Barn Dance

The award winning Huston-Brumbaugh Barn was the perfect setting for an evening of traditional contra-dancing on October 24, 2009. We were pleased to host over 40 friends of all ages who danced to the traditional (guitar, fiddle, penny whistle) music of the band, "One String Short". Contra-dancing is simple folk dancing dating back to medieval England and Scotland. At American contra-dances, there is a "caller" who teaches each dance before it is executed and then "calls" each move as the music is played. Our veteran caller, Jan Larson, chose dances that were suitable for beginners and it was interesting to watch the evening transpire. Confusion and embarrassment gave way to laughter and community-building as the dancers picked up on the simple steps and everybody helped each other out. Nature Center Director, Chuck McClaugherty and his wife, Martha, are working to make contra-dancing a regular offering in the Alliance community. Look for more dance opportunities in the months ahead.