Contra Dancing in Exeter
Thank you to everyone who came to the last dance. Some wonderful music and very enthusiastic dancers.
Don't know what contra is? Think Barn Dance with an American twist. You can check out these videos to see what it's like: Star Track, Overland Express (Walkthrough), Overland Express (Dance), Long Lost Friend, Bumbling Showers, Merry go Round, Betty Mac's Reel, Number 11, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (Walkthrough) and some pictures:
Next Dance: Friday 14th Dec, 2018 future dates
7:30pm to 10:00pm, with recorded music.
The next Contra Dance will be held at Countess Wear Village Hall. The dances will be mostly American Contras and Squares.
Don't worry if you haven't danced contra before - just come along at the start and we'll show you the ropes. Some background in Folk or Morris dancing is preferable but not essential.
The main dance will contain teaching points for those who wish to hone their skills, and the occasional "testing" dance for those with more experience.
You do need a partner to dance Contra - but you
don’t need to bring one with you. Part of the
tradition is that most people swap partners each dance, and I always
make sure that anyone who wants to dance can do so.
Cost is only £5 per person.
Countess Wear Village Hall (Satnav: EX2 6LB, Map here) is in the Priory area of Exeter, just off the Topsham Road. There is a frequent bus service from the city centre, and it is quick to get to by car (from M5 Jct 30 follow the A379 towards Dawlish and turn right at the first roundabout). It is a brand new hall, and there is free on-road parking nearby.
The caller is Jeremy Child (website), an experienced contra caller who recently called at the Paris contra. You may have seen him and his rather bright orange shirt calling at Willand, Sidford and Bridport.
There will be a short interval for tea / coffee at around 9pm. Water, tea, coffee and biscuits will be available but there is no bar.
For further information or to be added to the Exeter Contra mailing list, please email ContraExeter@gmail.com.
Future Dates
Dances are usually on the second Friday of each month:
- Jan 11th 2019 with Stick the Fiddle
- Feb 8th 2019 with Chris Jewell
- Mar 8th 2019 with Fresh AIre
- Apr 12th 2019 with Stick the Fiddle
- May 10th 2019 with Chris Jewell
- Jun 14th 2019 with Fresh Aire
- Jul 12th 2019 band tba
Countess Wear Village Hall
