Qwill Duvall & Dead Sea Squirrels
Duvall has dug up the Dead Sea Squirrels and translated the new Beatitudes:
Blessed are the women who wear skirts for they shall be uplifted
Blessed are the men who change shirts for they shall be embraced
Blessed are the callers for they shall lead us to the top of the set
Blessed are the musicians for they shall channel celestial chords
Blessed are the dance organizers for they shall strengthen the tradition
Blessed are the Swingin’ Tern dancers for theirs is the community of contra.
In Qwill Duvall’s words: I am a contra dancer and caller from the Midwest. I began contra dancing in 2015 shortly after moving to Chicago. A couple years later I began regularly traveling for dancing and I started calling in 2019. I called regularly in the Chicago area during 2019 and the beginning of 2020, and I was just thinking about going on tour when the pandemic hit. Since my work is now remote and dances have started back up, I am now on the road and touring! I’ve been at it since the beginning of 2023. I’ve called from the Midwest to the both coasts including NEFFA this past spring
The Dead Sea Squirrels play widely for contra dances and are known for their danceable tunes arranged in medleys designed to closely match and enhance the movements of the particular contra dance being taught/called. They tend to push the boundaries of the southern style with fiddle and fiddle/guitar harmonies. Since all the musicians are also dancers, they understand the importance of the interaction between dancers and musicians, and how to use rhythm and dynamics to augment the feel and excitement of a dance. The Dead Sea Squirrels features Cathy Mason on fiddle, Craig Edwards on fiddle, banjo, and mandolin, and Henry Yoshimura on guitar.
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.
- We no longer require vaccination. Masks 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.
- 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!
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.