you're at the HOME page.
Thank you to the few loyal dancers able to come to our last Brummie Contra.
The joyful company shared with many dancers at these contras
has given André much fulfilment : as has the bringing together of this website.
TRIBUTE heading above appreciates Barry Selwood. His steady contribution
gave much vital support. He helped keep Brummie Contras lively and active.
The joyful company shared with many dancers at these contras
has given André much fulfilment : as has the bringing together of this website.
TRIBUTE heading above appreciates Barry Selwood. His steady contribution
gave much vital support. He helped keep Brummie Contras lively and active.
So have Jackie & Jim. Generously welcoming us with eats & a cuppa or a coffee.
That has characterised the lovely chatty pre-dancing start at the "Brummies".
As two of our most able and lively dancers, they've also shared their abilities with others in the joyful partner-sharing tradition of contra dancing.
That has characterised the lovely chatty pre-dancing start at the "Brummies".
As two of our most able and lively dancers, they've also shared their abilities with others in the joyful partner-sharing tradition of contra dancing.
But recent "Brummies" have been offering few others share dances with -
not retaining that lively atmosphere which every contra dance should have.
not retaining that lively atmosphere which every contra dance should have.
Thanks to so many of YOU for having in the past attended:
to share your dancing with us at Brummie Contras.
31 of you looked at 43 of these website pages in this last week of 2022.
to share your dancing with us at Brummie Contras.
31 of you looked at 43 of these website pages in this last week of 2022.
An afternoon Brummie Contra had been planned near the year's end (on the last Fri afternoon of 2022). The slot has been enjoyed by our regular supporters in earlier years - at a quiet time, when almost no other dancing is available.
But at best, this could have brought just very few more of we busy,
keen dancers which every contra needs for its characteristic lively atmosphere.
It's with great reluctance, that
I must end 2022 without now enabling that particular dance to be available,
and at present, without firm plans for Brummie Contras in 2023.
Your organiser, and website writer would prefer not permanently to end the Brummie Contras now, but later to try with another - hopefully effective - post pandemic start-up. Near the end of 2023, or/& into 2024, that may be workable.
Bringing together you who've attended with interest, by letting you know by email info: That's the vital missed step which allowed these dances to dwindle since my personal attendance at local dances, and ability to print fliers has become less practicable.
Should YOU wish Brummie Contras to continue at a later date, please leave your names and an email contact at "contact us" on the footer. Interest can be appraised, and some practical suggestions can be exchanged.
But at best, this could have brought just very few more of we busy,
keen dancers which every contra needs for its characteristic lively atmosphere.
It's with great reluctance, that
I must end 2022 without now enabling that particular dance to be available,
and at present, without firm plans for Brummie Contras in 2023.
Your organiser, and website writer would prefer not permanently to end the Brummie Contras now, but later to try with another - hopefully effective - post pandemic start-up. Near the end of 2023, or/& into 2024, that may be workable.
Bringing together you who've attended with interest, by letting you know by email info: That's the vital missed step which allowed these dances to dwindle since my personal attendance at local dances, and ability to print fliers has become less practicable.
Should YOU wish Brummie Contras to continue at a later date, please leave your names and an email contact at "contact us" on the footer. Interest can be appraised, and some practical suggestions can be exchanged.
SUNDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2.00 to 5.00pm
was a joy for the organiser (and writer of this website)
but with sadly few of you, it was probably the last Brummie Contra.
Flu kept you away Di, & no train service left you defeated, Alan.
was a joy for the organiser (and writer of this website)
but with sadly few of you, it was probably the last Brummie Contra.
Flu kept you away Di, & no train service left you defeated, Alan.
A loyal few could come through a bit of seasonally cold rain, &
DIDN'T sit at home! We shared a bright, Xmas-decorated hall.
- Thank you, Kim Smith for bringing us a -
- HEARTWARMING and FUN DANCING AFTERNOON !
DIDN'T sit at home! We shared a bright, Xmas-decorated hall.
