Edinburgh Contra Dance - October 3 with Gareth Kiddier, Edward Wallace, and Rachel Shapiro Wallace

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 from Gareth Kiddier (piano) and Edward Wallace (fiddle).
Gareth Kiddier, rock-solid piano player, coffee connoisseur, and cheerful gent, visiting us from England. Gareth's rhythmic and tasteful playing has underpinned dance bands including The Bismarcks, English Contra Dance Band, Polkaworks, and more.
Edward Wallace has played fiddle for contra dances across the USA and UK. Whether it's the Glen Echo Ballroom, Sidmouth Folk Week, or a party in a barn, he plays great tunes to get dancers moving joyously.

Dances will be called by Rachel Shapiro Wallace, Edinburgh resident and internationally renowned contra dance caller. Rachel will make sure everyone knows where to be when, with style!.

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