contradance | a rehearsal dinner!
June 27, 2009
This weekend I am in Maine for Seth and Maggie’s wedding. They really wanted me to come for their rehearsal dinner, and now I know why. These two hired a live band and contra caller to treat their guests to a contra-dance (= “New England Folk Dance”)! I’ve always seen fliers up at MIT for contra-dance, and I even saw one happening after-hours in a classroom once, but I wasn’t sure about what to expect. I have to say, the event was AMAZING! Everyone in the room was laughing and participating; even the few who didn’t dance were having a great time. The caller was talented and talked everyone through every step, so even people who don’t dance could do this easily.
I recommend it! Why now throw a contra-dance for your rehearsal dinner?!
Also, does anyone know about contra-dance opportunities in Boston or north of Boston? I hope Lowell has something.
Posted in
June 27th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Why not throw one for our rehearsal? ‘Cause we’re throwing one for our wedding! I love contra, but Andrew’s never been. He doesn’t even know what he’s in for!
Here’s a useful-looking link for contras in the Boston area. Looks like there’s on in Lexington Sept-June, which is the closest to Lowell that I can find. There are a few in Concord that run year-round though!
June 29th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Julia – I forgot you guys had a caller for the wedding! This makes me even MORE excited about it!! And thanks for the link. Are you guys going contra-dancing before the wedding? I want to take ALi too; let’s make it a group event!!
June 30th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I would love to go dancing sometime before the wedding. We should pick a date and try it out.
I checked for contra at the Lowell Folk Festival the end of this month and didn’t see any, though there’s bluegrass and Quebecois.
I’m very excited about the wedding– an acquaintance of mine hired the same band and caller we’re having for her wedding a few weeks ago and had a marvelous time. I hope our guests really get into it too.