Swingin' Tern Dances
Location: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ a smoke and alcohol-free environment. See photos and video below. DIRECTIONS
Time: Beginner's workshop at 7:00 PM. Dance follows, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM (unless otherwise indicated). Please carry in clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Dance at your own risk.
Admission: $15 per adult, $5 per student with Student ID.
For More Information: (973) 535-3274 or send email to swingintern@folkproject.org
Proof of Covid vaccination is no longer required.
40th Anniversary Swingin' Tern Name Buttons
Order your 40th Anniversary Name Button here! Your button will be available at our 40th Anniversary Dance on January 6th, 2024. Buttons are $3.00 apiece plus a 50 cent service fee if ordered online. You may save the service fee by ordering in person at one of our December dances. List your first name for the front of the button. Your last name will be written on the back of the button. The background color is random.
Bands and callers, email our booking contact at booking@swingintern.org.
Swingin' Tern Dances
Location: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ a smoke and alcohol-free environment. See photos and video below. DIRECTIONS
Time: Beginner's workshop at 7:00 PM. Dance follows, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM (unless otherwise indicated). Please carry in clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Non-dancing children must be supervised at all times. Dance at your own risk.
Admission: $15 per adult, $5 per student with Student ID.
For More Information: (973) 535-3274 or send email to swingintern@folkproject.org
40th Anniversary Swingin' Tern Name Buttons
Order your 40th Anniversary Name Button here! Your button will be available at our 40th Anniversary Dance on January 6th, 2024. Buttons are $3.00 apiece plus a 50 cent service fee if ordered online. You may save the service fee by ordering in person at one of our December dances. List your first name for the front of the button. Your last name will be written on the back of the button. The background color is random.
Click the image below to check out the joy at our Retern to Tern from July 17th, 2021.
NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE
A Swingin’ Tern tradition for over 35 years!
Pot Luck Dinner 6:30pm–Please bring a entree or sidedish to share.
Dancing from 8pm to 12:30am–including the fabulous dessert break [bring a dessert to share] and midnight toast!
Admission:
Adults $25 before 12/25; $30 after 12/26 and at the door.
Students $12 before 12/25; $15 after 12/26 and at the door.
Advanced tickets have gone on sale–see below. Tickets will also be available at the door.
All of our dances are called to Larks & Robins.
Masks and vaccinations optional.
Having garnered an excellent national reputation, we are proud that Donna Hunt developed her calling chops at Swingin’ Tern Dances. Calling contras with interesting choreography and variations, Donna is known for utilizing clear, concise instructions to minimize teaching time and maximize dance time. Donna infuses the dancers with confidence, regardless of their skill level, and she enjoys guiding new dancers and challenging experienced ones.
Kaleidoscope creates an ever-changing soundscape of jewel-like tunes to reflect the joy of the rotating dancers. They present everything from traditional New England and old time American, Quebecois and Celtic fiddle tunes, to jazz, blues, Latin, and the group’s own originals. Kaleidoscope is Minda Cowen on English and contra fiddle, long term Swingin’ Tern favorite Bill Peek on piano, Dominique Gagné on Latin and Brazilian jazz influenced flute, and Marco Brehm on swinging stand-up bass. Together they create an endless swirl of dance music with their melodic and creative approach to the folk traditions.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
-
- 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!
Find your North Star as The Star Charters and a Constellation of Callers celebrate Swingin’ Tern going supernova 41 years ago. Bob brings Betelgeuse balances and Andromeda allemandes as the cluster of callers create Cassiopeia contras. A syzygy of sound occurs when twin fiddles, Castor and Pollux, and the Gemini guitar align to pair celestial chords for a galaxy of tunes. You’ll fall to Pieces and join Canis Major and Minor in the doghouse if you get sucked into the black hole of inaction. Fasten your Orion’s belt as your Taurus or Vega attains warp speed for this cosmic experience.
In addition to his calling, Bob Isaacs has been passing on his knowledge to fledgling callers. This anniversary dance will feature the calling of some of Bob’s proteges, his own calling, and other established callers. Bob is known for his clear, concise instructions. He is a prolific contra choreographer—his creative dances are called throughout the country.
Cecilia Vacanti (of Kingfisher) and Jess Newman and Mark Price (of Cojiro) are teaming up to play contra dances in a high energy, dynamic trio known as The Star Charters. With Cecilia and Jess on fiddle and Mark holding down rhythm on guitar, The Star Charters bring to the stage a rock-solid groove and level of technical prowess that is complemented by their combined versatility, lyrical twin fiddle harmonies and joyful, off-the-cuff improvisation. This bopping team-up will send dancers over the moon!
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.
- 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!
