Come one come all to contra dance at Avening Hall
There will be a whole lot of Dosidos, Allemandes and maybe even a Box the Gnat or two at Avening Hall this month.
Even those who have never taken a turn during a square dance, contra dance or circle dance will be in good hands as they are guided through the various moves.
Creemore resident Myriam Lefebvre is organizing the April 16 dance in Avening, calling on her family, members of the O’Schraves to provide the music.
Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Lefebvre grew up going to these types of dances organized by her family.
“Now that I live here, I’m kind of missing it,” she said.
“We are a big blended family and O’Schraves is a mix of different names – O’Gorman, Schryer and Lefebvre.”
They are Julie Schryer on piano and Pat O’Gorman on bagpipes, Irish flute and tin whistle, Benoit Schryer Lefebvre, 20, (2011 and 2012 winner of the 18-and-under Pembroke Fiddle Contest) on fiddle, tin whistle and vocals; Zach Schryer Lefebvre, 24, on his own handmade guitar as well as cello, tin whistle, piano and vocals; and Áine Schryer O’Gorman, 12, (2012 winner of the nine-and-under Pembroke Fiddle Contest) on fiddle, stepdancing, tin whistle, and vocals.
The O’Schraves recently won the New Emerging Artist Award by liveireland.com and Best New Group from the Chicago Irish American News for 2014.
They play traditional Canadian, Irish, and Scottish music mixed with new compositions by members of the family and other composers.
Lefebvre said this type of event appeals to people of all ages. She said in other areas, the events are attracting a young crowd too, it has become a popular outing, drawn by the dancing and the community gathering.
“It’s so inclusive, everyone feels comfortable, I find,” said Lefebvre.
She is bringing in caller Frank Francalanza, who is associated with Fiddlefern Country Dancers in Owen Sound, to guide people through the dances step-by-step.
People are welcome to bring a snack to share at the break and the bar will be open.
Lefebvre also encourages people to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.
The dance starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Admission costs $12 for adults and $7 for students. Children under 10 are admitted for free. Pay at the door. For more information call 647-528-6508 or e-mail clearviewcontra@gmail.com.
