
Diane Hartzell & Rhythmic Heart

When Diane Harzell discovered Contra Dancing 25 years ago in Bethlehem, PA she didn’t miss a dance for 5 years. With a smile ever at the ready, she loves sharing the joy of Contra—the dancing and the music—with both new and seasoned dancers. Diane is known for patiently guiding dancers seeing to it that everyone has a great time!

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:
- We have a sliding admission scale of $15 to $20+ for adults. If you are able, you can allow us to continue booking this amazing talent by paying $20 or more at the door. If that’s a stretch, stay at the regular $15 or volunteer and get in for free. Student admission is $5.
- 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.