The chatter in Chatham is that Blue Jersey is the talk of all the towns. Alyssa’s Collingswood be enough, but with a band to Rockaway the night, you’ll Wanaque up in the center line. Ewing seen nuthin’ yet as those born to be Wildwood go Alloway over Andover. So Ironia your Oxford, use your Gillette, put on your Cologne and grab a guy from Manville, a Lacey lady of Verona or your Palmyra. If life Hazlet you down, you’re crying Mahwah and you’ve given up Hope, come say Ho Ho Kus you’ll Sea Bright talent at the Summit of entertainment for just a Little Silver. Orange you glad Swingin’ Tern will have you saying thank you Allamuchy as you land in Pleasantville?
When you ask a Muppet to masquerade as a human and call a contra dance, you get Alyssa Adkins. Dancers consistently describe their teaching and calling as clear, joyful, and energetic. An experienced contra dancer, folk waltz and fusion dance teacher, she stays precise and concise in her communication so everyone can more fully enjoy the dance, the music, and each other.
Blue Jersey Contra Dance Band plays traditional and contemporary contra dance tunes. They have played contra dances in NJ, PA, NY and surrounding areas since 2000. Their large repertoire includes jigs, reels, waltzes, Quebecois, Irish, French, and swing tunes. The band features Louise McClure on fiddle, Frank Ruck on mandolin, Ellen Ruck on guitar, and Ed Jankiewicz on bass.
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.
- 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!
NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE
A Swingin’ Tern tradition for over 35 years!
Pot Luck Dinner 6:30pm–Please bring a entree or sidedish to share.
Dancing from 8pm to 12:30am–including the fabulous dessert break [bring a dessert to share] and midnight toast!
Admission:
Adults $25 before 12/25; $30 after 12/26 and at the door.
Students $12 before 12/25; $15 after 12/26 and at the door.
Advanced tickets have gone on sale–see below. Tickets will also be available at the door.
All of our dances are called to Larks & Robins.
Masks and vaccinations optional.
Having garnered an excellent national reputation, we are proud that Donna Hunt developed her calling chops at Swingin’ Tern Dances. Calling contras with interesting choreography and variations, Donna is known for utilizing clear, concise instructions to minimize teaching time and maximize dance time. Donna infuses the dancers with confidence, regardless of their skill level, and she enjoys guiding new dancers and challenging experienced ones.
Kaleidoscope creates an ever-changing soundscape of jewel-like tunes to reflect the joy of the rotating dancers. They present everything from traditional New England and old time American, Quebecois and Celtic fiddle tunes, to jazz, blues, Latin, and the group’s own originals. Kaleidoscope is Minda Cowen on English and contra fiddle, long term Swingin’ Tern favorite Bill Peek on piano, Dominique Gagné on Latin and Brazilian jazz influenced flute, and Marco Brehm on swinging stand-up bass. Together they create an endless swirl of dance music with their melodic and creative approach to the folk traditions.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
-
- 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!
Find your North Star as The Star Charters and a Constellation of Callers celebrate Swingin’ Tern going supernova 41 years ago. Bob brings Betelgeuse balances and Andromeda allemandes as the cluster of callers create Cassiopeia contras. A syzygy of sound occurs when twin fiddles, Castor and Pollux, and the Gemini guitar align to pair celestial chords for a galaxy of tunes. You’ll fall to Pieces and join Canis Major and Minor in the doghouse if you get sucked into the black hole of inaction. Fasten your Orion’s belt as your Taurus or Vega attains warp speed for this cosmic experience.
In addition to his calling, Bob Isaacs has been passing on his knowledge to fledgling callers. This anniversary dance will feature the calling of some of Bob’s proteges, his own calling, and other established callers. Bob is known for his clear, concise instructions. He is a prolific contra choreographer—his creative dances are called throughout the country.
Cecilia Vacanti (of Kingfisher) and Jess Newman and Mark Price (of Cojiro) are teaming up to play contra dances in a high energy, dynamic trio known as The Star Charters. With Cecilia and Jess on fiddle and Mark holding down rhythm on guitar, The Star Charters bring to the stage a rock-solid groove and level of technical prowess that is complemented by their combined versatility, lyrical twin fiddle harmonies and joyful, off-the-cuff improvisation. This bopping team-up will send dancers over the moon!
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.
- 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!
The chatter in Chatham is that Blue Jersey is the talk of all the towns. Alyssa’s Collingswood be enough, but with a band to Rockaway the night, you’ll Wanaque up in the center line. Ewing seen nuthin’ yet as those born to be Wildwood go Alloway over Andover. So Ironia your Oxford, use your Gillette, put on your Cologne and grab a guy from Manville, a Lacey lady of Verona or your Palmyra. If life Hazlet you down, you’re crying Mahwah and you’ve given up Hope, come say Ho Ho Kus you’ll Sea Bright talent at the Summit of entertainment for just a Little Silver. Orange you glad Swingin’ Tern will have you saying thank you Allamuchy as you land in Pleasantville?
