Special Free Contra Dance for Beginners Set for 1/10 at Church of the Village

By: Jan. 05, 2015
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Country Dance*New York is presenting a special free contra dance geared for beginners - ContraResolution - on Saturday, January 10th from 3:45pm to 6:00pm at the Church of the Village (201 West 13th Street, Manhattan). No previous experience is required and it is not necessary to come with a partner. Each beginner will be paired with an experienced dancer.

Dynamic and spirited live accompaniment will be provided by one of the hottest bands on the circuit, the energetic, Boston-based Free Raisins. Audrey Knuth (fiddle), Jeff Kaufman (mandolin/trumpet/feet), and Amy Englesberg (piano/accordion) play their joyous, uplifting music at dances and festivals throughout the U.S. The Free Raisins fuse New England roots with a modern groove. They promise a versatile mix of supremely danceable tunes.

Will Mentor, a hugely popular caller from Northern Vermont beloved for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence, will lead the dance.

Contra dance is having a renaissance throughout the country thanks to a thriving youth scene; high energy, acoustic music; and joyful, fast-paced dancing. There are lots of opportunities for flirting and fun. Contra dance 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 easy-to-learn patterns to live music.

ContraResolution has been made possible by a grant from Markhoff and Mittman, P.C.

General Information: Admission to the January 10 special afternoon contra dance for beginners is free. Everyone who attends the free afternoon dance will get into that evening's contra dance from 7:30pm to 10:45pm (also with caller Will Mentor and music by Free Raisins) for the CD*NY member discounted price of $12 (regular price is $15). For more information visit the Country Dance*New York website, www.cdny.org, call The Dancephone at 212.459.4080, or e-mail info2@cdny.org. Attendees are asked to bring a separate pair of clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing.

The dance will be held in CD*NY's home for over 60 years, the Church of the Village, 201 West 13th Street, corner of 7th Avenue, which is easily accessible from the 14th Street 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, and F trains.



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