Hoot Mon! The Bard ‘o’ Scotland will be honoured at the Robbie Burns Contra
dance on Saturday, January 28th at the tartan coloured Merville hall. There, the
Fiddlejam Funtime Fiddlers will play for your dancing pleasure while hairy legged,
kilted Scotsmen and Scotswomen swirl about the floor shaking their thistles and
spurtles.
Guiding the dancers will be a phalanx of callers, with their clear and broguish
instructions, keeping an eye on those who might need a bit more guidance in the
midst of this brouhaha. You’ll want to have an extra helping of salted, raw oatmeal,
with a splash of liquid barley, in the morning to give you the energy to carry on
through the night.
Contra dances are similar to square dances and English country dances. No
experience is necessary as the caller teaches each dance before it is actually done
to the music. The caller then leads the dance while the band plays, so dancers are
able to perform each movement to the music. Most people catch on quickly and
soon the hall is full of prancing participants. You don’t have to come with a partner
as dancers can pair up right there on the hardwood floor. If you wish, you’ll get a
chance to dance with everyone on the floor.
There will be Virginia Reels, the Gay Gordon, waltzes, jigs and schottisches. Tasty
helpings of “haggis” will be served and we’ll toast the Scottish Bard. You might
even win a Spot Dance or “Best Dressed” prize. Wear your kilt and kick up your
heels.
So, Saturday, January 28th, steer your Highland Shetland Pony in the direction
of the Big Yellow Merville Dance Hall, right on the Old Island Highway, between
Campbell River and Courtenay. Doors open at 7:00, dance starts at 7:30pm. Cost is
$10.00/adults, $5.00/youth and you can come as a family for $22.00. FMI 339-4249.
“Lang may yer lum reek”