Details
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. We have a special Ithaca treat this week: Tim Ball, Sophie Orzechowski, and Alex Fortier (well, okay, Alex lives in Rochester now, still an excellent contra musician), with calling by Casey Carr. 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.
We have a sliding scale admission policy, with a target of $12. Pay more if you can, less if you can’t – come dance!
Caller
Casey Carr
Acclaimed caller/teacher Casey Carr is skilled at making new dancers of all ages feel comfortable while keeping experienced dancers on their toes. She has a collection of fascinating grid squares that she pulls out for larger events.
Bands
Life of Their Own
Tim Ball (fiddle, guitar), Sophie Orzechowski (fiddle, piano)
Tim Ball and Sophie Orzechowski play traditional dance music from New England, Ireland, Quebec, Sweden, and France.
Switching fluidly between fiddles, guitar, and piano, their music is in turns lively, earnest, and evocative, and brings the best out of the living tradition.
Alex Fortier
Alex Louis Fortier has been studying and playing piano in various idioms since the age of 6. His traditional accompaniment stylings range between classic New England style (Bob McQuillen, Gordon Peery), Quebecois style (Mario Loiselle, Rachel Aucoin), and Cape Breton style (Neil Pearlman, Jason Roach, Mac Morin, Troy MacGillivray). With a love of tradition and a penchant for harmonic substitutions and development, he’s sure to keep a dance fresh and energetic!