An Afternoon Dance with music played by Tim Ball, Jane Knoeck and Oliver Scanlon , calling by Casey Carr

Cash , Check or Venmo; no credit cards
Become a member at the door and enjoy discounted dances for a full year!

Join HFDI this Fall for an afternoon and evening of dancing with beloved caller George Marshall and the exciting band Thunderwing. The afternoon will feature Challenging Contras; the evening dance is Contras for ALL. New dancers are encouraged to join us at 6:30 for a beginner’s workshop

• 3 - 5 PM - Challenging Contras

• 5-6:30 PM - Potluck Supper

• 6:30-7 PM - Beginners’ workshop

• 7 - 10 PM - Contra dance for all

Cash , Check or Venmo; no credit cards
Become a member at the door and enjoy discounted dances for a full year!

Thunderwing is Cedar Stanistreet (Nor’easter, Cloud Ten) on fiddle and Amy Englesberg (Free Raisins, Wake Up Robin) on piano/accordion, with Max Newman (Nor’easter, Stringrays) on mandolin/guitar. Danceable and delightful, their years of wide-ranging musical experiences intersect to present an electrifying party of contemporary New England contra dance music. Contagious fun is what this trio is all about.

Our annual ice-cream social, annual meeting and dance at Stewart Park

6pm - Ice Cream Social
6:20pm - Annual Membership meeting
7-9:30pm - Contra Dance

The Band will be Lake Effect : Matt Sloboda, Catherine Sloboda and Chuck Abell — joined by local favorite Harry Aceto.
And our own Nancy Spero will be the caller

Admission: $12 members/ $15 non-members/ $8 students
Cash , Check or Venmo; no credit cards

Join Hands Four for our Annual Fiddlehead Frolic! This year, we’re delighted to feature Eloise and Company.-- Rachel Bell (accordion), Becky Tracy (fiddle) and Bethany Waickman (guitar) with Mary Wesley calling. Sample this trio here

Doors open at 12:30 PM.   All dancing in the BJM gym

1:00 – 3:00 Open Jam   (cafeteria)
1:00 – 2:00 Contras with Eloise & Co., Mary Wesley calling

2:00 – 2:45 Bal folk, couples dances & waltzes with Eloise & Co., Mary Wesley calling.. (Bal Folk dances are Fun, easy French and European dances, no experience necessary.)

3:00 – 4:15 Mostly Contras with Eloise & Co., Mary Wesley calling

4:30 – 5:00  Local band  Metku - couples dances and Katrina Mackey teaching a fun Finnish dance

5:00 – 6:30  Dinner Break
5:15 – 6:30  Potluck Supper  - back by popular demand

6:15 – 7:00 Workshop on Finnish tunes and dances in the auditorium
6:30 – 7:00 Newcomers’ to Contra workshop in gym

7:00-10:00. Evening contra dance with Eloise & Co., Mary Wesley calling

Admission: (Members/Non-Members/student rate)
Afternoon OR Evening — $17/$20/$10
Entire Frolic      —$30/$35/$18

Jamming only — free

ALL Day until evening dance break:            
Silent Auction in the Auditorium – fund raising for HFDI!
Help us out; bring an item or contact us to arrange an early donation.

Masks recommended but not required.

Becky Tracy and Rachel Bell are a powerhouse Celtic, contra dance, and bal folk duo, here joined by a star backup player, Bethany Waickman. As Eloise &Co they criss-cross the continent playing for concerts, dance events, festivals, and workshops.

Raised in the cradle of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Mary Wesley started calling in 2008 and keeps a full schedule, which includes gigs up and down both coasts. Mary loves to share her infectious joy for traditional dancing with dancers of all ages and she has something to offer every crowd.

HFDI presents The Contradictions for an evening of dancing: Contra dancing from 7 to 10pm, followed by a dessert potluck and couples dancing from 10 to 11pm – sweet, sweet, sweet.

A favorite local band, the Contradictions features Rick Manning on fiddle and mandolin, Dave Davies on guitar and brass, Tom Hodgson on guitar, and Tim Ball on fiddle.

