Until further notice, all participants must provide proof of vaccination at the door. This can be done by showing us a vaccination card indicating that you are at least two weeks beyond either a single Johnson & Johnson shot, or the second of two Moderna or Pfizer shots. A complete and unredacted photo or photocopy of the front of that vaccination card is also acceptable. We will not retain copies of your medical information, only ask to see them as a condition of entry. Masks are optional.

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 when Morris County is at the Green/Low or Yellow/Moderate level. For our full Covid protocol, please see https://folkproject.org/covid-guidelines/

What, you may be asking, is Contra Dancing? Watch the video below and see our About Swingin' Tern page for a video and an explanation.
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    Click the image below to check out our new dance hall in Chatham.

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    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

    What, you may be asking, is Contra Dancing? Watch the video below and see our About Swingin' Tern page for a video and an explanation.
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      Click the image below to check out the joy at our Retern to Tern from July 17th, 2021.

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      Don Flaherty with Rhythmic Heart

      Only an April fool would bypass this cardiac event as Rhythmic Heart pumps out chamber music to raise your blood pressure. Calling arresting contras worthy of a coronary, Pacemaker Don will lead us in the systolic stomp. Don’t let your life be in vein, come hear the murmur of the crowd and join the fibrillation.

       

       

      Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.

       

       

       

       

       

      Caller: Don Flaherty
      Photo of Don Flaherty
       
      Don Flaherty at Swingin' Tern

      We are happy to welcome back Don Flaherty, one of the founders of Swingin’ Tern Dances.  Don is well-known for his prolific creation of new contra dances.  His dances are called by dozens of callers across the country.  Don is sure to keep us moving with his gems that have become part of the contra tradition along with a debut or two of his freshly choreographed dances.

       

      .

      Band: Rhythmic Heart
      Photo of Rhythmic Heart
      Rhythmic Heart at Swingin' Tern

      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.  Rhythmic Heart features Anna Bosnick on fiddle, Norma Castle on flute and percussion, Doug Healy on banjo and guitar, and Robin Russell on keyboard.

      COVID PROTOCOL

      • Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.  At the Orange level, masks [N/KN-95 or surgical] are required on all dance lines along with proof of vaccination.  At any dance, we may announce that masks are required in all lines. 
      • Our mask policy is based on the current rating for Morris County from the CDC which is posted by 8pm on the Thursday before each dance.
      • Please bring your own water bottle with your name on it. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
      Michael Karcher with Kingfisher

      Birds of a feather flock together as Kingfisher and Karcher call us back to the nest at Tern.  Michael macaws high flying contras to make you screech owl night and leave you puffin.  Junco Jeff and Chickadee Cecilia take flight with tunes to make you cormorant and raven from heron in.  Use your spoonbill to swallow some kiwi and magpie at the break or you’ll be eating crow. Take mynah word, put some petral in your roadrunner and come on plover. Don’t be cuckoo or loony–sparrow yourself from being bittern; if you duck out and don’t budgie, you’ll egret it.

       

      Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.

       

       

       

       

       

      Caller: Michael Karcher
      Photo of Michael Karcher
       
      Michael Karcher calling at Swingin' Tern

      Michael Karcher has been having the time of his life calling dances and weekends around North America since 2011. He has honed a warm and concise style of teaching and calling, to the delight of dancers across the continent.

       

      .

      Band: Kingfisher
      Photo of Kingfisher
      Kingfisher

      Known for their large and exciting sound, Kingfisher is a Boston-based contra dance band, consisting of Cecilia Vacanti on fiddle, and Jeff Kaufman on piano, mandolin, drums, and synths.

