Swingin’ Tern Contra Dance: Qwill Duvall with Dead Sea Squirrels

Our contra dances are held every first and third Saturday evening year-round from 7:30pm–10:30pm, with a beginners’ workshop at 7pm. We have occasional double dances along with a New Year’s Eve dance.

$15 adults/$5 students

Caller: Qwill Duvall

In Qwill Duvall’s words: I am a contra dancer and caller from the Midwest. I began contra dancing in 2015 shortly after moving to Chicago. A couple years later I began regularly traveling for dancing and I started calling in 2019. I called regularly in the Chicago area during 2019 and the beginning of 2020, and I was just thinking about going on tour when the pandemic hit. Since my work is now remote and dances have started back up, I am now on the road and touring! I’ve been at it since the beginning of 2023. I’ve called from the Midwest to the both coasts including NEFFA this past spring

Band: The Dead Sea Squirrels

The Dead Sea Squirrels play widely for contra dances and are known for their danceable tunes arranged in medleys designed to closely match and enhance the movements of the particular contra dance being taught/called. They tend to push the boundaries of the southern style with fiddle and fiddle/guitar harmonies. Since all the musicians are also dancers, they understand the importance of the interaction between dancers and musicians, and how to use rhythm and dynamics to augment the feel and excitement of a dance. The Dead Sea Squirrels features Cathy Mason on fiddle, Craig Edwards on fiddle, banjo, and mandolin, and Henry Yoshimura on guitar.

Useful Information:

• Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
• We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
• All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins. Dance whatever role you’re comfortable in.
• We are air-conditioned. We have windows on three sides when we want to let the breeze come in.
• Our dance is two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris/Essex line out of Penn Station, NYC.
• We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
• Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
• We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles!