Wednesday, December 31, 2014 - 11:00 – 12:00
in the Sam L. Cohen Children’s Library
All ages welcome!
Portland, Maine - Children and families are invited to ring in the New Year with a family contra dance on New Year’s Eve morning at the Portland Public Library!
Contra Dance is a type of social dance where parallel lines of dancers stand opposite -- or "contra to" -- their partners. A caller, usually working with a group of live musicians, guides new and experienced dancers alike through a variety of dances. Contra dancing is about social interaction, meeting people, and making new friends, set to music. The accompanying music for contra dances includes, but is not limited to Irish, Scottish, and French-Canadian folk songs. The fiddle is considered the core instrument, though other stringed instruments such as the guitar and mandolin are used as well. Music in a dance can consist of one or multiple songs, and key changes during the course of a dance are common.
Children and their accompanying adults will be able to learn a variety of fun and easy dances at this
event. No experience necessary!
Maggie Robinson plays and teaches fiddle. She has been calling dances for over 7 years throughout the state!
The band will include Jenny Van West on fiddle with her 11 year old son, Baxter on guitar and surprise guests! Jenny Van West is a Portland based singer/songwriter with her roots in country, blues, gospel and traditional fiddle styles. She and her son have played for numerous contra dances and Jenny has appeared on radio and television.
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