      COVID PROTOCOL

      • Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.  At the Orange level, masks [N/KN-95 or surgical] are required on all dance lines along with proof of vaccination.  At any dance, we may announce that masks are required in all lines. 
      • Our mask policy is based on the current rating for Morris County from the CDC which is posted by 8pm on the Thursday before each dance.
      • Please bring your own water bottle with your name on it. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
      Peter Stix with French Toast

      Peter ferries us across the River Stix, past the Contra Cerberus, into a Hades chain. Like a danse macabre, we Dante up our soft soles in those infernal circle dances. Before you flatline, French Toast serves up some contra coroners with tunes to wake the dead. Don’t pay the ferryman until he gets you to Swingin’ Tern. Then pass through to the other side, giving in to your demon desire to set the floor on fire.

      Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.

       

       

       

       

       

      Caller: Peter Stix
      Photo of Peter Stix
       
      Peter Stix calling at Swingin' Tern

      Peter Stix is a caller and dance organizer up in Albany NY. He gets down to Swingin’ Tern now and again, in 1992 initially and most recently in 2019, so it is high time for this venerable caller to be back on our stage.

      Stix started calling in 1989 in Minnesota (no doubt that’s where he developed his laid-back style). Clear teaching and varied dance selections are his trademarks, once you get past his PUNishing sense of humor. Undoubtedly he will have a great program for our dancing enjoyment.

      Besides dancing and calling, Stix teaches math; creates sculptures; builds “eccentric lazy susans”; writes satires and parodies for cathartic release; and is edging ever closer to an encore career as a stand-up comic.

       

      .

      Band: French Toast
      Photo of French Toast

      French Toast serves up all kinds of contra fare, with a specialty in French Canadian tunes that have interesting harmonies and are driving, rhythmic, full of whimsy, and great for contra dancing!  French Toast features Helen White on flute, Anna Bosnick on fiddle, and Cynthia Shaw on keyboard.

      COVID PROTOCOL

      • Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.  At the Orange level, masks [N/KN-95 or surgical] are required on all dance lines along with proof of vaccination.  At any dance, we may announce that masks are required in all lines. 
      • Our mask policy is based on the current rating for Morris County from the CDC which is posted by 8pm on the Thursday before each dance.
      • Please bring your own water bottle with your name on it. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
      Don Flaherty with Rhythmic Heart

      Only an April fool would bypass this cardiac event as Rhythmic Heart pumps out chamber music to raise your blood pressure. Calling arresting contras worthy of a coronary, Pacemaker Don will lead us in the systolic stomp. Don’t let your life be in vein, come hear the murmur of the crowd and join the fibrillation.

       

       

      Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.

       

       

       

       

       

      Caller: Don Flaherty
       
      Don Flaherty at Swingin' Tern

      We are happy to welcome back Don Flaherty, one of the founders of Swingin’ Tern Dances.  Don is well-known for his prolific creation of new contra dances.  His dances are called by dozens of callers across the country.  Don is sure to keep us moving with his gems that have become part of the contra tradition along with a debut or two of his freshly choreographed dances.

       

      .

      Band: Rhythmic Heart
       
      Rhythmic Heart at Swingin' Tern

      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.  Rhythmic Heart features Anna Bosnick on fiddle, Norma Castle on flute and percussion, Doug Healy on banjo and guitar, and Robin Russell on keyboard.

      COVID PROTOCOL

      • Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.  At the Orange level, masks [N/KN-95 or surgical] are required on all dance lines along with proof of vaccination.  At any dance, we may announce that masks are required in all lines. 
      • Our mask policy is based on the current rating for Morris County from the CDC which is posted by 8pm on the Thursday before each dance.
      • Please bring your own water bottle with your name on it. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
      Michael Karcher with Kingfisher

      Birds of a feather flock together as Kingfisher and Karcher call us back to the nest at Tern.  Michael macaws high flying contras to make you screech owl night and leave you puffin.  Junco Jeff and Chickadee Cecilia take flight with tunes to make you cormorant and raven from heron in.  Use your spoonbill to swallow some kiwi and magpie at the break or you’ll be eating crow. Take mynah word, put some petral in your roadrunner and come on plover. Don’t be cuckoo or loony–sparrow yourself from being bittern; if you duck out and don’t budgie, you’ll egret it.

