There is a very cool website out there that has actually databased dances across the country - first by state and then they are broken down by town/city. Here is the direct link to the NY State dances. If you look down the list a little you will see Skaneateles is in the list for our Cabin Fever Dance. Here is the link if you are interested in attending dance events other than just the one held here in Skaneateles, NY.

TedCrane.com

If you decide to attend this Friday’s Cabin Fever Dance at the Presbyterian Church from 8PM - 11PM you should look for these guys when you get there.

Rick Manning will be the fiddler for the event

Bob Nicholson will be the caller

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There are some lengthy definitions regarding Contra Dance. For sake of ease here is the basic definition:

“Contra Dancing is a form of American folk dance in which the dancers form a set of two parallel lines which run the length of the hall. Each dance consists of a sequence of moves that ends with couples having progressed one position up or down the set. As the sequence is repeated, a couple will eventually dance with every other couple in the set. ”

Even more helpful is a description of what Contra Dance is NOT:

“Contra dancing is not the same as country line dancing. Contra dance groups receive absolutely no funding from Oliver North. No classes are required, or even offered (in general), except for a non-required half-hour or fifteen minute introduction to contra dance before the dance, at many regular dance events. We do not wear costumes (except on Halloween) or any particular style of clothes. Some groups ask that you bring a separate pair of soft-soled (non-scuffing) shoes to protect the dance floor. Tennis shoes are quite adequate for the first-time dancer. Very little footwork is required in contra dance. The most common type of movement is a smooth walking step.”

So, are you interested in attending a Contra Dance? For more than 10 years one has taken place right here in Skaneateles, NY every winter. You may know it as the Cabin Fever Dance. Below are the details on this winter’s Cabin Fever Dance:

Cabin Fever Contradance
come with or without a partner • instruction provided • $6 admission
Friday, March 28 from 8-11pm
First Presbyterian Church
97 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles

Rick Manning on fiddle
Tom Hodgson on guitar
Bob Nicholson calling

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