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Contra Dance Event Coming To Fayette May 6-8
May 6, 2016 - May 9, 2016
The Kanawha Valley Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD) will hold their contra dance weekend, Whitewater Whirl, at Fayette County Park in Beckwith, Rt. 16, 5 miles north of Fayetteville, May 6-8.
Contra dancing is similar to square dancing except that partners move up and down long lines. Whitewater Whirl draws enthusiasts from around the country and even Canada.
This event is well known among contra dancers for having great callers who teach the dance and provide “cues” for dancers, and live music from nationally known traditional bands. The callers for 2016 are Gaye Fifer from Pittsburgh and Tom Hinds from Charlottesville. Music is provided by the Contrarians of West Virginia and Maivish–a collaboration between American fiddler Jaige Trudel, British-born guitarist Adam Broome, and Mathew Olwell from Elkins on flutes, bodhrán and percussive dance.
Workshops include Olwell teaching flatfoot dancing Saturday morning. Rachel Eddy, a native of Morgantown who has played across Europe and the U.S. will lead an instrumental jam session Saturday afternoon and a sing Sunday morning.
Ticket prices for the weekend are $105 ($60 for under 30 years of age) and include free camping. Americorps/VISTA volunteers are free. Meal plans are available only if paid in advance. Visitors may come to watch and listen without charge, but dancing is limited to paid entrants and beginners are cautioned that contra dance experience is recommended. Prices for individual events during the weekend will be available online and at the door as space allows.
Detailed information can be found at www.FOOTMAD.org, www.whitewaterwhirl.org and www.facebook.com/kvfootmad
FOOTMAD
Kanawha Valley Friends Of Old-Time Music And Dance (FOOTMAD) is a non-profit volunteer organization with the primary purpose of promoting, preserving, and presenting traditional music and dance as well as contemporary folk music.