       

      Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.

       

       

       

       

       

      Caller: Michael Karcher
       
      Michael Karcher calling at Swingin' Tern

      Michael Karcher has been having the time of his life calling dances and weekends around North America since 2011. He has honed a warm and concise style of teaching and calling, to the delight of dancers across the continent.

       

      .

      Band: Kingfisher
       
      Kingfisher

      Known for their large and exciting sound, Kingfisher is a Boston-based contra dance band, consisting of Cecilia Vacanti on fiddle, and Jeff Kaufman on piano, mandolin, drums, and synths.

      COVID PROTOCOL

      • Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.  At the Orange level, masks [N/KN-95 or surgical] are required on all dance lines along with proof of vaccination.  At any dance, we may announce that masks are required in all lines. 
      • Our mask policy is based on the current rating for Morris County from the CDC which is posted by 8pm on the Thursday before each dance.
      • Please bring your own water bottle with your name on it. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
      Peter Stix with French Toast

      Peter ferries us across the River Stix, past the Contra Cerberus, into a Hades chain. Like a danse macabre, we Dante up our soft soles in those infernal circle dances. Before you flatline, French Toast serves up some contra coroners with tunes to wake the dead. Don’t pay the ferryman until he gets you to Swingin’ Tern. Then pass through to the other side, giving in to your demon desire to set the floor on fire.

      Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.

       

       

       

       

       

      Caller: Peter Stix
       
      Peter Stix calling at Swingin' Tern

      Peter Stix is a caller and dance organizer up in Albany NY. He gets down to Swingin’ Tern now and again, in 1992 initially and most recently in 2019, so it is high time for this venerable caller to be back on our stage.

      Stix started calling in 1989 in Minnesota (no doubt that’s where he developed his laid-back style). Clear teaching and varied dance selections are his trademarks, once you get past his PUNishing sense of humor. Undoubtedly he will have a great program for our dancing enjoyment.

      Besides dancing and calling, Stix teaches math; creates sculptures; builds “eccentric lazy susans”; writes satires and parodies for cathartic release; and is edging ever closer to an encore career as a stand-up comic.

       

      .

      Band: French Toast

      French Toast serves up all kinds of contra fare, with a specialty in French Canadian tunes that have interesting harmonies and are driving, rhythmic, full of whimsy, and great for contra dancing!  French Toast features Helen White on flute, Anna Bosnick on fiddle, and Cynthia Shaw on keyboard.

      COVID PROTOCOL

      • Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.  At the Orange level, masks [N/KN-95 or surgical] are required on all dance lines along with proof of vaccination.  At any dance, we may announce that masks are required in all lines. 
      • Our mask policy is based on the current rating for Morris County from the CDC which is posted by 8pm on the Thursday before each dance.
      • Please bring your own water bottle with your name on it. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
      Don Flaherty with Rhythmic Heart

      Only an April fool would bypass this cardiac event as Rhythmic Heart pumps out chamber music to raise your blood pressure. Calling arresting contras worthy of a coronary, Pacemaker Don will lead us in the systolic stomp. Don’t let your life be in vein, come hear the murmur of the crowd and join the fibrillation.

       

       

      Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.

       

       

       

       

       

      Caller: Don Flaherty
      Don Flaherty at Swingin' Tern

      We are happy to welcome back Don Flaherty, one of the founders of Swingin’ Tern Dances.  Don is well-known for his prolific creation of new contra dances.  His dances are called by dozens of callers across the country.  Don is sure to keep us moving with his gems that have become part of the contra tradition along with a debut or two of his freshly choreographed dances.

       

      .

      Band: Rhythmic Heart
      Rhythmic Heart at Swingin' Tern

      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.  Rhythmic Heart features Anna Bosnick on fiddle, Norma Castle on flute and percussion, Doug Healy on banjo and guitar, and Robin Russell on keyboard.

