Details
This is the first of our special Rochester Fringe Festival dances. Admission is free this week. This is classic New England contra dancing.
At 7:00, we’ll have an orientation session to the contra dance form.
Starting at 7:30, experience the magic of contra dancing, where all are welcome, and no partner or experience is necessary. The traveling musicians, Here on the Hill, are passing through Rochester this week to bring us exciting new tunes. All dances taught and called by the gracious and lively Alex Deis-Lauby. Bring your friends, family, and fellow dance enthusiasts for a night of lively music, connection, and community. All dances are taught. An introduction to contra dancing is provided around 7:00.
Caller
Alex Deis-Lauby
I am a dancer, caller, and organizer in NYC. I started contra dancing in Chicago in 2011. My first dance weekend was Cincinnati’s 2014 Pigtown fling. After that I attended at least one dance weekend a month and danced at a local dance every week (weather permitting). I began calling shortly after that in Chicago and then NYC. In 2015 I went to Pinewoods dance camp for the first time and took Lisa Greenleaf’s callers workshop. Dance camp is awesome! In 2015 I joined my local English dance’s house band on the piano. Through dance organizing, calling and traveling, I look for ways to foster community, build the skills of dancers, organizers, and new talent, and grow the contra and English community.
In my calling I value clear and concise walkthroughs, dances that flow, varied programs, creating a welcoming environment for new dancers, and working well with musicians. When not on stage calling or making music, I can be found on the floor dancing, learning new things, greeting new dancers, or teaching others.
Band
Here on the Hill
Tory Horner (fiddle), Rosemary Powell (guitar, bouzouki), Annie McDougall (fiddle)
Here on the Hill is three musicians who can’t resist playing together. The Boston-based trio has been making waves back home with their high-energy twin fiddles and dynamic rhythm guitar.