| . | ....................................... "Dancing was major pastime for San Juan Islanders during the settlement period in the late 19th century," said park historian Mike Vouri. "Whether in a community hall or private home, it was not uncommon for dances to go on until 4 a.m. The men would then go home to do the chores and return in time for breakfast. And they would dance at every opportunity, especially on holiday evenings, and evenings following funerals.” "Community dancing is real people in real time with reel music. In too many towns it is a missing part of real life. You cannot experience this while sitting on your duff. Get out more often! You know you spend way too much time in front of your computer. You can't record the incredible synergy and spirit that occurs when you combine enthusiastic, connected, happy dancers, hot musicians and fun and easy dance steps. No author can capture just a tiny glimpse of the magic that takes place." .... -Gary Shapiro  "If you find you want more first-class things from life its probably because you are missing something major, the supportive and lively well being that is inherent in old time community dancing." "I wasn't just having fun, I was actually participating in an ancient ritual that represents all the virtues of the human spirit: love, intimacy, cooperation, compassion, responsibility, piety, and trust."  "I enjoyed the friendly, smoke-free dance atmosphere that was in stark contrast to the regular bar scene frequented by most of my peers. Here, people didn't worry about getting picked up or trashed, but instead, let down their psychological walls to enjoy some good, clean, old-fashioned fun."  "Contra dancing started out as a fun way for me to spend a Saturday night but has evolved into a sort of religion for me, sharing many of the tenets of Taoism and other religions of the world.... that is, an avenue for peace and inspiration, human intimacy and cooperation, and a means of tuning into the spirit of love and ultimate happiness."  "Here were all the basic tenets of the world's great religions being expressed by people of all races, colors, ages, sizes and walks of life who had come together not to preach or get preached to but only to 'do'." "The only way to truly understand all of this is to experience it yourself. "  "'Dance community' has meant many things to me over the quarter-century that I have been involved in dancing. When I first started out, the dance community was a refuge from an uncertain and unhappy college experience; I found joy and movement and music in international folk dance. These things helped alleviate the stress in my life and helped me become more alive and confident." ....- Bob Stein  |
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The Pig War Contra Dance Band
plays Monday Nights at English Camp,
San Juan Island National Historical Park
San Juan Island, Washington
Pig War Period Old Time Contra and Dance Tunes
for your listening or dancing pleasure
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MONDAY
NIGHTS 7:30-9:00 PM June 28, and every Monday, July and August 2010. (Then Sept-May every Monday at the Mullis Center)
Free Admission English Camp Visitor Center San Juan Island National Historical Park, San Juan Island, Washington Historical Musical Event Spirited traditional contradance dance tunes played by San Juan Island Pig War Contra Dance Band traditional and folk musicians. Enjoy historical old time music. Dance if you know how: Contras, Squares, Jigs, Reels, Polka, Waltz, Schottisch, Two Step. Dance in an original 1860 building at English Camp. Experienced dancers and guest callers welcome. We play, you have fun, as of old. A caller is on hand for those who know how to dance Contra and Square figures. CONTACT: Mike Cohen 360-378-6313 for updates, questions or to make special arrangements. nature@interisland.net Sponsored, in cooperation with the Institute of Global Education (Dance every Monday 7-9 PM Mullis Center, Friday Harbor, September-June 2010-11)  THE BAND: Randy Swanson, Lee McEnery, Valarie White, Mike Cohen, Katy Nollman, Jim Nollman, Malcolm Suttles, Ken Azarian, Kirk Fuhrmeister and the Somtimes brothers: More and Less Sometimes.    Which of these tunes or dances do you know or play?
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