October 26, 2024 marks the annual return of revered contra dance caller George Marshall for a Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca double dance, 3-10 pm at Beverly J Martin Elementary School, 302 W. Buffalo St. George always brings an exciting young band; this year we’re lucky to have Thunderwing: Cedar Stanistreet (Nor’easter, Cloud Ten) on fiddle, Amy Englesberg (Free Raisins, Wake Up Robin) on piano/accordion, and Max Newman (Nor’easter, Stringrays) on mandolin/guitar. Their broad musical experiences intersect to create a delightful, electrifying dance party of contemporary New England contras. Contagious fun is what this trio is all about! George Marshall, one of the best known and loved contra callers in the country, is on a mission to share the joy of dance! From his Massachusetts base, he can be found calling/playing with Wild Asparagus or touring nationally and organizing Tropical Dance Weeks. George specializes in teaching and calling New England style contra dances he has collected throughout the country. He has a gift for matching music to dance and for smooth, concise teaching and presentation.

This event is a two-parter: challenging contras from 3 to 5 pm and contra dances for all from 7 to 10 pm. In between the sessions is a potluck supper in the school cafeteria 5-6:30 pm and a workshop 6:30-7:00 pm for people new to this kind of social dancing, which has been done for hundreds of years. The steps and patterns are simple and other dancers offer friendly help. There’s no need to bring a partner, but please do bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the gym floor.

Admission for one session (afternoon or evening): $17 members/$20 nonmembers/$10 students. For both sessions: $32/$38/$19. Free for children 12 and under. Cash, check, Venmo, but no credit cards. Become a HFDI member at the door and enjoy discounted dances for a full year! More info: www.hands4dancers.org