Food, folk dance and new friends are expected at the Queer Contra Dance Chicago event on May 1, from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm hosted by St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square (@stlukesLS, 2649 N. Francisco Ave.). The Cosmic Otters are set to will perform dance music from the British Isles, with Rachel Wallace as “caller”.
Contra dancing involves live traditional fiddle music, an eclectic variety from Celtic to bluegrass. The caller “calls out” instructions to all participants throughout the dance. “Queer contra dance” removes gender roles from the instructions. Instead of males taking the traditional lead, dancers choose whether or not to wear an armband, which determines their role.
“Contra dance is a great way to bring all types of queer and non-queer people of different backgrounds and ethnicities together to have fun and to interact with each other with live music,” Queer Contra Dance Chicago cofounder Peter McDowell says. “I’m excited about continuing to build queer community in Logan Square around this lively and addictive activity.”
The Event’s Info
The event is set to begin at 6:30pm with a half an hour of lessons for those new to contra dance. Then, from 7 pm – 9 pm, the dance is set to begin for all in attendance. Organizers planned a potluck for refreshments after the dance that will be available until 9:30 pm.
A donation admission of less than $10 is suggested, payable at the door but not required. As lessons will be provided before the dance begins, no prior experience is necessary.
“St. Luke’s firmly believes that music and all the arts build community across lines of difference by bringing people together in an environment of creativity, self-expression, and joy. We’re proud to be part of supporting a diverse, inclusive neighborhood.” says the Rev. Erik Christensen, pastor.
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