Seaglass the featured band for the Contradance with some Square Dances Sunday, March 15 at Tioga Trails Café on the corner of Lake and Main Streets in Owego. Seaglass has a unique, wide-ranging repertoire from classic New England contra dance tunes to French Balfolk and English Country Dance music, often weaving in roots-rock grooves and captivating improvisations.
Seaglass has developed an excited following in the northeast, and last fall they played for one of the very first contra dances in Paris, France! Seaglass is comprised of three of the most accomplished contradance musicians in upper New York State today. Andrew VanNorstrand (guitar) is 1/3 of the renowned Great Bear Trio, and he also plays in the Giant Robot Dance and the Andrew and Noah Band. Rachel Bell (accordion) also plays in Montage, Tunescape, Happy Endings, and the Andrew and Noah Band. Eileen Nicholson (fiddle) also plays in Happy Endings, Fancy That, and Heart’s Delight.
Contradancing is so easy to learn that you don’t take lessons. Just show up at a dance, and by the end of the dance you’ll have learned Contradance moves, and you will be able to enjoy the next dance even more. People are friendly and welcoming to beginners.
The age range is from kids to folks that have been around for a while. Both singles and doubles come to contra dances and women as well as men ask people to dance. It is usual that you change partners after every dance. You will meet people in a relaxed, pleasant, smoke free atmosphere.
The patterns of the dance can be a tad confusing at first, but remember everyone had a first time and that other dancers will help you. Listen to the caller and the music and go with the flow of the dance. Some people find they get dizzy at first. Looking directly at the person you are dancing with eliminates this sensation.
For many, the music is what keeps them coming back as it is exciting and lively. People come to dance, hear the music, socialize and have a good time. Contradancing, like square dancing, is done to a walking step and is easy to learn.
No experience is necessary. Sarah VanNorstrand will be teaching and calling contra and square dances. Each dance is taught and prompted. Bring friends, family, or come by yourself. Partners not required.
General admission is $7, students and seniors 55 and older are $5, and a family maximum cost is $15.
For information, call Stu at (607) 687-4034 or April at (607) 657-8067.
This project is made possible, in part, with public funds administered by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes and funded by the New York State Council on the Arts.
