Fall Fling Contra Dance Set for 11/15

Country Dance*New York (CD*NY) is presenting the Fall Fling Contra Dance on Saturday, November 15, 2014 with live and lively music by The Gaslight Tinkers, and all dances taught by caller Lisa Greenleaf. No previous experience is required and it is not necessary to come with a partner. A caller walks everyone through the patterns of each dance making contra dancing a delightful pleasure for all.

On Saturday, November 15, Country Dance*New York is hosting two dances at P.S. 199, 270 West 70th Street in Manhattan: an afternoon dance for experienced dancers from 4pm to 6pm, and a dance for all from 8pm to 10:45pm with a contra dance beginner's workshop from 7:30pm to 8pm. Admission to the advanced afternoon dance is $12 general public and $10 for students and CDNY members, and to the evening dance for all, $18 for the general public and $15 for students and CDNY members.

For the full day (both dances) admission is $28 general public or $23 students and CDNY members. Further information can be found at www.cdny.org or by calling 212.459.4080.

The Gaslight Tinkers shake the stage and dance floor with traditional melodies and contemporary grooves from around the world. Band members are: Garrett Sawyer (electric bass guitar), Peter Siegel (mandolin, guitar, banjo, vocals), Zoe Darrow (fiddle, vocals), Dave Noonan (drums). Their afro-pop, funk, and reggae rhythms create a powerfully danceable sound to elevate traditional New England, old time, and celtic fiddle music, merging boundless energy with melody and song.

The highly regarded caller from Massachusetts, Lisa Greenleaf, will lead the dances. She is known for her high energy and witty calling and articulate teaching, engaging dance crowds with her humor and community spirit.

Contra dancing is having a renaissance around the country, thanks to a thriving youth scene; lively, uplifting acoustic music; and joyful, fast-paced, aerobic dancing. There are lots of opportunities for flirting and fun. 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.

Attendees are asked to bring a separate pair of clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing.

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