SQUARE DANCING? NO, IT'S CALLED CONTRA-DANCING.
It's easy. It's fun. Last Saturday I conned my good friend, Cheri, into accompanying me to the Contra-dance at the Eastport Art Center; since David graciously declined and I wasn't quite ready to debut solo. Cheri agreed and off we went after a short cocktail at home to temper the nerves. There was no need. We arrived to a group of 5 or 6 friends and neighbors wondering where everybody was. Linda Sisson was there - sort of mistress of the affair; Lauren Simpson was there - caller and impromptu dance instructor for us novices; the band was there, Keltic Schmeltic - local group and very good; and best of all, the food was there. There were lots and lots of home prepared goodies all of the dessert category. We would need the sugar for energy and the bottled water for re-hydration. Gradually, in Moose Island tradition, folks began to arrive in groups on one, three and many to hardy "Heys" and Welcomes" from those of us already present.
Watching once dance was all it took. I danced every one after that except the waltz which I need to polish up - waltzing is now a pleasant memory for me - bringing it back couldn't hurt. It's a gentle and kind dance and a perfect slow-down rest break from a Contra-dance.
I took a few pictures before I became one of the group. The one to the left is of a Canadian couple Sashaying down line. They were first-timers too; I was not alone and did not stick out like a sore thumb. Since this couple was from Canada, we were actually engaged in an international social event here at the end of the world in a paradise called Eastport.
At 9:30 PM the band took a break and promised to return for two more Contra-dances. I called it a night - I will have to work up to this new level of energetic exercise.
But - I did love it and I shall dance another day!