Floyd Contra Dance

The first Floyd Contra Dance of the 2019-2020 season welcomes the N.C. contra dance band “Swang!” with fiddler Paul Fackler and keyboardist Julie Gorka, Saturday, Sept. 14,  7 p.m., at a new one-time location, Plenty Farm, Elephant Curve Road off Route 8, Floyd. The dance also features experienced caller Clinton Ross, from East Tennessee.

Swang!” is a duo of contra dance musicians playing traditional tunes from Acadia (Québec, Nova Scotia, and Maine). Based in the Triangle, Swang! features Paul Fackler on fiddle, well known for playing with the band Skylark, as well as for performing original “Down East” compositions.  Paul is accompanied by keyboardist Julie Gorka, who is also with the band “Copious Notes,” which released the album, “In 3/4 Time,” of danceable waltzes.  But no matter what the style, this duo has a splendid time playing tunes for dancing, or for just listening.  Contra dancing is easy, no-frills fun with just the right amount of aerobic energy for all ages.

The caller, Clinton Ross, is known for his easygoing and clear calling style.  Clinton can have first time contra dancers up and dancing in short order, and have smiles on their faces before they know it.

The dance starts at 7 p.m. with a beginner lesson at 6:35. Come as you are, wear soft, flexible shoes for dancing, and the caller will teach each dance. Come to dance or come to listen – no partner needed.  Blue Ridge Country Dancers hold contra dances on the second Saturday of each month, September through May.  The location at Plenty Farm is for the September dance only.   Dance admission is $8.00. Students with ID $6.50.  Listener admission $5.00.  www.floydcontradance.org