What we’re about
Contra dancing is an easy-to-learn style of social dance accompanied by a live band. Do you like smiling, laughing and interacting with friendly folks? Getting some healthy exercise while having fun? Contra dancing might be for you. Knowing how to dance is not necessary because a caller prompts the moves and guides the dancers. A short workshop is given at the start, teaching basic terminology and dance moves.
Come alone or with friends. It's customary to dance with a variety of partners throughout an evening. Typically at a dance there are 40 to 80 people of varied experience levels, ages and backgrounds.
Much of the music is drawn from Appalachian, Celtic, and old-timey traditions, with pop, jazz, Eastern European and electric for good measure. From lively and playful to smooth and elegant, the music always has a great beat enhanced by the collective energy of joyful dancers.
Swingin' Tern is known both as a beginner-friendly dance group and the host of special events that draw dancers from several states.
LOCATION: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main St, Chatham, NJ 07928
DATES: First and third Saturday of every month.
LESSON: 7:00-7:30 PM, DANCE: 7:30– 10:30 PM
COST: $15 adult, $5 student (certain special dances may be higher)
More information: http://swingintern.org
Upcoming events
8
Contra dance with caller Bob Isaacs, music by The Moving Violations
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main St, Chatham, NJ, USJoin us for a special evening with a rare appearance by these fabulous musicians! Welcome notes for new dancers: The beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM will get you dancing in no time. Come alone or with a friend. Throughout the evening, we mix around and dance with everyone. The music is live, and the steps are called/prompted. People of all ages attend, and our events are alcohol-free. Dancing is aerobic; dress lightly and bring a water bottle. Flat-soled shoes are best; heels or flip-flops are not recommended.
Tonight's talent: BOB ISAACS has treated dancers across the nation to his many creative dances, clear teaching, and spirited calling. A prolific choreographer, his much-loved dances emphasize flow and energy. His dancer-focused calling is spot on, and you'll know you are in good hands as you let go and become one with the dance.
From Massachusetts, THE MOVING VIOLATIONS have a playful energy that encourages spontaneity and improvisation. The band brings driving fiddle harmonies, strong rhythm, and collective groove and flow to the dance floor. Original compositions as well as tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Cape Breton, New England, Eastern Europe, Sweden, and Eastern Europe are all fair game. The band features Ron Grosslein on fiddle and percussion, Autumn Rose Lester on fiddle, and Eric Eid-Reiner on piano.
Admission rates for tonight: $20 adult or $7 with student ID. Cash at the door or e-payment with Square.
Times: Beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM. Dance from 7:30-10:30 PM, first and third Saturdays.Park in the lot behind St. Paul's and the adjacent municipal library. Overflow parking is on the street or one of the nearby free municipal lots (maps available at the dance).
The Chatham train station is just two and a half blocks away. Use New Jersey Transit from Penn Station in NYC and take the Morris & Essex line terminating at Morristown or Dover.
Hungry before the dance? Chatham has many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines all within two blocks of our location on Main Street.
Swingin' Tern dances are held on the first and third Saturdays of the month and are presented by The Folk Project. Join our email list here to get dance announcements, and check out our Facebook page. Our dance is run by volunteers. Sign up to lend a hand at a future dance and get a free pass for that evening! Home-baked goods or other snacks to share at the break are welcome.
6 attendees
Contra dance with caller Harris Lapiroff, music by Here on the Hill
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main St, Chatham, NJ, USWelcome notes for new dancers: The beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM will get you dancing in no time. Come alone or with a friend. Throughout the evening, we mix around and dance with everyone. The music is live, and the steps are called/prompted. People of all ages attend, and our events are alcohol-free. Dancing is aerobic; dress lightly and bring a water bottle. Flat-soled shoes are best; heels or flip-flops are not recommended.
Tonight's talent: Hailing from Boston, HARRIS LAPIROFF strives for an efficient, friendly calling style that gets dancers moving as quickly as possible and then gets out of the way.
HERE ON THE HILL is three musicians who can’t resist playing together. The Boston-based trio has been making waves back home with the high-energy twin fiddles of Tory Horner and Annie McDougal, and the dynamic rhythm guitar of Rosemary Powell.
Admission: $15-$20 as you're able. $5 with student ID. Cash at the door.
Times: Beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM. Dance from 7:30-10:30 PM, first and third Saturdays.There is ample parking in the lot behind St. Paul's and the adjacent municipal library. The Chatham train station is just two and a half blocks away. Use New Jersey Transit from Penn Station in NYC and take the Morris & Essex line terminating at Morristown or Dover.
