Country Dance*New York Presents Free Contra Dance

Country Dance*New York will present a special free contra dance on Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 8 pm to 11 pm at the Chinatown YMCA's Houston Street Center (273 Bowery, near Houston Street, Manhattan). Contra dancing is having a renaissance around the country, thanks to a thriving youth scene; high energy, acoustic music; and fast-paced, aerobic dancing. There is plenty of swinging your partner and lots of fun, flirting and eye contact. Some men wear kilts or skirts. Women dance with men, men dance with men, and women dance with women.

No previous experience is required. From 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm there is a beginner's workshop, and the caller walks everyone through the patterns of each dance.

Dynamic live music will be provided by the Boston-based dance band, Nor'easter, which has been bringing infectious, uplifting music to contra dances throughout the country since 2008. The band is comprised of Cedar Stanistreet (fiddle), Max Newman (mandolin/guitar), and Julie Vallimont (piano). Their exciting and joyous music-making reveals deep respect for New England musical traditions enlivened by creative improvisation and a bit of playful irreverence. The highly regarded caller Adina Gordon will lead the proceedings.

Cedar Stanistreet studied violin at the Crane School of Music and is equally at home with both traditional fiddle and classical violin. He is admired for his spirited, rhythmic playing and clear tone. Max Newman has played traditional music widely at dances and sessions for most of his life. His dynamic playing adds improvisatory punch and counterpoint to the band's sound. Julie Vallimont has roots in classical, folk, and rock music. She anchors the band with driving rhythm and thoughtful harmonies.

Based in Brattleboro, Vermont, Adina Gordon has called dances in 34 American states spanning all six time zones, as well as 3 Canadian provinces and Israel. She delights dancers with her energy, enthusiasm, clear teaching, and choice of engaging dances.

Contra dancing started in New England in the 1700s, but the modern version is a far cry from the Virginia Reel-type dancing done in schools years ago. The current dancing is done in long lines of dancers facing their partners and moving briskly in patterns to live music, sometimes changing partners.

General Information: Admission is free to this special December 10th contra dance. For more information visit the Country Dance*New York website, www.cdny.org or call The Dancephone at 212.459.4080. Attendees are asked to bring a separate pair of clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing.

Traveling to 273 Bowery (and Houston Street) via subway: Take the 6 train to Bleecker Street stop, the F train to Second Avenue stop, or the B or D train to Broadway and Lafayette Street.

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