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There will be a
Country Dance
at the Netel Grange
90525 Logan Road, Astoria, Oregon
Saturday, March 20
from 8 until 11 p.m.
featuring a CONTRA DANCE with
Rich Goss
caller and lively acoustic music provided by
Cascade Crossing
Rich Goss from Portland has called dances from Vancouver, British Columbia to San Diego to Houston, Texas. He enjoys calling fun accessible dances which he teaches in a clear concise manner. His good natured, easy going style will be enjoyed by all.
Cascade Crossing's music is influenced by many styles, with touches of baroque, celtic, Klezmer, traditional, southern, and original tunes. Expect the unexpected: from hard-driving reels to smooth, mysterious jigs.
Contra dancing combines about a dozen basic square dance moves with others such as balance & swing and petronella turn to make some very interesting dances. Instead of forming squares of eight, any number of couples form long lines up and down the hall. A couple will dance with a neighboring couple for about 30 seconds and then will progress to another couple for 30 seconds; this is repeated down the hall until the end of the line is reached whereupon the direction changes and progression is now up the hall -- in this manner one dances with nearly everyone in the hall. It is a contra dance tradition to dance each dance with a different partner. Ladies may ask men to dance and vice versa. People of all ages find it easy to learn. Live calling and live music is featured. Typically a waltz is danced just before intermission and again at the conclusion of the dance.
Contra dancing is an excellent way to unite both friends and strangers in a lighthearted, FUN, and engaging manner. If you've never danced before, a Country Dance is a great way to start. Come at 7:30 p.m. to learn the basics; after that each dance is cleary explained in turn.
All ages, singles, couples and families are welcome. Admission is $8 (or pay what you can). Escorted children younger than 12 are admitted free.
To learn more about contra dancing click on:
An Introduction to Contra Dancing
Wikipedia: Contra Dance Choreography
Some Swing Positions
YouTube - contra dance
YouTube - Contra Dance Basics - 9 chapters
YouTube - Dancing Contras - a 10 minute instructional clip
Light-weight leather-soled dress shoes are highly recommended for dancing on wood. It is also a good idea to dress in layers and bring a water bottle.
The dance is an alcohol- and smoke-free event sponsored by the Netel Grange. Refreshments are available.
To find your way to the dance zoom in and out and scroll in all directions on the map below.
View Larger Map
for information call Craig Holt at 503-325-8207
Five Netel Grange Country Dances are scheduled for this season on the third Saturday of October and November in the Fall and again come Spring in March, April and May. The season's calendar may be viewed here.
The Netel Grange meets monthly on the third Saturday at 7 p.m. If you are interested in learning about Netel Grange activities and helping us achieve our goals you are welcome to attend.
The Netel Grange is a part of one of America's foremost grassroots, volunteer organizations. The Grange is comprised of families and individuals who share common interests in community and coöperation. Each individual Grange reflects the interests and talents of its members.
Mission Statement - Vision Statement & Strategic Goals - History
Grange Motto:
In essentials: unity, in non-essentials: liberty and in all things: charity.
The Netel Grange was founded on March 14, 1910 and was the
second largest Grange in Oregon with 350 members in 1920.
Netel (pronounced knee tell) is the indian name for
the Lewis & Clark River meaning 'much food'.
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