Edinburgh Contra Dance - December 7th
American-style ceilidh - an inclusive community dance with live music.
2 Newbattle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH10 4SE
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.
Live music from Kevin MacLeod (mandolin/banjo), Gareth Kiddier (piano), and Edward Wallace (fiddle). This dance band is going to fly.
Kevin MacLeod is one of Scotland's leading banjo and mandolin players, known for a string of lovely solo albums, for his playing in The Occasionals ceilidh band, in a trio with George Duff and John Martin, and helming the Sunday session at the Waverley bar.
Gareth Kiddier has played piano for dances for longer than he cares to admit, with The Bismarcks, The Watch, PolkaWorks, The English Contra Dance Band, and others. He plays a stripped back version of piano accompaniment that adds percussion as much as notes.
Edward Wallace loves playing and dancing contras, and is known for his driving and occasionally tasteful dance fiddle playing.
All dances will be called by internationally known contra dance caller and Edinburgh Contra co-founder, Rachel Shapiro Wallace.
All are welcome, family friendly, no partner needed, no experience necessary, all dances taught. 15-minute welcome session for new dancers starts at 7:45pm. Dance runs 8:00pm until 10:30pm including a break. Children 12 and under are free. Edinburgh Contra Dance have been running occasional dances since 2016. Come along and give it a go!
Inclusiveness In order to make our dance as inclusive and welcoming as possible our callers use gender neutral terms and calling styles.
Covid Safety Covid Safety Information: we ask that you only attend the dance if you are feeling well - we'll be happy to refund advance tickets if you can't make it on the day due to illness. We don't require masking but respect those who wish to dance masked. We have handwashing facilities on site and will ventilate the hall as much as possible.
We strive to make our dance as welcoming and as safe as possible.
An event by Edinburgh Contra Dance