Local Entertainment: Contra Dancing

The Countryside Contra Dancers are always looking for more pairs of feet.  Hear local, live, traditional music; appreciate the skill of professional callers; try out some not-too-taxing new moves; build community, and get some exercise all at the same time.

Contra Dancing takes place the third Saturday of the month

At the Donald Heiter Community Center

New dancers are always welcome, with or without a partner

7:30 to 8 PM introduction to the steps

8 to 10:30 PM dancing

Cost $8
children under 18 admitted free


Please wear or bring shoes that won't mar the wooden gym floor.
Your contribution of snacks for the snack table will be greatly appreciated!


For more information, call Betsy or Jeff (570) 524-2104.

Article from the Daily Item:

'If you can walk, you can contra"

For The Daily Item

LEWISBURG -- For the past several years a small, dedicated group of people have been coming to the Donald L. Heiter Community Center for monthly contra dances. To those who are involved, contra dancing is a fun, family-oriented event that accommodates dancers at all levels.

Unfortunately, that small, dedicated group has dwindled down to a mere dozen individuals who faithfully show up on the third Saturday of each month and organizers fear if they don't get the word out the dances may soon be a thing of the past.

"It's more fun when you have more dancers," said Scheckter, who has been attending the dances with his wife, Betsy Noyce, for years. Scheckter and Noyce recently agreed to take over as coordinators for the organization, which calls itself the Countryside Contra Dancers.

"We are a very loose organization of people," said Ms. Noyce. "We have about 40 people on our mailing list, but we don't get that many people at the dances." New England contra dance is a traditional dance form rooted in Irish, English and Scottish jigs, reels and waltzes.

"If you can walk, you can contra (dance)," said Mr. Scheckter.

Contra dancing is similar to square dancing except that dancers move up and down a line instead of in a square, said Mr. Scheckter.

"There is a caller and live music," he said. "The caller usually sets the tone and gives direction to the musicians and the dancers." Individuals are divided into groups of four, six or eight and dance both as partners and in sets.

"You can come as a couple or as an individual, it doesn't matter," said Scheckter. "You may dance with your partner from time to time but you will move around and dance with others, too." The best part about contra dancing, said Ms. Noyce, is that it's fun for all ages.

"It can be as energetic as you want it to be," she said. "The dance atmosphere accommodates everyone which means even older couples can do it." Mr. Scheckter likes that the dance is "very social" and participants in general are "cooperative and supportive" of each other.

"There is no pressure," he said. "If you make a mistake, others will help you, even if they're more accomplished dancers." And for those who worry about not knowing all the moves there is typically a 30-minute instructional or practice period at the beginning of each dance. The fact that the caller can cover all the basics in a half hour is a testament to how easy it really is, said Mr. Scheckter.

He said the caller will even modify the dances so that everyone -- no matter what skill level -- has a chance to succeed.

"There is no fancy footwork involved," he joked. "And it's a great way to express yourself without the criticism of others. The only rules are that you have to be nice and polite." As for the music, Ms. Noyce said anyone who enjoys celtic, Scottish, English or traditional American tunes will also enjoy the live music at the contra dances.

"Typically the music can include a bass, a recorder, Irish drums, guitar, hammered dulcimer or fiddle -- it's all acoustic music," she said.

Though there is no fancy footwork, no special costumes or skills necessary, there is a need for people.

"We're struggling to get more people involved," said Ms. Noyce. "Otherwise, we can't survive." The couple is hoping to attract more young families to the monthly event.

"It's a nice alternative for families," said Ms. Noyce. "It's a non-alcoholic event and provides great exercise." Mr. Scheckter agrees.

"Dancing is known to build physical stamina," he said.

And an evening out isn't going to break the bank. There is a small fee to attend the contra dances - $8 for adults (18 and over). All ages are welcome but anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. College students with ID can get in for a mere $4.

The fee is modest, but necessary.

"We do have to pay the caller and the band," said Ms. Noyce. "Right now, we're one dance away from being in the red." With any luck, the group will qualify for a small grant from the Lewisburg Arts Council, but Ms. Noyce said they still need more members.

"This is an American tradition," she said. "We need people to carry on the tradition."