Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca presents an afternoon contra dance Sat. Dec. 9, 2-5 pm, Fall Creek School Gym, 202 King St., Ithaca, NY. Casey Carr will call (teach) each dance, with outstanding live music by Tim Ball (fiddle) and Helen Kuhar (guitar). Tim Ball’s recent album Upstate Crossroads was No. 1 on the FAI Folk DJ chart in Jan. 2023. After earning his degree in music from Ithaca College, Tim Ball has been a key member of many fine bands, including Tempest, Arise and Go, and The Contradictions, and is a highly regarded violin and fiddle teacher. Helen Kuhar is an in-demand guitarist and singer in Boston’s vibrant Irish and contra dance music scenes, and has been touring with Tim Ball for contra dances around the Northeast. The two share an affinity for fiddle tunes from Celtic-influenced cultures, a passion for tight, energetic arrangements, and a feel for the nuances of groove that comes from years of dancing. Beloved caller/teacher Casey Carr is skilled at making new dancers of all ages feel comfortable and keeping experienced dancers on their toes.

The basic steps and patterns are simple; if you can walk, you can contra dance. Our dance community is welcoming to all. No need to bring a partner, but please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the school’s gym floor. Admission $12 members, $15 nonmembers, $8 students, free for children 12 and under. See www.hands4dancers.org or our Facebook page for info.