LAST MINUTE NEWS Harry Aceto will be joining the Contradictions as a special guest.

The Contradictions offer an eclectic  mix of  tunes from American and European traditions, all designed to get your feet moving.  The calling will be done by a group of wonderful Ithaca callers: Nancy Spero, Pamela Goddard, Katy Heine, Vikki Armstrong and Casey Carr.

Bring a dessert to share! Please list the ingredients; cards will be available at the dance

Admission will be $12 for HFDI members, $15 for non-members and $8 for students

Join HFDI for a wonderful afternoon of contra dancing with calling by Casey Carr and music by Tim Ball and Helen Kuhar, on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 pm to 5 pm, at Ithaca High School Gym Q, 1401 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca.

Note that this is a location change; same time, different location, same great music!

In-demand musicians Tim Ball and Helen Kuhar share an affinity for fiddle tunes from Celtic-influenced cultures, a passion for tight, energetic arrangements, and a feel for the nuances of groove that comes from years of dancing.  Acclaimed caller/teacher Casey Carr is skilled at making new dancers of all ages feel comfortable while keeping experienced dancers on their toes.

Tickets at the door, $12 members, $15 nonmembers, $8 students, free for 12 and under.

Please bring clean, soft soled shoes to dance in.  For more detailed information please go to www.hands4dancers.org.

NOTE:  Your HFDI Membership has either expired or you have not yet become a member.  Please consider becoming a member at $10 a year. You will receive a discount to every dance we hold and also help ensure HFDI are able to continue offering affordable contra dancing with great bands and callers in the future

Join HFDI this fall for an afternoon and evening of dancing with beloved caller George Marshall and exciting band River Road. We welcome more experienced dancers for an afternoon Advanced Contras session, and we welcome all to an evening dance. New dancers are encouraged to join us at 6:30 for a beginner’s workshop.

3-5 PM - contras for experienced dancers

Dinner break

6:30 PM - beginners’ workshop

7:00-10:00 PM - contra dance for all

Admission for each session is $17 for members, $20 for non-members, and $10 for students. Admission for both sessions is $32 for members, $38 for non-members, and $19 for students. Children under 12 dance for free!

One of the best known and loved contra callers in the country, George Marshall's mission is to share the joy of dance! George got hooked on contra in the early 70s, and has an active musician, caller, and dance teacher ever since. From his Massachusetts base, he can be found calling/playing with Wild Asparagus or touring nationally. George has called with wonderful bands such as Pete’s Posse, Clayfoot Strutters, Maivish, Syncopaths, The Horseflies, Buddy System, Faux Paws and many more. George specializes in teaching and calling New England style contra dances he has collected throughout the country. He is known for his knack of matching music to dance and his smooth, concise teaching and presentation. In addition to performing, and providing sound reinforcement, George produces music and dance events including week long winter dance vacations on St. Croix in the Caribbean and on the Big Island of Hawaii; ask him about these at the break!

River Road delivers beauty, power, and groove to contra dances with a highly revered mixture of contemporary and traditional tunes with strong influences from Quebecois, New England, & Maritime traditions, featuring Sarah-Hadley Yakir on fiddle, Kristen Planeaux on piano, flute, and accordion, and Jesse Ball on mandolin, guitar, accordion, and foot percussion. While they are geographically divided by the Connecticut river, an aptly named River Road connects them to create an energy that is highly sought after in the contradance scene.

Join HFDI for a savory evening of dancing with local favorites Sister Haggis (Eileen Kalfass and Jane Knoeck), calling by Ithaca’s own Katy Heine.

Eileen and Jane have been playing contra dances together for over 15 years.  They've toured nationally, playing dance camps and festival weekends as Sister Haggis and with other ensembles including Seaglass, Continental Drift, and the Groovemongers. Their recordings,  both together and with other ensembles include "Crossing Bridges," "Fresh Wares" and "Smooth Sailing".  Their sound features Eileen's rich fiddle tone and lilting melodies and Jane's driving piano rhythms in a lively mix of modern and traditional contra tunes.  