- Thank you, Kim Smith for bringing us a -
- HEARTWARMING and FUN DANCING AFTERNOON !
Xmas fun from Kimberley Smith.
|
With traditional Sung Squares :2pm start this special Sunday before Christmas.
- KIM'S XMAS DANCE - Brummie Contras "Sunday Variety" was in Xmas celebratory style ! At this fun occasIon, we had a wider than usual mix of dances. Seasonal eats were included. : - Kim Smith has a brill, fun, calling-speciality of traditional sung squares - Dancing started at 2pm. Kim's squares highlighted a lovely pre Xmas celebratory atmosphere - - Much of Brian & Mike's ace music was also seasonally apt. - Sadly, no friends or relatives joined us for the fun squares & mixers or to be introduced to some of our - lively American Contras ! - A very small number of supervised younger dancers would be welcomed. Please, let us know beforehand at "contact us" ! |
- Christmassy and merry music from -
- The bright Brummie duo -
Brian Mc Minn & Mike Green
- Thank you both for that, and many other lovely afternoons. -
- The bright Brummie duo -
Brian Mc Minn & Mike Green
- Thank you both for that, and many other lovely afternoons. -
Brian
|
 Mike
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(See the page - ABOUT - Brummie Contras at Elmdon Heath Community Centre.)
Sensible young persons with some dancing ability will be welcomed too !
- Be introduced to
our Lively American Contras !
- ADULT TICKET on the DOOR - £10.00 : PLEASE If you can, regard this as a minimum sum..
- Kindly contribute somewhat more; if you can afford it. That will help these dances to continue -
Student on the DOOR - £5.00
Aged 6-16 young (supervised) dancers on the DOOR - £4.00
- Be introduced to
our Lively American Contras !
- ADULT TICKET on the DOOR - £10.00 : PLEASE If you can, regard this as a minimum sum..
- Kindly contribute somewhat more; if you can afford it. That will help these dances to continue -
Student on the DOOR - £5.00
Aged 6-16 young (supervised) dancers on the DOOR - £4.00
Any kind donations of prizes for the Elmdon Heath Raffle are always welcomed.
Avoid dehydration - at Bournville via Wales, get B'ham's nice tasting tap water. Helpfully, bring your own small water bottle to refill !
Always: but especially this wintry Sunday - quickly check the top of this website home-page.
A wise thought, before YOU set off to leave home !
A wise thought, before YOU set off to leave home !
Here's another gem picture from Mandy. It features some very skilful younger dancers .... C.
29Nov'15 Brummie Contra - also title picture. Dancing to dynamic Double Dichotomy.
Join us and be welcomed.
_
Our Contras are energetic.
_Dance to wonderful music from amazing bands.
_
Find dance partners here.
*For everyone to improve, we usually change around partners after each dance..
*
You need plenty of water !
Bring & refill your bottle.
*Expect a range of ages.
Do dance considerately.
Everyone really enjoys this exciting dancing to superb musicians.
_
Inclusive tea/coffee/squash & biscuits await all travellers.
_
Our Contras are energetic.
_Dance to wonderful music from amazing bands.
_
Find dance partners here.
*For everyone to improve, we usually change around partners after each dance..
*
You need plenty of water !
Bring & refill your bottle.
*Expect a range of ages.
Do dance considerately.
Everyone really enjoys this exciting dancing to superb musicians.
_
Inclusive tea/coffee/squash & biscuits await all travellers.
Superb video on YouTube - HERE - The 4th Anniversary Brummie Contra has a hauntingly addictive dance tune being played superbly and most sensitively by the brilliant duo - NOZZY !
