Contra dance caller George Marshall will lead an afternoon session and an evening dance Oct. 10 at the Community School of Music and Arts in Ithaca, with a beginners' workshop before the evening program.
The nonprofit Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca organized the Fall Double Dance, which will take place at the school at 330 East State Street.
Two dances and a beginners' workshop
The afternoon session, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., is geared toward experienced dancers. A dinner break follows from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Newcomers can attend a workshop from 7 to 7:30 p.m. to learn the basic steps and patterns. The evening dance runs from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and is open to dancers of all experience levels.
Marshall will teach each dance as it is called, and other dancers can offer guidance on the floor. Participants do not need to bring a partner. Organizers ask dancers to bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the floor and a water bottle.
New England trio supplies the music
Rose Jackson of Stove Dragon will play fiddle, Guillaume Sparrow-Pepin of Nova will play accordion, and Helen Kuhar of Nobody's Business and Good Company will play guitar. The musicians draw on traditional New England, Quebecois and Irish tunes, according to the organizers. Two members of the trio are making their Ithaca debut.
The all-volunteer group says it has hosted an October double dance with Marshall since the event began 23 years ago. He previously brought the bands Wild Asparagus and Swallowtail to the event. In more recent years, he has introduced other New England musicians to the Ithaca dance, the group said.
Admission for either the afternoon or evening session is $17 for members, $20 for nonmembers and $10 for students. Admission for both sessions is $32 for members, $38 for nonmembers and $19 for students. Children 12 and younger can attend free. The group accepts cash, checks and Venmo, but not credit cards.
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