Bemidji Contra Dance Brings Live Music, Community Fun to Solway

Bemidji Contra Dance hosted a community contra dance at Lammers Town Hall, 235 Centerline Road N. in Solway on Saturday, March 21, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The Bemidji-based band Leatherwood provided live music while caller Wendy Greenburg guided dancers through the steps throughout the evening.

Contra dancing is a lively, traditional social dance that originated in New England and is now done all over the United States. The form requires no prior experience and no partner to walk in the door, as everything is taught by the caller on the spot.

The evening opened with an hour dedicated to young families and the young-at-heart before moving into the full community dance. Organizers suggested a free-will donation of $5 to $20 to cover the band, caller and venue rental at Lammers Town Hall, with any amount accepted.

Bemidji Contra Dance also runs a recurring series of workshops and dances at other local venues. Musicians' workshops take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Headwaters Music and Arts, 519 Minnesota Avenue in Bemidji, with community contra dances held at Rail River Folk School, 303 Railroad Street SW, running from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and carrying a suggested free-will donation of $5 to $10.

For information on upcoming events, the Bemidji Contra Dance Facebook page carries current schedules and announcements.