Community Contra Dance Nov. 12th

Sunday, November 12th
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
$10 a person
Children 12 and under - Free

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Contra dancing is fun!  Contra dances are attended by young and old, couples and single people, and anyone interested in getting out, moving, listening to live music, and enjoying fellowship with others in the community.  Beginners are welcome, and all dances are taught.  Contra dances incorporate some of the same figures as square dancing, but couples dance in long lines instead of a square formation.  It is also easier to learn when paired to live music.  Comfortable shoes and clothing are suggested. 

Contra dancing originated in western Europe and was prominent in Queen Elizabeth’s court.  It has evolved over the years and has been embraced from the time of our country’s founding, through the civil war era, the industrial revolution, the turbulent ‘60s, and right up to the current day when contra dancing thrives on most college campuses.  It has changed with the times, and today you may find a mix of old-time, bluegrass, swing, and even rock music at a contra dance.

Experienced caller, Roberta Call Kogut, and award-winning fiddler, Bob Kogut, will lead this community Contra Dance.  This amazing couple has been advancing Contra Dancing for decades now, teaching throughout the Southeast.  Bob Kogut and Kogut Violins are Blue Ridge Heritage Area Award winners and featured in the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.

Meet the Band

Liam Bailey: This event is in partnership with the Hickory Music Factory String Band, led by Liam Bailey. Liam Bailey graduated from Berklee College of Music with a BA in Film Scoring and got his start writing for PBS, HBO, and ESPN. After that, he toured with country artists Rodney Atkins and Brett Eldredge and has performed for audiences at The Grand Ol Opry, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square on New Year's Eve.

Bob and Roberta Kogut: Experienced caller, Roberta Call Kogut, and award-winning fiddler, Bob Kogut, will lead this community Contra Dance.  This amazing couple has been advancing Contra Dancing for decades now, teaching throughout the Southeast.  Bob Kogut and Kogut Violins are Blue Ridge Heritage Area Award winners and featured in the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.

Suzanne Williams: Suzanne Williams plays both concert and Irish flute and whistle and has been active in our musical community since 1989 when she moved here with her family from Florida. A graduate of Stetson University, she was a Suzuki flute teacher for over 20 years, is a member of the band Puddingstone, the duo Tapestry, the contradance band Down the Hall, and has played with the Western Piedmont Chamber Orchestra as well as freelanced for numerous special events. 

Denise Baxter Yoder: She is a well-known vocalist in the area, singing with the band Puddingstone, the Frank Love Orchestra, The Bruce Long Orchestra, Silvio Martinez Band, Tapestry, and Down the Hall. She is a multi-instrumentalist as well, playing both piano and Celtic harp. She plays keys for Down the Hall, a contra dance band, and the duo, Tapestry. She began this journey singing in church choirs at the age of five. Born to Air Force parents, she has lived and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. She holds a degree in music from Montevallo University, Al, and a Master’s degree in Education from ASU, NC. 

Nate Moody: He holds a BA in Music Education from Appalachian State University. Along with a career serving public schools as a K-5 music teacher, he also teaches privately and is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. Nate performs with a variety of local musicians in the area. 

Common Questions:

  1. Is Contra Dancing similar to Square Dancing?
    Yes, they share many of the same figures.  However, square dancing is done in a square formation of four couples.  Contra dancing is done in long lines of couples, as many as can fit. 

  2. What if I have never danced before? 
    Each dance is taught by the caller before it is danced and then repeated while the dance is happening. This style of dancing has a lot of repeated moves so that it is easy to get the hang of. Beginner and experienced dancers will dance together. 

  3. How should I dress?
    Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.

  4. What if I don’t have a partner?
    That’s alright. Dancers are encouraged to dance with many different partners.