Country dance downstairs...

There will be a Country Dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at the Netel Grange, 90525 Logan Road, featuring a contra dance with Tim Gojio, caller, and lively acoustic music provided by Jay and Jesse.

Gojio comes to us from Vancouver, Wash., and has been calling contra dances from Seattle to Eugene since 2003. He last called in Astoria in January 2008. He enjoys calling fun, accessible dances which he teaches in a clear, concise manner. His good-natured, easygoing style will be enjoyed by all. He is currently chair of the Portland Country Dance Community.

Jay Finkelstein on guitar and Jesse Partridge on fiddle have come south from Olympia, Wash., for the dance. The evening will be filled with danceable toe-tapping tunes drawn from a variety of traditions, including Irish, Appalachian, New England and Quebecois. It promises to be an evening of energizing melodies for listening as well as dancing.

Contra dancing combines about a dozen basic square dance moves with others such as balance and swing and petronella turn, to make some interesting dances. Instead of forming squares of eight, any number of couples form long lines up and down the hall. A couple will dance with a neighboring couple for about 30 seconds and then will progress to another couple for 30 seconds. This is repeated down the hall until the end of the line is reached, whereupon the direction changes and progression is now up the hall. In this manner one dances with nearly everyone in the hall. It is a contra dance tradition to dance each dance with a different partner. Ladies may ask men to dance and vice versa. People of all ages find it easy to learn. Live calling and live music are featured. Typically a waltz is danced just before intermission and again at the conclusion of the dance.

If you’ve never danced before, a country dance is a great way to start. Come at 7:30 p.m. to learn the basics, and after that each dance is clearly explained in turn. All ages, singles, couples and families are welcome. Admission is $8, or pay what you can. Escorted children younger than 12 are admitted free.

Lightweight leather-soled dress shoes are recommended for dancing on wood. It is also a good idea to dress in layers and bring a water bottle. The dance is an alcohol- and smoke-free event sponsored by the Netel Grange. Refreshments are available. For information, call Craig Holt at (503) 325-8207 or log on to netelgrange.org, where you may also view videos of contra dancing and a map to the Netel Grange.