Contra Dance

Franklin's first Contra Dance of 2025 will be January 16 at the Macon County Public Library.
Contra Dance is social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, so it shares many of
the same movements. As always, no partner is necessary and beginner dancers are welcome.
Anyone curious about contra dancing or wanting to just listen to some fine live Celtic music may
also attend.
The band, Paddy's Return, is strong on lively celtic tunes of Ireland and Scotland and hails from
Brasstown, NC, with strong ties to John C. Campbell Folk School. The band's name is from a
popular traditional Irish jig, echoing a reemergence of music gatherings following the recent
pandemic. Three of the members are instructors at the Folk School, and all of the five members
are multi-instrumentalists. You may see a dozen instruments on stage — anything from
accordion to celtic harp to guitar to bodhran to tenor banjo!
Dawn Davis, the band's founder, is a veterinary-tech-turned-composer, who also teaches
traditional-style tunes and songwriting. David Bellino has been a performing musician for much
of his music career, arranging and producing music as well as instructing guitar. Both have CDs
of their music. Amanda Burts is a mental health therapist with long experience playing Irish
music. Dawn, David and Amanda also play with the English Country Dance Band, Mist O' the
Glen.
Brothers Brian and Dakota Gatti both dance with several folk-style dance teams affiliated with
the Folk School. Brian is a middle-school math teacher who assists with the Folk School's Junior
Appalachian Music Program, and plays with the Appalachian St. Andrews Pipe and Drums
band. Dakota is self-taught on several instruments, a member of the Brasstown Folk Ensemble
and a budding audio engineer.
Harrison Keely will call the dance (for the uninitiated, the caller walks the dancers through the
steps of the upcoming dance for a few minutes, and then continues to call the moves in time to
the music so the dancers know what to do next), to include contras, squares, mixers, and
perhaps a few other types of folk dances appropriate to the level of the dancers in attendance.
Harrison frequently acts in theater productions in Hayesville, and is known for his clear dance
calling instructions, enthusiasm and permanent smile.
The dance is from 7-9pm. Beginners are strongly encouraged to arrive by 6:30 for the
instruction, and experienced dancers are keen to help those new to contra dance get started
with the moves. A suggested donation of $10 per person goes to pay the band and caller; kids
age 14 & under are free; children over age 8 who are game to participate, or sit and watch with
an adult may also attend.

Wear casual clothing and bring a closed water container and a snack if you choose. Smooth-
soled shoes work best on the Library's wood floor. Please do not wear perfume or scents to the

dances. Our contra dances are generously sponsored by the Arts Council of Macon County.
Visit and follow facebook.com/FranklinContra for photos and details about monthly upcoming
dances. The Macon County Public Library is located at 149 Siler Farm Rd, Franklin, NC.

Visit facebook.com/FranklinContra/ for more information.

Location

Macon County Public Library

149 Siler Farm Rd.
Franklin NC
28734

Telephone: 828-524-3600
http://fontanalib.org/franklin