Edinburgh Contra Dance 10th Anniversary Weekend

Information

Contra dance comes all the way from America and is cousin to the familiar Scottish ceilidh. Contra is a little smoother and gentler, the figures are a little different, and the music has a different accent.

We've been running contra dances in Edinburgh for 10 years! To celebrate we are having a 10th-anniversary dance weekend.

Live Music for contra dances from Hoik! (Alan Brunier - accordion, Edward Wallace - fiddle, Adam Beresford-Browne - guitar). For the Family Barn Dance, music from Heather McAslan and friends (https://heathermcaslan.com), and open band. Sunday evening features the amazing BalFolk band Topette!! https://www.topette.co.uk

Dance calling for Contra from the excellent Rachel Shapiro Wallace and Heather McAslan.

Saturday 6th June
2pm - Contra Dance Musicians Workshop led by Heather McAslan. Come learn some Contra Dance tunes, stay to play for the Family Dance.
4pm - Family Barn Dance called by Rachel Shapiro Wallace, music by Heather McAslan and friends with open band.
5:30pm - Potluck dinner - bring food to share at the hall.
7pm-10:30pm - Evening Dance Extravaganza! Couples dances, contra dance called by Rachel Shapiro Wallace, sword dance display from Mons Meg Rapper.

Sunday 7th June
2pm - 4pm - Relaxed contra dance called by Heather McAslan with music from Hoik!, ending with a waltz.
4pm - Break. A seating area in the building will be open for those who wish to bring their own food.
6pm - 7pm - Balfolk dance introduction session with tbc.
7:30pm - Bal with Topette!! - French and Euro-inspired couple and ceilidh dances

We're selling tickets for each event individually.

We're also selling weekend tickets that cover both evening dances and Sunday afternoon relaxed contra dance. Limited numbers available, must be booked by 30 May. (Note the weekend ticket does not cover the Saturday afternoon family dance.)

To buy tickets just for Topette!! Sunday evening without the rest of the weekend, head over to https://wegottickets.com/event/685746

Inclusiveness We strive to make our dance as welcoming and as safe as possible. All are welcome, family friendly, no partner needed, no experience necessary, all contra dances taught.

In order to make our dance as inclusive and welcoming as possible our callers use gender neutral terms and calling styles.

Venue This all takes place in the Columcille Centre on Newbattle Terrace, our usual and lovely venue. We've booked the café space in addition to the dance hall so there is additional hangout space throughout the weekend.