Details
Join us as we come together to celebrate the magic of live music and dance. On the floor caller David Smukler will guide dancers of all levels through an array of lively and engaging dances. Paired with the vibrant melodies and infectious energy of Audrey Potter & Jane Knoeck, this promises to be a night where the dance floor comes alive.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, this event is your ticket to an evening of joy, connection, and shared experiences. So mark your calendar, rally your friends, and join us for an enchanting night of music, movement, and camaraderie that you won’t want to miss! We can’t wait to dance the night away with you.
If you’re new to contra dance, have no worries. We offer an introduction to the moves about 15 minutes before the dance. Just let us know when you arrive. The entrance fee is a sliding scale; pay what you can, with a suggested amount of $10.
Caller
David Smukler
I lead evenings of contras and squares, English country dances, family dances, school programs, and special events such as weddings, festivals, etc. I have also presented workshops on numerous dance related topics. My taste in dances is eclectic, and I tend to present a wide variety of dances when I call. My repertoire includes plenty of New England contras, as well as an assortment of squares, singing calls, mixers, old chestnuts and freshly minted dances. I have a special fondness for English country dances, and my English programs also blend old favorites with new gems.
Bands
Audrey Potter
Audrey Potter (fiddle)
Fiddler Audrey Potter enthusiastically plays for our contras. A former member of Ginger Majority, she is an alumna of the Kanack School of Musical Artistry before going on to study Violin Performance and Music Education at the Fredonia School of Music. She now teaches Orchestra & General Music at West Irondequoit CSD.
Jane Knoeck
Jane Knoeck (piano, accordion)
Jane Knoeck is the doyenne of Rochester dance piano for both English country and contra. She is a member of the nationally touring band, The Groovemongers, as well as River Bend, Sister Haggis, and others reaching back over many years. It’s always a great night for dancing when Jane is on stage.