Hungry before the dance? Chatham has many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines all within two blocks of our location on Main Street.
Swingin' Tern dances are held on the first and third Saturdays of the month and are presented by The Folk Project. Join our email list here to get dance announcements, and check out our Facebook page. Our dance is run by volunteers. Sign up to lend a hand at a future dance and get a free pass for that evening! Home-baked goods or other snacks to share at the break are welcome.
2 attendees
Contra dance with caller Sue Gola, music by Chimney Swift
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main St, Chatham, NJ, USWelcome notes for new dancers: The beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM will get you dancing in no time. Come alone or with a friend. Throughout the evening, we mix around and dance with everyone. The music is live, and the steps are called/prompted. People of all ages attend, and our events are alcohol-free. Dancing is aerobic; dress lightly and bring a water bottle. Flat-soled shoes are best; heels or flip-flops are not recommended.
Tonight's talent: A long-time contra dancer, SUE GOLA was drawn into calling contras in 2014. Since then, she has called at dances both large and small throughout the Northeast. Sue gives instructions concisely and clearly and has a friendly way about her that makes dancers feel welcome.
CHIMNEY SWIFT is a groovy, eclectic band from Boston. Their tunes and arrangements draw inspiration from many sources, ranging from traditional contra to jazz and various international styles. Chimney Swift's unusual instrumentation and innovative musical choices give them an exciting and unique sound. Featuring Avalon Zoë Madonna on accordion; Cecile Leroy on cello; Daniel Raine on cittern, guitar, and ukulele; and Yaron Shragai on recorders, whistles and percussion.
Admission: $15-$20 as you're able. $5 with student ID. Cash at the door or e-payment with Square.
Times: Beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM. Dance from 7:30-10:30 PM, first and third Saturdays.There is ample parking in the lot behind St. Paul's and the adjacent municipal library. The Chatham train station is just two and a half blocks away. Use New Jersey Transit from Penn Station in NYC and take the Morris & Essex line terminating at Morristown or Dover.
Hungry before the dance? Chatham has many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines all within two blocks of our location on Main Street.
Swingin' Tern dances are held on the first and third Saturdays of the month and are presented by The Folk Project. Join our email list here to get dance announcements, and check out our Facebook page. Our dance is run by volunteers. Sign up to lend a hand at a future dance and get a free pass for that evening! Home-baked goods or other snacks to share at the break are welcome.
2 attendees
Contra dance with caller Donna Hunt, music by Bosnick and Bittel
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main St, Chatham, NJ, USNOTE: Tonight's dance will end early at 10:00 PM for our annual holiday after-party. All are welcome to attend this potluck party just three miles from the dance. Address and directions provided at the dance.
Welcome notes for new dancers: The beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM will get you dancing in no time. Come alone or with a friend. Throughout the evening, we mix around and dance with everyone. The music is live, and the steps are called/prompted. People of all ages attend, and our events are alcohol-free. Dancing is aerobic; dress lightly and bring a water bottle. Flat-soled shoes are best; heels or flip-flops are not recommended.
Tonight's talent: Philadelphia-based caller DONNA HUNT has garnered an excellent national reputation. Calling contras with interesting choreography and variations, she is known for utilizing clear, concise instructions to minimize teaching time and maximize dance time. Donna infuses the dancers with confidence, regardless of their skill level. She enjoys guiding new dancers and challenging experienced ones.
ANNA BOSNICK is a fiddler from New Jersey. AARON BITTEL is a pianist from Connecticut. With the attitude of “Down to Clown” they bring together an eclectic mix of traditional and modern styles, heavily influenced by the music of Eastern Canada and New England, with a healthy dose of Celtic and Southern American and a willingness to improv.
Admission: $15-$20 as you're able. $5 with student ID. Cash at the door or e-payment with Square.
Times: Beginner's lesson at 7:00 PM. Dance from 7:30-10:30 PM, first and third Saturdays.There is ample parking in the lot behind St. Paul's and the adjacent municipal library. The Chatham train station is just two and a half blocks away. Use New Jersey Transit from Penn Station in NYC and take the Morris & Essex line terminating at Morristown or Dover.
Hungry before the dance? Chatham has many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines all within two blocks of our location on Main Street.
Swingin' Tern dances are held on the first and third Saturdays of the month and are presented by The Folk Project. Join our email list here to get dance announcements, and check out our Facebook page. Our dance is run by volunteers. Sign up to lend a hand at a future dance and get a free pass for that evening! Home-baked goods or other snacks to share at the break are welcome.
2 attendees
Past events
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