Allegan Woods Folk Arts Cooperative
Contra Dances
Third and fifth Fridays, 7 - 10 pm
$8 admission • ages 5 and under: free • $5 full-time students • $20 family (all in the same household)
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Allegan Woods Folk Arts Cooperative
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| Sometimes our dance is cancelled due to severe weather. Call Thom at 616/402-6434 if you need to verify. | |
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~ Dance schedule~ scroll down to see future events
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It's friend-raising!
Click here to
Visiting callers and bands: we work with nearby dance communities to provide a two-fer (our 3rd or 5th Friday and the very next day). |
| Contra dancing is a lot like square dancing, but you need no previous experience, special clothing, or a partner. Everyone is friendly, and someone will ask you to dance! (We even provide nametags.)To get a complete picture, take a look at these videos. | |
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New Year's Eve 2010 Great turn-out, loads of fun, midnight in Greenland! |
November 2010 |
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Contra dances are walked through and taught by a caller, who then prompts the figures to music. It's customary to change partners when the music stops, so you'll get to dance with everyone in the room. (Here's a helpful hint: if someone asks, just say "yes.") No fancy footwork needed. If you can walk, you can do this type of dancing. 
Comfortable casual clothing and soft-soled shoes recommended (check the pictures for ideas). You might want to wear layers, as this is a vigorous activity. You'll find singles, couples, family groups, seniors, students, and happy folks of all ages at our dances. (By yourself? C'mon down--we'll set you up with dance partners and new friends!) The event is non-smoking and alcohol-free. Please bring a snack to share. And please arrive early, or linger afterwards, to help load in, set up, then clean up and pack out! There's often a newcomer's session at about 7 p.m., to help you with the basics. Bring a water bottle to fill at the drinking fountain, and something for the treat table. |
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Dances are held at the Park Township Community Hall, at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds.
It's on Ottawa Beach Road directly across from the Park Township airport, on the way to Holland
State Park. Free parking near the building. 1286 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI
49424.
For more information call 616/402-6434.
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| Always live music!
Our regular bands include Fiddlefire (the Panning Family), Puddingstone, and Three's a Crowd. If you like the music of O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Riverdance, or A Prairie Home Companion, you'll enjoy our string bands. (The volume is not too loud; you'll be able to hear conversations too.) Our callers include a cavalcade of just-learning dance prompters, and long-timers. | |
Judi and Glen Morningstar, of metro Detroit, came to play and call for us |
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Group hug! This figure is called a basket...notice the big smiles! The Pannings always have a good time playing music |
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Here's a ladies chain, which concludes with a courtesy turn. (It's easy!) Three's a Crowd plays while Jan Coray calls |
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One of the best things about contra dancing: the swing! Fiddlefire on stage, with web goddess Karen and our sound guy Louie |
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Page created by Karen Dunnam, updated 1/20/2012 • Be sure to refresh the page on your computer to see updates (on a PC, hit F5) • This page has been accessed |
