The Teen Center, an outreach program of the Penobscot Bay YMCA is proud to present its first benefit Contra Dance to be held on Friday, February 8^th at the Camden Rockport Middle School on 34 Knowlton Street in Camden. Perpetual e-Motion will be playing the music, while Chrissy Fowler will be calling the dances. Tickets will be sold at the door the night of the event. Family Dance: 6:30 – 7:45 PM with instruction, Adults $5/ Child $2 /Age 4 and under free, Contra Dance: 8:00-11:00 PM, Adults: $10 /Students/ $7.

All those in attendance, both young and old will have the pleasure of enjoying the well crafted and delightfully unique sound of Perpetual e-Motion! Perpetual e-Motion begins with the simple statement of traditional, often recognizable dance tunes from Europe and Americas, and proceed to notch it up into a thrilling composition of complex poly-rhythms, melody and counter melody scaffolding exotic and lush chord structures into an amazingly satisfying musical performance drawing from Celtic, bluegrass, jazz and electronic influences. The duo is highly regarded throughout New England for their ability to provide hours of driving, pulsating music for contra dances, which rely on traditional dance tunes as a backdrop. This Maine based duo, is sure to keep you on your feet and on the dance floor. With such a stellar musical duo like this, we’re positive that you will want to dance until you can’t dance anymore (or until the band ends)!

So what exactly is a Contra Dance? A Contra Dance begins by forming rows and/or groups of dancers. At the beginning of each song the caller then instructs the participants in the steps. Once the music starts, these steps are repeated in a series. The partners and/or individuals swing, turn, and promenade down the line. Generally everyone has a chance to dance with all of the other participants. This should not be considered an “exclusive” couples dance by any means.  Feel free to bring a date, friend(s), or just yourself… there are no wallflowers here!

About Us:

For over thirteen years, the Teen Center, an outreach program of the Penobscot Bay YMCA, has provided services to youth, grades five through twelve in our community. This exciting benefit concert will continue to help keep membership and programs free for all youth. The Penobscot Bay YMCA is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information contact Andréa Penney, Teen Center Coordinator @ 230.0866 or the Penobscot Bay YMCA @ 236.3375.