With spring comes the fantastic Fiddlehead Frolic, Sat., March 30, 1:00-10:00 pm at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School (302 West Buffalo St., Ithaca, NY). Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca sponsors this day of fantastic traditional social dancing for all, featuring New England powerhouse musicians Eloise & Co. (Rachel Bell on accordion, Becky Tracy on fiddle, and Bethany Waickman on guitar) and versatile caller Mary Wesley. Their long experience as members of a who’s who roster of great bands, as teachers, and as dancers, makes for a soaring event. Whether playing traditional tunes or their own brilliant compositions, these musicians capture the spirit of each dance--whimsical, lyrical, or driving. They’ll be doing mainly contra dances with some squares and a fun session on easy-to-learn French/European Balfolk dances, which they’re promoting in the States with wild success. We’re also delighted to have wonderful Finnish band Metku (Rich Koski on accordion, Katrina Mackey on flute and fiddle, Phil Robinson on guitar, and Mike Ludgate on mandolin, kantele, banjo) for couples dances (polka, schottische, waltz) and a workshop on Finger Lakes Finnish tunes they’ve collected and published, supported by NYS arts grants. Mike Ludgate will lead an instrumental jam and there’s a silent auction as well! All dances are taught; if you can walk, you can do these dances!

1:00–3:00 Open instrumental jam led by Michael Ludgate (cafeteria)
1:00–2:00 Contras with Eloise & Co. and Mary Wesley
2:00–2:45 Balfolk and couples dances with Eloise & Co. and Mary Wesley
3:00–4:15 Mostly contras with Eloise & Co. and Mary Wesley
4:30–5:00 Couples dances and a fun Finnish dance with Metku
5:15–6:30 Break for dinner; potluck supper in the cafeteria
6:15–7:00 Workshop on Finnish tunes and dances with Metku
6:30–7:00 Newcomers to contra workshop to learn simple steps and patterns
7:00–10:00 Evening contra dance with Eloise & Co. and Mary Wesley
All day until evening break: Silent auction in the Auditorium

Admission (member/nonmember/student): afternoon OR evening $17/$20/$10; whole event $30/$35/$18. Free for children 12 and under. Free for musicians who attend the jam only. Masks are recommended but not required. No need to bring a partner, but please bring clean, soft-soled shoes (to protect the floor), a water bottle, and a dish-to-share if you’re coming to the potluck. Join HFDI at the door ($10/yr) for discounts on all our dances for 12 months. See http://www.hands4dancers.org for more information.