Bob Isaacs & Rhythmic Heart
Never one to miss a beat, Rhythmic Heart pumps out chamber music to raise your blood pressure. Calling arresting contras worthy of a coronary, you won’t want to bypass Bob as he leads us in the systolic stomp. Don’t let your life be in vein, come hear the murmur of the crowd and join the fibrillation.
Swingin’ Tern is fortunate to have had a close relationship with Bob Isaacs. Bob is known for his clear, concise calling. He is a prolific contra choreographer—his creative dances are called throughout the country. Bob is also known for his unusual dance forms: the Zia is a literal cross between a square and a contra while Bob’s grid squares provide a wild ride.
Not one to skip a beat, Rhythmic Heart mixes old-timey, jazz, Celtic, and New England traditional tunes with occasional notes of new age and rock. The four chambers of Rhythmic Heart are Anna Bosnick on fiddle, Norma Castle on flute and percussion, Doug Healy on guitar, banjo, and djembe, and Robin Russell on keyboard.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
- Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
- Masks and vaccines are optional.
- All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.
- We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.
- Our dance is two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris/Essex line out of Penn Station, NYC.
- We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
- Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
- We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles!Â
Hourly Schedule
Dance Schedule
- 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Beginner's Workshop
- Learn the basics or help the newcomers.
- 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- Dance
- The main event.