When you ask a Muppet to masquerade as a human and call a contra dance, you get Alyssa Adkins. Dancers consistently describe their teaching and calling as clear, joyful, and energetic. An experienced contra dancer, folk waltz and fusion dance teacher, she stays precise and concise in her communication so everyone can more fully enjoy the dance, the music, and each other.
Blue Jersey Contra Dance Band plays traditional and contemporary contra dance tunes. They have played contra dances in NJ, PA, NY and surrounding areas since 2000. Their large repertoire includes jigs, reels, waltzes, Quebecois, Irish, French, and swing tunes. The band features Louise McClure on fiddle, Frank Ruck on mandolin, Ellen Ruck on guitar, and Ed Jankiewicz on bass.
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.
- 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!
NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE
A Swingin’ Tern tradition for over 35 years!
Pot Luck Dinner 6:30pm–Please bring a entree or sidedish to share.
Dancing from 8pm to 12:30am–including the fabulous dessert break [bring a dessert to share] and midnight toast!
Admission:
Adults $25 before 12/25; $30 after 12/26 and at the door.
Students $12 before 12/25; $15 after 12/26 and at the door.
Advanced tickets have gone on sale–see below. Tickets will also be available at the door.
All of our dances are called to Larks & Robins.
Masks and vaccinations optional.
Having garnered an excellent national reputation, we are proud that Donna Hunt developed her calling chops at Swingin’ Tern Dances. Calling contras with interesting choreography and variations, Donna is known for utilizing clear, concise instructions to minimize teaching time and maximize dance time. Donna infuses the dancers with confidence, regardless of their skill level, and she enjoys guiding new dancers and challenging experienced ones.
Kaleidoscope creates an ever-changing soundscape of jewel-like tunes to reflect the joy of the rotating dancers. They present everything from traditional New England and old time American, Quebecois and Celtic fiddle tunes, to jazz, blues, Latin, and the group’s own originals. Kaleidoscope is Minda Cowen on English and contra fiddle, long term Swingin’ Tern favorite Bill Peek on piano, Dominique Gagné on Latin and Brazilian jazz influenced flute, and Marco Brehm on swinging stand-up bass. Together they create an endless swirl of dance music with their melodic and creative approach to the folk traditions.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
-
- 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!
Find your North Star as The Star Charters and a Constellation of Callers celebrate Swingin’ Tern going supernova 41 years ago. Bob brings Betelgeuse balances and Andromeda allemandes as the cluster of callers create Cassiopeia contras. A syzygy of sound occurs when twin fiddles, Castor and Pollux, and the Gemini guitar align to pair celestial chords for a galaxy of tunes. You’ll fall to Pieces and join Canis Major and Minor in the doghouse if you get sucked into the black hole of inaction. Fasten your Orion’s belt as your Taurus or Vega attains warp speed for this cosmic experience.
In addition to his calling, Bob Isaacs has been passing on his knowledge to fledgling callers. This anniversary dance will feature the calling of some of Bob’s proteges, his own calling, and other established callers. Bob is known for his clear, concise instructions. He is a prolific contra choreographer—his creative dances are called throughout the country.
Cecilia Vacanti (of Kingfisher) and Jess Newman and Mark Price (of Cojiro) are teaming up to play contra dances in a high energy, dynamic trio known as The Star Charters. With Cecilia and Jess on fiddle and Mark holding down rhythm on guitar, The Star Charters bring to the stage a rock-solid groove and level of technical prowess that is complemented by their combined versatility, lyrical twin fiddle harmonies and joyful, off-the-cuff improvisation. This bopping team-up will send dancers over the moon!
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.
- 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!
The chatter in Chatham is that Blue Jersey is the talk of all the towns. Alyssa’s Collingswood be enough, but with a band to Rockaway the night, you’ll Wanaque up in the center line. Ewing seen nuthin’ yet as those born to be Wildwood go Alloway over Andover. So Ironia your Oxford, use your Gillette, put on your Cologne and grab a guy from Manville, a Lacey lady of Verona or your Palmyra. If life Hazlet you down, you’re crying Mahwah and you’ve given up Hope, come say Ho Ho Kus you’ll Sea Bright talent at the Summit of entertainment for just a Little Silver. Orange you glad Swingin’ Tern will have you saying thank you Allamuchy as you land in Pleasantville?
When you ask a Muppet to masquerade as a human and call a contra dance, you get Alyssa Adkins. Dancers consistently describe their teaching and calling as clear, joyful, and energetic. An experienced contra dancer, folk waltz and fusion dance teacher, she stays precise and concise in her communication so everyone can more fully enjoy the dance, the music, and each other.
Blue Jersey Contra Dance Band plays traditional and contemporary contra dance tunes. They have played contra dances in NJ, PA, NY and surrounding areas since 2000. Their large repertoire includes jigs, reels, waltzes, Quebecois, Irish, French, and swing tunes. The band features Louise McClure on fiddle, Frank Ruck on mandolin, Ellen Ruck on guitar, and Ed Jankiewicz on bass.
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.
- 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!