Nothing in live music matches the scene of a room full of dancers twirling about to old time contra dance.  The squares of fours and eights, the movement of the lines, and the toe-tapping rhythm against a descending bass line invites everyone to participate, regardless of whether you arrive with a partner.  The best part of the contra dance culture really is its inclusivity, a connection to times past when everyone, young and old, would come together to celebrate.

The instrumentation is traditional, with an old fashioned piano keeping strict time to allow the improvisations of fiddlers.  There can be a contemporary sound too though, as we saw last night at St. James in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood.  There was the distinct sound of hand drums which added a cool Caribbean flair.

Contra dance: – even the screw ups are fun!