The Syracuse Country Dancers and Erie Canal Museum are happy to put on an English country dance that is similar to dances from the towpath Canal era, at the museum on March 25 from 1-4PM!

Despite similar sounding names, contra dancing is not the same as country line dancing. Contra dancing is a more closely related to its cousins, square dancing and English country dancing, which have many similar figures and movements. The dances generally start in a “contra line” or “longways set,” rather than, say, a four-couple square formation (although dances in squares or other formations are included at times as well). A contra line is just a set of couples lined up, one behind the other as they face the stage. The dances are designed so that you and your partner will dance with every other couple in your line. A caller teaches each dance sequence, telling you everything you need to know (no classes are necessary). The dances are done with a smooth walking step, and fancy footwork is rarely required.

Everybody is welcome. The Syracuse Country Dancers are a friendly, multi-age group; the regulars include teens, seniors and everything in between. Their events are both smoke and alcohol free, and dress is casual. People come with or without a partner. Even those who arrive with a partner generally dance with many other partners through the evening as well, and this is encouraged. It’s part of the fun!

If you’re new to this, we suggest coming at the beginning of the dance, since that’s usually when the caller teaches most carefully, with newcomers in mind.

The dance will feature live (and lively!) music provided by Henry Jankiewicz (fiddle) & Harvey Nusbaum (guitar). Reels, jigs, waltzes and related tunes from American, Canadian and British Isles traditions predominate, and the fiddle is often a featured instrument. Tunes for English country dance tend to be particularly varied in style and feeling. Many go back to the 1600s.

This event is free to attend with a suggested donation of $10. Registration can be completed here: https://eriecanalmuseum.org/store/product/weighlock-country-dance/

We hope you can attend and enjoy this slice of the past.