Let’s all give Old Man Winter the boot with a Family Valentine’s Contra Dance in Merville.
On Saturday, Feb. 18, the Funtime Fiddlers with Trent Freeman, at the Big Yellow Merville Hall, will play for your dancing pleasure almost all night long. With a stage full of musicians keeping a driving beat, caller June Cannon will have the moves mapped out for the dancers to follow so that the hall will be a merry place indeed. There will be a Contra Dance workshop right before the dance. From 6:45-7:15 p.m., June will introduce the dancers to new moves as well as teach the basic moves. This workshop is free of charge.
At 7:30 p.m., the Funtime Fiddlers start the music and the dancing begins. Single dancers are welcome as they can pair up with anyone during the Contras and our Contra sets last about 15 to 20 minutes per dance. Contra dancing is a style of folk dance in which the dancers form a set of two parallel lines which run the length of the hall. Many of the basic moves in Contra dancing are similar to those in square dancing (swings, promenades, dos-à-dos, allemandes). The difference is that the dancers progress up or down the line eventually dancing with every other couple in the line.
We’ll also have polkas, waltzes and reels; jigs and swing; schottisches and foxtrots for your enjoyment in between the called Contra dances. This way, there is a dance for everyone. We are looking forward to the exciting addition of fiddler Trent Freeman as well as the famous young soloists from the Funtime Fiddlers.
With subdued lighting and cleverly arranged, heart shaped tables, the fiddle club tries to create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that all can thoroughly enjoy and participate in.
So Saturday, Feb. 18, aim your wagon train for the Big Yellow Merville Dance Hall, right on the Old Island Highway, between Campbell River and Courtenay. Doors open at 7, dance starts at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10/adults, $5/youth and you can come as a family for $22. Free workshop starts at 6:45.
