About us
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
6
Contra dance with caller Hila Lenz, music by Torrent
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main St, Chatham, NJ, USWinter blues? Come on in and cheer up with some energetic tunes. 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: HILA LENZ comes to contra from the world Scottish Country Dancing and ceilidh calling. Her clear teaching and positive, genuine demeanor puts dancers at ease.
With Ross Parker on piano, Sarah Parker on fiddle and Nadia Gaya on accordion, TORRENT is a dynamic ensemble based in NYC focusing on the musical traditions of Scotland, along with Quebecois, Shetland, traditional and contemporary New England styles. Torrent’s driving rhythms will get you up and moving, while their inspiring arrangements will make your heart sing.
Admission: $15-$20 as you're able. $5 with student ID. Cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay accepted 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.
4 attendees
Contra dance with caller Ridge Kennedy, music by Hot Wasabi
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: The RIDGE KENNEDY way to dance: Something old, something new. A dance that is chunky, then one that is smooth, another one funky. New dancers, we welcome, I’ll teach you your part. Just give us a chance. Put on your best smile and come to the dance.
HOT WASABI features Dave Miller, who converted from classical violin to dance and Celtic fiddle long ago; Chris Carpenter, who plays mandolin, guitar, clarinet, and whistle for dances from Philadelphia to New England; and Roberta Goren, who plays flute at a variety of gigs.
Admission: $15-$20 as you're able. $5 with student ID. Cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay accepted 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.
3 attendees
Contra dance with caller Eric Hollman, music by Cozy Socks
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 new band born from the Brooklyn contra and session scene, COZY SOCKS features the cheerful playing of Alex Richey, Ben Graubart, and Rebecca Sohn. With Alex on the keyboard and Ben and Rebecca rocking twin fiddles, Cozy Socks deliver a unique and eclectic take on contra dance music drawing from Celtic, Jazz, and folk sources of all stripes—a danceable concoction that will knock the cozy socks right off of your feet.
Admission: $15-$20 as you're able. $5 with student ID. Cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay accepted 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 Daniel Levitin, music by Three of Hearts
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main St, Chatham, NJ, USFREE ADMISSION TONIGHT! Lin G. is sponsoring this dance to celebrate her birthday. Join us for celebratory dancing and cake! 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: DANIEL LEVITIN‘s calling style blends a mathematician’s eye for detail with a teacher’s care for clear instruction. They call dances that run the gamut from exciting and high-energy to flowing and ooey-gooey smooth, and from old classics to intricate new dances.
THREE OF HEARTS mixes old-timey, jazz, Celtic, and New England traditional tunes with occasional notes of new age and rock. Featuring Anna Bosnick on fiddle, Norma Castle on flute and percussion, and Robin Russell on keyboard.
Admission: No charge tonight. Donations gratefully accepted.
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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