Princeton Country Dancers will host "Rum & Onions XXVI," an annual Halloween contra dance extraordinaire, on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the John Witherspoon Middle School on Walnut Street, Princeton.
Contra dances New England folk dances similar to the Virginia reel are lively and easy to learn. At a contra dance, attendance as a couple is not required; traditionally, one switches partners after every dance. As in square dancing, each dance is "called," and the caller starts each new dance with a brief "walk-through" to teach the movements.
The Rum & Onions Band will provide the music. Michael Bell and Susie Lorand, both longtime members, will lead this year’s band. The all-volunteer band is a prime example of how Princeton Country Dancers (PCD) provides performance opportunities for local musical talent. Band members meet Sunday evenings in September and October to rehearse the jigs, reels, and waltzes selected for the dance. More than 40 musicians join in, playing a variety of instruments including fiddle, guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, concertina, piano, recorder, penny whistle and drums, to create a richly textured sound.
Kathy Anderson from Dayton, Ohio, will call the dances. Her repertoire includes traditional and contemporary dances, as well as a number of original contra and square dances. She is known for her quick, clear teaching during the "walk-through" before each dance.
PCD invites dancers of all levels to the "Rum & Onions" dance. Admission is charged at the door ($18 full day, $7 afternoon, $16 evening); discounts are available for students and seniors 65 and over. Costumes are welcome at the evening portion of the dance.
A beginners’ lesson is offered from 2:30 to 3 p.m. The main afternoon dance starts at 3 p.m. It is followed by a potluck dinner at 6 p.m.; those wishing to attend are asked to bring a substantial dish to share. The evening dance begins with a Grand March/Costume Parade at 7:30 p.m.. Dancing continues until 11 p.m., with a break for dessert. To protect the hardwood floor, dancers are asked to carry in a clean pair of dance shoes (no high heels).
Directions to the dance, and more information, are available at www.princetonol.com/groups/pcd, or by calling (609) 683-7956 or (609) 924-6763 for more information.
