Once again, in a rollicking tribute to the spirit of Robbie Burns, on Saturday, Jan. 21, the Fiddlejam Funtime Fiddlers will be playing for the dancing pleasure of all at the Big Yellow Merville Hall.
Bare legged, kilted Scotsmen appreciate the fiddle as being the musical instrument of choice for dances and the local Fiddlejam Fiddlers know how to shake their thistles and spurtles to get the dancers up onto the floor.
You’ll step lively as Celtic caller June Cannon guides the dancers with her clear and clever instructions, always with an eye on those who might need a bit more guidance. This dance will be a noble workout where nobody gets left behind and everyone will have a good time.
The castle doors will open at 7 p.m. and we generally have a complimentary contra dance workshop right before the dance to loosen you up and to prepare you for the spins and lively steps of the Virginia Reel and the Gay Gordon.
The dancing begins at 7:30 p.m. and families and single dancers are very welcome. Singles can pair up with anyone during the contras and our contra sets last about 15 to 20 minutes. To strut their musical versatility, they also play old time waltzes and reels, jigs and swings, schottisches and foxtrots. There is a dance for everyone at this Highland hoedown.
With the new tradition of Scottish contra dances, there’ll be poetry and tasty helpings of “haggis” to titillate the tastebuds, along with other treats, from the contra canteen. Kilts are great for dancing in, so wear your colours with flare and we’ll create a dance to make the Highlanders proud.
So Saturday, Jan. 21, steer your 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 p.m., with the dance starts at 7:30 p.m.
Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for youth and you can come as a whole family for $22.
For more information, call 250-339-4249.