening -- and the dance would no doubt add a bit of joy to your life. Come alone, bring a partner, bring the family or friends. No experience is necessary -- the introductory lesson gives even a confirmed non-dancer enough to step into the flow and enjoy the evening. Worried about what to wear? Don’t! Some dress up, and some come in overalls – you’ll fit in whatever you have on, though keep in mind that even with air conditioning, it gets warm while you’re dancing!

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“Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.” —Samuel Beckett

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TUESDAY NIGHT
CONTRA DANCE

Learn and Dance on the First and Third Tuesday
of every month
in the SNCA Community Hall
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Live music! Relaxed Fun! For newcomers and dancers of ALL skill levels!!
Walter Daves, Learn and Dance Series caller/instructor
and member of the bands, Sweetwater Jam and Cage Free String Band.

$3/person, 12 and under Free

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The Center is located in a vintage, red brick schoolhouse on Highway 255, two tenths of a mile from Highway 17. The Community Hall is across the driveway from the schoolhouse. Information: Call SNCA at 706-878-3300 or Walter Daves at 706-754-3254.

Sautee Community Contra Dance has a website at
www.sauteecontra.com