Contra dance with caller Carter North, music by Contra Intuitive

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: CARTER NORTH has been dancing throughout the country since 2014, and started calling to deepen his understanding of contra dance as a form. He participated in Brooklyn Contra’s Caller Development workshop series in 2023 and apprenticed through a grant from NYSCA. He brings his love of social dance to the mic, with focus on creating a joyful experience for dancers of all experience levels.

CONTRA INTUITIVE features Ryck and Peggy Kaiser who combine their musical talents to provide lively dance music for contra dances, square dances, and civil war reenactment balls. Ryck has been fiddling for dances for over thirty years. His sound is southern Appalachian with a raggy, swinging feel. Expect to hear reels, rags, marches and a few jigs. In addition to the piano, Peggy plays the Appalachian mountain dulcimer.

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.