Edinburgh Contra Dance - December 6

Information

Contra dance comes all the way from America and is cousin to the familiar Scottish ceilidh. Contra is a little smoother and gentler, the figures are a little different, and the music has a different accent.

Live music and calling from Heather McAslan and friends. Heather learned traditional ceilidh dance while she was growing up in Scotland and studied classical piano before also taking up mandolin. She cut her teeth as a caller and dance musician in and around the South East of England in her early twenties, discovering balfolk and contra dance traditions along the way. Now based in Glasgow, you can find her involved in various projects spanning both throughout the UK and across the Atlantic Ocean.

All are welcome, family friendly, no partner needed, no experience necessary, all dances taught. 15-minute welcome session for new dancers starts at 7:45pm. Dance runs 8:00pm until 10:30pm including a break. Children 12 and under are free. Edinburgh Contra Dance have been running occasional dances since 2016. Come along and give it a go!

Inclusiveness In order to make our dance as inclusive and welcoming as possible our callers either use the terms 'Larks' and 'Robins' as role names, or call 'positional' style, without using role names at all. Many dances in North America and in the UK have also switched to using these gender-neutral calling styles with great success.

Covid Safety Covid Safety Information: we ask that you only attend the dance if you are feeling well - we'll be happy to refund advance tickets if you can't make it on the day due to illness. We don't require masking but respect those who wish to dance masked. We have handwashing facilities on site and will ventilate the hall as much as possible.

We intend to make the dance as welcoming and as safe as possible.

all photos by Doug Plummer