Ithaca-based caller Katy Heine has been leading contras and community dances in the Finger Lakes region and beyond for more than 30 years. She’s known for her clear teaching style and for her large repertoire of fun and flowing dances. Whether the hall’s full of experienced dancers or first-timers, they’re sure to have a great time at one of Katy’s dances!

Let’s try this again! After having to cancel due to poor weather, we’ve been able to reschedule the Hands Four Annual Member Meeting and Ice Cream Social, followed by a contra dance. All members are welcome to the 6 PM meeting, ice cream included. Dancing starts at 7 PM, with music by Glenrose and calling by Nancy Spero.

Join us in the Large Pavilion at Stewart Park. Masks encouraged. Admission is $12 for members, $15 for non-members, $8 for students. Become a member, attend the annual meeting, enjoy some ice cream, and help decide the course of contra dancing in the Ithaca Area in the coming year.

We’re not April Fooling! The Frolic is back! Join us at Beverly J. Martin Elementary for a day of dancing. Alchemy (Rachel Bell, Karen Axelrod, and Eric Martin) will be headlining the event this year, with calling by Sarah VanNorstrand. A fabulous medley will feature local favorites the O’Shanigans and a dream team of area callers.

Doors open at 12:30 PM. All dancing in the gym

1-3 Open Jam with the O’Shanigans (auditorium)

1-2 English Country Dancing with Alchemy, Pamela Goddard calling

 2:15-3 Couples Dances with Alchemy

3:15-4:15 Contras (mostly) and English with Alchemy, Sarah VanNorstrand calling

4:30-5 Medley with the O’Shanigans, calling by Sarah VanNorstrand, Pamela Goddard, and Nancy Spero

Dinner Break

6:30: Newcomer’s workshop

7:00-10:00. Evening contra dance with Alchemy, Sarah VanNorstrand calling

Admission: (Members/Non-Members/student rate)
Afternoon Only— $15/$18/$9
Evening Only—$15/$18/$9
Entire Frolic—$25/$30/$15

Jamming only — free

Masks required. We encourage all participants to rapid test the day of the event, and to be up to date on their vaccinations.

Alchemy has performed across the United States, Canada, and Europe. As a trio, their improvisatory style brings a contemporary and innovative feel to both traditional and newly composed tunes and songs. From driving Scottish Reels to French Mazurkas and everything in between, Alchemy delights the listener with heartfelt performances with a touch of whimsy. Alchemy plays English country dances, contra dances, concerts, and more, and is in high demand for contra dance and English country dance weekends and other special events.

Update from the band: Karen Axelrod broke her wrist a few weeks ago. We are really going to miss her at Fiddlehead Frolic, and we're so sad that she can't play right now. We wish her speedy healing and a quick return to the piano!

In the meantime, Bethany Waickman, phenomenal guitar player from Portland, ME, has graciously agreed to step in. Bethany and Rachel have logged many hours playing together in Eloise & Co., and Bethany appears in lots of other combos you have heard and loved-- Stomp Rocket, Anadama, and Fodhla, to name a few. Bethany lays down an energizing and irresistible dance groove with beautiful voicings and just the right combination of excitement, rhythm, and intricacy.

https://www.bethanywaickman.com/

Join us in a return to what is certainly our sweetest dance of the year. Join HFDI and the Contradictions for an evening of contras and couple dances, and bring a dessert to share! Beloved Ithaca-based band The Contradictions offers an eclectic mix of blissfully danceable fiddle tunes from American and European traditions. Their repertoire ranges from lively Irish jigs, New England double fiddling, and French Canadian reels to enchanting Venezuelan waltzes, slick bluegrass fiddle breaks, and 1930s hot swing standards, all designed to get your feet moving. The band features Rick Manning on fiddle and mandolin, Dave Davies on guitar and brass, Tom Hodgson on guitar, and special guest George Wilson on fiddle. The calling will be done by a group of wonderful Ithaca callers: Nancy Spero, Pamela Goddard, Katy Heine, Vikki Armstrong and Casey Carr.

