Liz Nelson & Missing Lynx Double Dance
DOUBLE DANCE
3:45 – 5:45 pm **Afternoon Advanced Contras $20 adults/$5 students
5:45 – 7:00 pm Dinner Break at the many walkable Chatham restaurants
7:00 – 7:30 pm Beginners’ Workshop
7:30 – 10:30pm All-Level Evening Dance $20 adults/$5 students
Combo admission for both sessions $35/$10 students
Liz Nelson is a contra caller based in Greenfield, MA. She’s known for her clear, easy-to-follow teaching style, steady presence, and warm, welcoming energy. Liz approaches every gig with an open mind because she knows that people of all ages and experience levels can find joy and success in the dance hall. She also loves taking to the dance floor herself and serves on committees that run contra and fusion events in Western MA.
Since stepping up to the mic as a contra dance caller in 2018, Liz has learned so much about the community she loves through the adventures and experiences she’s had. Liz has called at regular dances, festivals, and special events across the country from Maine to Hawai’i—and she’s always excited to see where the dance floor will take her next.
With years of combined experience playing for contra dances, Missing Lynx fills more sonic space than you might expect from a duo. Oliver Scanlon (fiddle, viola, mandolin, feet, vocals) and Alex Fortier (piano, keyboards) blend their talents to drive a dynamic dance engine. Prepare for fresh tunes from a variety of northeast folk repertoires as the duo brings expert execution, tight arrangements, gentle lift and smoothness to your dance!
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.
- **The Afternoon Advanced Contras session is for Experienced Contra Dancers only. You should be familiar with ricochet heys, petronellas, Rorey O’More, pass the ocean, orbits, etc., with minimal prompting. If not, please join us for the evening dance.
- Our hall is air-conditioned along with windows on three sides.
- 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
- 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
- Advanced Afternoon Contras
- For experienced dancers.
- 5:45 PM - 7:00PM
- Dinner Break
- Walk to one of 17 restaurants within 2 blocks of the dance.
- 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Beginner's Workshop
- Learn the basics or help the newcomers.
- 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- All-Level Evening Dance
- The main event.