- This occasion was at the Quaker Hall. NICOLA Scott called (Mar '18) -
- Nicola stars as our superb local caller. -
- Thanks Rolf. Excellent & unique footage -
- Rolf's video shows the massive, airy Bournville Quaker Hall venue -
- and CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Rolf and Nicola's recent wedding -
- This occasion was at the Quaker Hall. NICOLA Scott called (Mar '18) -
- Nicola stars as our superb local caller. -
- Thanks Rolf. Excellent & unique footage -
- Rolf's video shows the massive, airy Bournville Quaker Hall venue -
- and CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Rolf and Nicola's recent wedding -
Very Many THANKS -
To every one of the Superb Contra Band Players and Brilliant Callers we've had at "Brummie Contras". Genuine generosity on their parts - almost without exception - enabled the 1st five years of lively "Brummie Contras” to become gradually
better-known by more dancers without the disincentive that a high door price brings.
£1 more is was then requested at the door to recompense callers from USA,
for larger bands, or those with a long journey.
Our response should more genuinely reflect how bands/caller put themselves out for us !
Elmdon Heath CC Hall was again (on a no Bank Holiday principle) left empty
for our 5th Anniversary Dance on Good Friday 2019.
Now fully repaired, we've located a few more dances at the Quaker Hall.
To every one of the Superb Contra Band Players and Brilliant Callers we've had at "Brummie Contras". Genuine generosity on their parts - almost without exception - enabled the 1st five years of lively "Brummie Contras” to become gradually
better-known by more dancers without the disincentive that a high door price brings.
£1 more is was then requested at the door to recompense callers from USA,
for larger bands, or those with a long journey.
Our response should more genuinely reflect how bands/caller put themselves out for us !
Elmdon Heath CC Hall was again (on a no Bank Holiday principle) left empty
for our 5th Anniversary Dance on Good Friday 2019.
Now fully repaired, we've located a few more dances at the Quaker Hall.
Relax after travelling, with an inclusive hot drink.
THEN 3 HOURS of FUN & LIVELY DANCING.
Should you prefer to take life more gently - relax instead -
- enjoy the brilliant music & lively atmosphere.
*
THEN 3 HOURS of FUN & LIVELY DANCING.
Should you prefer to take life more gently - relax instead -
- enjoy the brilliant music & lively atmosphere.
*
Visit here - enjoy the company of the regular dancers. The style is NOT hard to pick-up.
Meet others who enjoyed having recently tried their first visit.
Meet others who enjoyed having recently tried their first visit.
Find some very helpful details about Contra Dance Partners HERE
Brilliant rules / tips for dancers, and real insight - especially for women to appreciate a viewpoint from Steve Harris.
( Written on the Eceilidh site; since at a Ceilidh, these very same comments also apply. )
Brilliant rules / tips for dancers, and real insight - especially for women to appreciate a viewpoint from Steve Harris.
( Written on the Eceilidh site; since at a Ceilidh, these very same comments also apply. )
HERE an overhead view of Elmdon Heath CC Hall and car park :
NOTE THERE ARE ALSO MANY CAR SPACES ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE HALL. When parking behind, PLEASE LEAVE ACCESS TO THESE !
NB Bus stop icon at recess in front of the Hall marks half hourly X12 inbound stop from B'HAM via INTERNATIONAL RAIL STATION.
Wait here after the dance to return TO Solihull Station.
- Half hour service X12 - FROM - SOLIHULL RAIL STATION stops opposite the Hall -
DOES THIS HELP YOU GET THERE ? Click to see new X12 route every 30 min to the Hall door.
Also bus stop across road directly opposite. ! NB - Click on "VIEW TIMETABLE" then scroll to end to view Sunday buses.
NOTE THERE ARE ALSO MANY CAR SPACES ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE HALL. When parking behind, PLEASE LEAVE ACCESS TO THESE !
NB Bus stop icon at recess in front of the Hall marks half hourly X12 inbound stop from B'HAM via INTERNATIONAL RAIL STATION.
Wait here after the dance to return TO Solihull Station.
- Half hour service X12 - FROM - SOLIHULL RAIL STATION stops opposite the Hall -
DOES THIS HELP YOU GET THERE ? Click to see new X12 route every 30 min to the Hall door.
Also bus stop across road directly opposite. ! NB - Click on "VIEW TIMETABLE" then scroll to end to view Sunday buses.