7:15 PM: Newcomer’s workshop with Casey Carr 7:30-10:30 PM: Contras
Dessert Potluck and Couple's Dances until 11:30 PM

We require masks to be worn at all times during the dance, unless you're eating. For more information about our Covid-19 protocols, see http://www.hands4dancers.org/covid19-protocols

Admission is $12 for members, $14 for non-members. 

Not a member yet? Consider joining at the dance; $10 membership gets you discounted admission at HFDI dances and other perks such as a FREE raffle ticket for entertaining door prizes.

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of contras, with the added fun of a few Finnish traditional dances. Calling by David Smukler, Finnish dances taught by Katrina Mackey, music by the joined forces of local contra favorite O’Shanigans and local Finnish favorite Metku.

Early registration to provide vaccination information by email at hfdi.webmaster@gmail.com is highly recommended. Everyone must provide proof of full vaccination either through early registration or at the door (if you have attended a HFDI dance since June 2022 we already have this information). N95, KN94, or surgical masks required and must be worn. Admission is $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Not a member yet? Consider joining at the dance; $10 gets you discounted admission at HFDI dances and other perks.

Want to learn more about O’Shanigans and Metku? Find them at http://canaaninstitute.org/oshanigans/ and http://canaaninstitute.org/metkumusic/

Join us for our fall double dance! George Marshall will be calling two delightful contra sets with New England’s own Cedar Stanistreet, Max Newman, and Rose Jackson; an advanced dance from 4-6, and an all-levels evening dance from 8-11. The evening dance will be preceded by a 7:30 newcomer’s session.

Afternoon session: $12 for HFDI members, $15 for HFDI non-members

Evening session: $12 for HFDI members, $15 for HFDI non-members

Both sessions: $20 for HFDI members, $26 for HFDI non-members

Become a member of HFDI at the door and save money on admission!

Mask and proof of vaccination required.

Now we're really back! Saturday September 3rd, Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca returns to its old haunt, CSMA, for an evening contra dance with Confluence, calling by local favorites Casey Carr and Nancy Spero. Doors open at 7:30, dance is from 8:00 to 11:00 PM.

Early registration to provide vaccination information by email at hfdi.webmaster@gmail.com is highly recommended. Everyone must provide proof of full vaccination either through early registration or at the door (if you attended the June dance we already have this information). N95, KN94, or surgical masks required and must be worn. Admission is $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Not a member yet? Consider joining at the dance; $10 gets you discounted admission at HFDI dances and other perks.

Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca invite you to a fun virtual evening of socializing, trivia, dessert recipes and wonderful contra and other dance music played by the fabulous Contradictions – Tom Hodgson, Dave Davies, Tim Ball and Rick Manning.

Live dancing may not be possible at this time but getting together with great music is. This virtual event is being held over Zoom to allow members and friends of Hands Four to get together and socialize. There will be opportunities just to socialize, to share a favorite dessert recipe (just paste in the chat function,) to answer trivia questions about HFDI history and contra dancing, and of course to listen to great music and maybe even dance.

The event is free, but there will be a tip jar to support our musicians. The Zoom link will be sent out in a reminder email shortly before the event. Not on our mailing list? Email hfdi.webmaster@gmail.com for the link.

POSTPONED. Unfortunately, we've had to postpone this event to a little later this winter. Watch this space for more information.

Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca invite you to a fun virtual evening of socializing, trivia, dessert recipes and wonderful contra and other dance music played by the fabulous Contradictions – Tom Hodgson, Dave Davies, Tim Ball and Rick Manning.

Live dancing may not be possible at this time but getting together with great music is. This virtual event is being held over Zoom to allow members and friends of Hands Four to get together and socialize. There will be opportunities just to socialize, to share a favorite dessert recipe (just paste in the chat function,) to answer trivia questions about HFDI history and contra dancing, and of course to listen to great music and maybe even dance.

The event is free, but there will be a tip jar to support our musicians. The Zoom link will be sent out in a reminder email shortly before the event. Not on our mailing list? Email hfdi.webmaster@gmail.com for the link.