      COVID PROTOCOL

      • Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.  At the Orange level, masks [N/KN-95 or surgical] are required on all dance lines along with proof of vaccination.  At any dance, we may announce that masks are required in all lines. 
      • Our mask policy is based on the current rating for Morris County from the CDC which is posted by 8pm on the Thursday before each dance.
      • Please bring your own water bottle with your name on it. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
      Michael Karcher with Kingfisher

      Birds of a feather flock together as Kingfisher and Karcher call us back to the nest at Tern.  Michael macaws high flying contras to make you screech owl night and leave you puffin.  Junco Jeff and Chickadee Cecilia take flight with tunes to make you cormorant and raven from heron in.  Use your spoonbill to swallow some kiwi and magpie at the break or you’ll be eating crow. Take mynah word, put some petral in your roadrunner and come on plover. Don’t be cuckoo or loony–sparrow yourself from being bittern; if you duck out and don’t budgie, you’ll egret it.

       

      Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.

       

       

       

       

       

      Caller: Michael Karcher
      Michael Karcher calling at Swingin' Tern

      Michael Karcher has been having the time of his life calling dances and weekends around North America since 2011. He has honed a warm and concise style of teaching and calling, to the delight of dancers across the continent.

       

      .

      Band: Kingfisher
      Kingfisher

      Known for their large and exciting sound, Kingfisher is a Boston-based contra dance band, consisting of Cecilia Vacanti on fiddle, and Jeff Kaufman on piano, mandolin, drums, and synths.

      COVID PROTOCOL

      • Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.  At the Orange level, masks [N/KN-95 or surgical] are required on all dance lines along with proof of vaccination.  At any dance, we may announce that masks are required in all lines. 
      • Our mask policy is based on the current rating for Morris County from the CDC which is posted by 8pm on the Thursday before each dance.
      • Please bring your own water bottle with your name on it. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
      Peter Stix with French Toast

      Peter ferries us across the River Stix, past the Contra Cerberus, into a Hades chain. Like a danse macabre, we Dante up our soft soles in those infernal circle dances. Before you flatline, French Toast serves up some contra coroners with tunes to wake the dead. Don’t pay the ferryman until he gets you to Swingin’ Tern. Then pass through to the other side, giving in to your demon desire to set the floor on fire.

      Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.

       

       

       

       

       

      Caller: Peter Stix
      Peter Stix calling at Swingin' Tern

      Peter Stix is a caller and dance organizer up in Albany NY. He gets down to Swingin’ Tern now and again, in 1992 initially and most recently in 2019, so it is high time for this venerable caller to be back on our stage.

      Stix started calling in 1989 in Minnesota (no doubt that’s where he developed his laid-back style). Clear teaching and varied dance selections are his trademarks, once you get past his PUNishing sense of humor. Undoubtedly he will have a great program for our dancing enjoyment.

      Besides dancing and calling, Stix teaches math; creates sculptures; builds “eccentric lazy susans”; writes satires and parodies for cathartic release; and is edging ever closer to an encore career as a stand-up comic.

       

      .

      Band: French Toast

      French Toast serves up all kinds of contra fare, with a specialty in French Canadian tunes that have interesting harmonies and are driving, rhythmic, full of whimsy, and great for contra dancing!  French Toast features Helen White on flute, Anna Bosnick on fiddle, and Cynthia Shaw on keyboard.

      COVID PROTOCOL

      • Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required as long as Morris County remains at the Green or Yellow level.  At the Orange level, masks [N/KN-95 or surgical] are required on all dance lines along with proof of vaccination.  At any dance, we may announce that masks are required in all lines. 
      • Our mask policy is based on the current rating for Morris County from the CDC which is posted by 8pm on the Thursday before each dance.
      • Please bring your own water bottle with your name on it. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.