This is an example of George Marshall's classic beginners' workshop. It was captured at a Wild Asparagus dance at the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, MA on May 7, 2011.
In addition to the excellent lesson there are many, many regular Greenfield dancers present including Lark and the late John Leonard of which there is a lovely closeup at 10:00. I also note that this is a Wild Asparagus dance but also include Keith Murphy and Jeremiah McLane, who along with Becky Tracey formed "Nightingale", one of my all-time favorite bands. Perhaps the band that night might have been called "Nightingus" or simply, "Wild Night" :-)
I can't believe this is online! This was my first contra and I will never forget it.
This is such a great resource for new callers who wants to learn how to do a "beginner's" contra dance lesson. George rocks!
This is absolute Magic, So often Instructors neglect to tell us every thing is by 8 counts!!
This is the first time I’ve ever heard “giving weight” defined in terms of up-down pressure. That’s a brilliant insight.
So many people I love here.
Excellent intro for first time contra dancers ....
In addition to the excellent lesson there are many, many regular Greenfield dancers present including Lark and the late John Leonard of which there is a lovely closeup at 10:00. I also note that this is a Wild Asparagus dance but also include Keith Murphy and Jeremiah McLane, who along with Becky Tracey formed "Nightingale", one of my all-time favorite bands. Perhaps the band that night might have been called "Nightingus" or simply, "Wild Night" :-)
Mario also does a cameo at 12:30 ^_^
Looks like a lot of fun!
The person at 6:30 in the background is really rockin' the beard and skirt combo!
Some of our usual suspects here.
George Marshall is one of the best at orienting the new dancer to the finer tips for enjoyable dancing.
Where is that?
Im which state?
Swinging is easier when you both put your right foot beside each other's foot pointing in the opposite way
Terrible lesson, George.