Contra Dance — June 7 and August 9

This has been a wonderful year for contra dancing at Sautee, with record-breaking crowds, incredible music, great callers... and, most important, a lot of people having a lot of fun!

Ending the 2007/08 season on Saturday, June 7th is yet another special dance. String Theory, Athen’s premier contra dance band, will be playing their fiddle-and-banjo-driven old time acoustic music. Calling the dance will be Sautee’s very own Walter Daves!

Then we’ll “cool our heels” for a month before starting up again on Saturday, August 9th with Fiddlewitch in town from Asheville to cast their musical spell on dancers and listeners alike! Hank Morris, also from Asheville, will be on hand to lead the dances with his talented and clear calling.
One of the most frequent comments shared by newcomers to the dances is how everyone is friendly and welcoming. First-time contra dancers are encouraged and assisted by “old-timers” of all ages, and smiles abound.

If you’ve not been to one of these wonderful evenings yet, there’s no time like the present to come see the fun we’re having. Each dance has a handful of children (who spend some time on the dance floor and some on the swing set outside!), a growing contingent of high school and college students from around the region, and adults up into their 70’s and 80’s. Some come to eat, listen, and watch -- most come to dance at least a few dances, and then there are those who start with the first dance and don’t stop till the band is packing up their instruments! Wherever you might fall along that continuum, your presence would add to the evening -- and the dance would no doubt add a bit of joy to your life. Come alone, bring a partner, bring the family or friends. No experience is necessary -- the introductory lesson gives even a confirmed non-dancer enough to step into the flow and enjoy the evening.

The dances begin with a pot luck supper at 6:30pm -- bring a dish to share, and be prepared to feast! At 7:30 the caller leads newcomers (and many experienced dancers) in a warm-up lesson to familiarize folks with basic calls and steps, then the dance itself runs from 8-11pm.

Worried about what to wear? Don’t! Some dress up, and some come in overalls – you’ll fit in whatever you have on, though keep in mind that even with air conditioning, it gets warm while you’re dancing! check out www.snca.org to learn more.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW
for the next few months

June 7
String Theory, with Walter Daves
Aug 9
'Fiddlewitch', with Hank Morris calling (Both from Asheville)
Sept 13
'Peavine Creek String Band' (from Atlanta), with David Glick calling (from the Chapel Hill)
Oct. 4
'Cage Free String Band' (Local!), with Doug Singleton calling (from Atlanta)
Nov 1
'Steam Shovel', with Diane Silver calling (from Asheville)
Nov. 29
'Burning Desire String Band', with Fred Park calling
Dec 20
'Oat Cakes', with Susan Davis calling

“Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.” —Samuel Beckett

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CONTRA LEARN-AND-DANCE

TUESDAYS in the SNCA Community Hall

Next Dance: TUESDAY, June 3rd
7:30-9:30pm

http://www.sauteecontra.com

Live music! Relaxed Fun! For newcomers and dancers of ALL skill levels!!
Walter Daves, Learn and Dance Series caller/instructor and member of the bands, Sweetwater Jam and Cage Free String Band.

$3/person, 12 and under Free

Tuesday Learn and Dance Schedule For Fall 2008:

August 5 and 19 (tentative)
September 2 and 16
October 7 and 21
November 4 and 18
December 2 and 16

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Contra dancing (the term is derived from “country dancing”) is a group-based social activity that has a long tradition. It is similar to square dancing and the Virginia Reel, usually done in circles or lines in which partners dance with many other couples in turn throughout a dance set. There are a few basic dance figures that are combined in various ways, prompted by a caller. These figures are repeated with all of the dancers in a set. The result is a lot of fun in moving to the music with a group of dancers, each person contributing to the shared experience. The Center is located in a vintage, red brick schoolhouse on Highway 255, two tenths of a mile from Highway 17. The Community Hall is across the driveway from the schoolhouse. Information: Call SNCA at 706-878-3300 or Walter Daves at 706-754-3254.

Sautee Contra Dance has a new website at www.sauteecontra.com.