Details
The 2nd Thursday Community Dance for all ages starts at 6:00 downstairs with an all comers band led by Clara and Micah. Margaret teaches fun and accessible dances for all. Our community dances are supported by a grant from the Country Dance & Song Society.
This all-ages, multi-generational Techno Contra features traditional contra dancing set to live, high-energy electronic-infused music. Dances are called by Rachel Ameen, with Tryptech creating a one-of-a-kind sound using fiddle, keyboard, and a synth-driven rhythm setup with drums – a unique blend that’s both deeply groovy and unmistakably contra.
The room is transformed with dimmed lighting, mirrors, and atmospheric effects to create an immersive, energetic dance experience. The theme for this dance is “Techno in Wonderland,” and dancers are encouraged (but never required!) to dress in Queen of Hearts colors — red, black, and white.
Everyone is welcome. A clear beginner lesson starts at 7:00 PM, followed by the dance at 7:30 PM.
Caller
Rachel Ameen
Rachel is an up-and-coming caller based out of Syracuse New York. She focusses on varied sets and lively and humorous teaching. She calls contras old and new, chestnuts, family dances, techno contras, and singing squares (her personal favorite). She began calling in 2024 training under David Smukler and Bob Nicholson, and calls frequently in Syracuse and Rochester, occasionally in Buffalo and Ottawa, and other places sporadically.
Band
Tryptech
Catherine Sloboda (violin), Zak Spath (synth, drums and percussion), Alex Fortier (keys)
Cat, Alex and Zak, talented musicians and passionate dancers seamlessly fuse technology with the the traditional.