Payment at the door : £10 :
PLEASE If you can, regard this as a minimum sum..
- Kindly contribute a bit more; if you can. To bring a new friend, or add a pound or two helps the dances to continue -
- Students £5 - It would be good; as at our first University venue, to encourage young, lively dancers to take part too.
PLEASE If you can, regard this as a minimum sum..
- Kindly contribute a bit more; if you can. To bring a new friend, or add a pound or two helps the dances to continue -
- Students £5 - It would be good; as at our first University venue, to encourage young, lively dancers to take part too.
The first BRUMMIE CONTRA of 2015. . . . . . picture by Mandy. Annie is with Les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Val dancing with Harry. . . . Copyright.
|
ARRIVE ACCOMPANIED OR NOT – YOU ARE MOST WELCOME !
AT A CONTRA, YOU WILL FIND LOTS OF DANCE PARTNERS. * MANY REGULAR DANCERS MIX WELL BETWEEN PARTNERS, - SHARING TIPS ABOUT THE DANCE MOVEMENTS. - ** ALL THIS HELPS TO MAKE THE DANCING EVEN MORE FUN. |
Most contra dancers like to improve skills by regular partner changes after 1 or 2 dances.
Anyone may ask anyone else to dance – Go for it !
Anyone may ask anyone else to dance – Go for it !
|
*******************************************
Jen
*You may wish to click on this page & its picture -
" But I've never really done this stuff before" page. |
 . . 25th January 2015 with Vertical Expression . .
All pictures by Mandy. Copyright.
********************** ********************** so - What is a Contra dance ? click HERE - - "blue" takes you to another page ********************** ********************** 
*****************************
ARRIVE ACCOMPANIED OR NOT – – YOU WILL BE WELCOMED ! ************************* ************************* AT CONTRAS, YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE DANCING WITH A PLEASING VARIETY OF DIFFERENT DANCING PARTNERS. |
Callers are like the bands: some new, & some established.
All offer us brilliant dances.
Contra-dancing's versatility : may that long continue.
May it unite those thankful that "they still are just about able" - with the keen and more youthful dancers -
all to enjoy fresh musical & dance dynamism from wonderful bands & callers - some yet to become recognised.
Also may our brilliant well established Contra bands and callers long continue !
All offer us brilliant dances.
Contra-dancing's versatility : may that long continue.
May it unite those thankful that "they still are just about able" - with the keen and more youthful dancers -
all to enjoy fresh musical & dance dynamism from wonderful bands & callers - some yet to become recognised.
Also may our brilliant well established Contra bands and callers long continue !
Contras are a great occasion for the young and keen.
But many still are very keen on this dancing, but wishing they were younger !
Please note: A few want a gentler style.
Carefully respect those recovering from injury, or enjoying the company and music but wishing to dance at their pace.
But many still are very keen on this dancing, but wishing they were younger !
Please note: A few want a gentler style.
Carefully respect those recovering from injury, or enjoying the company and music but wishing to dance at their pace.
Why on Sunday afternoons ? Easier journey: Time for tea/coffee in the lounge / on the lawn: Fewer activity clashes.
Those organising are sincerely appreciative of Karen W's kind administration of emails that make FPS payments possible on the website.
Meg Winters organises a series (ten per year) of excellent Friday Evening Alcester Contras: now at Alcester Grammar School: 7.30 pm.
*
Keep taking a regular look at this website!
Share another great "Brummie Contra" soon.
Share another great "Brummie Contra" soon.
*
Go to TOP of the page - - ABOUT Brummie Contras at Elmdon Heath Community C.
- - Go to TOP of the HOME Page
- - Go to HOME page with DATES of Dances - -
***
Go to TOP of the page - - ABOUT Brummie Contras at Elmdon Heath Community C.
- - Go to TOP of the HOME Page
- - Go to HOME page with DATES of Dances - -
***
Earlier limitations due to edit access only on a smartphone.
Page updated on 10/1/19
Page updated on 10/1/19