BRUMMIE CONTRAS
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  • Tributes
    • Barry Selwood
  • Winter

Autumn Series starts: Sun 4th Sept at 2:00pm.
Rhodri Davies with Minor Contravention:
At B91 2SF the usual Elmdon Heath CC Hall.
An excellent caller: another wonderful band.

Arrive 1.30pm for inclusive hot Drinks. Large enclosed car park.
Near M42  J5  -  A particularly good venue for Contra dancing. 

2PM SUNDAY 4 September - NEXT Brummie contra. B91 2SF - ideal venue of Elmdon Heath cc HALL. - good, ENCLOSED car park - cornyx Lane, solihull - convenient TO  m42 j5
you're at the  HOME  page.                                                                    
Brummie Contras:  a PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE -
    ENTIRELY FROM MUSIC & DANCE
 !
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     -  On Sunday - 10 July  -                          Frances Richardson
                                                     was calling:

              - a most versatile, capable and considerate caller, Frances gave a cerebrally versatile and lively afternoon.
Frances is also much appreciated as the primary organiser
of wonderful callers & bands at the Lichfield Folk Festival.

PictureMollie
the MUSIC   
Was also Brilliant
:
with versatile and lovely tunes at ideal pace
-
                         
our duo -
Mollie                                  
  yet more supreme playing her new violin
                                         and Vic
           superb on accordion and keyboard.

they're
DOUBLE
DICHOTOMY


PictureFrances
                          

Picture
Vic
Dances continue in the Autumn, to more superb band lineups. Contras with real "lift".
-
see DANCE DATES
- All windows at our venue open properly, AND there are ceiling FANS -
Comfortable Contras - COOL in every sense at Elmdon Heath on Sunday afternoons -
 - With easy access also from the motorway, the 2016 Summer Brummies should
have brought-in a more fair remuneration for our callers and bands -
BUT they were mainly attended only by a regular and loyal few 
!

In 2017 ONE Brummie C only is planned each for May, June and July  !
IF you'd like to have these Summer Brummie C's available;
just support them regularly AND bring along your friends 
 
!
PRICE ( for a CONTRA with one of our superb contra-bands & a caller from UK ) -
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"
On the door
"  £9.50       Student £7.00   - 
You can always save a bit if you commit. Buy your ticket at THIS for the NEXT DANCE or complete form on Prepay Dance page.

Saving is £2.

6+ Sunday Afternoon Brummie Contras are STILL to come this year
-
check DANCE DATES
PictureHere'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.

       Some are supple; dancing with youthful exuberance.
A few of us - still delighting to participate in this lively dance style -  manage the moves with more limitations: & despite injury or age
.
*
  Inclusive tea/coffee/squash/biscuits awaits travellers from 1:30.
This selection is also available in the sociable interval: about20mins.
*

Chairs by tables around the room enable relaxation, should you
prefer to enjoy the music there, or chat -
without always being pulled-in to dance !


Any kind donations of prizes for the raffle are welcomed.
​Share the real joy of this exciting dancing from considerate callers.
Barry kindly offers: Transport from University Station to Elmdon Heath Hall.
3 (sometimes 4) seats are available.  Barry usually meets Jan, and can also meet you - - so long as you arrange to be there by the time of the train normally arriving at University Rail Station at 12:30.
Available on afternoon of any Brummie Contra. Must be specifically pre-requested:

Contact - bselwood21ATgmailDOTcom                

(Please substitute punctuation for CAPITALS. This stops automated-detection bringing Barry nuisance mails.)
In case your eMail may be missed: If no reply after 2 days, please contact Barry again.

[Barry it is, who now is usually collecting at the door!]
[University Station: may be more convenient: especially from the Cheltenham line. It's near B'ham Uni Edgbaston, & 2015's dance venue of the Chaplaincy.
On a different rail line from Solihull: it has a more practicable access for some.  Just contact Barry as early as possible to secure a lift]

Do sample these lively, sociable afternoons offering (mainly) American Contras Dances. Inclusive hot drinks on arrival & interval.
Aerobic dancing ! Water supplied.  Helpfully, bring your own small water bottle.
Picture
Dances continue to more superb band lineups. Contras with real "lift".
6
+ Sunday Afternoon Brummie Contras
STILL to come this year
-
see DANCE DATES
SCROLL down: see ace callers and wonderful bands we've already had -
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Geoff Cubitt was on 26 June to brilliant exuberance of Warwick Uni Folk Soc Contra Dance Band.
Picture
JOIN THE FUN - Dancing Contras on Sunday afternoons at a lively pace. Always to great music. This time starred Warwick University Contra Dance Band.
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Picture
Super caller at our 5 June dance was :
Adam Hughes.

​As well as Adam here, there was a much appreciated contribution from -
Gill Emerson.
This was her first real venture into calling for Contras .



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 STILL 7+ BRUMMIE CONTRA 2016 DATES. Save £2 if you PREPAY before deadline.
FLIERS showing all coming dances are available on THIS page

Picture
Contra-alt-Delete are - Nicci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ozzy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . They last played for us on 6th March - starred for Lichfield Folk Festival's Contras - playing for Brummie Contras next on 6th November.
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Picture

Action: Night Before for you to enjoy again - play - To see yourself dancin' at Alcester?
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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 the front marks 966 inbound stop from B'HAM INTERNATIONAL RAIL STN. 
At same stop, catch 966 to RETORN TO SOLIHULL Centre. ( Then 3min walk to Solihull Station ) Return there just before dance ends.
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  -  has enabled the 1st full year of our “Brummie Contras” to get gradually more lively &
Better-known by more dancers without the disincentive that a high door price brings.
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Relax after travelling, with an inclusive hot drink from 1.30pm.
THEN OVER 3 HOURS of FUN & LIVELY  DANCING.  Should you prefer to take life more gently - relax instead.
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Solihull Station fortuitously convenient: then  B91 2SF MAPS/PRINT page has routes -
- bus or cycle details & maps. Printout there includes Sunday bus routes/times.

Kim's Fun Xmas Party great success at Elmdon Heath. Got vote for EASY CAR ACCESS !
See
NEW VENUE of Elmdon Heath Hall - why Kim's pre Xmas Party was moved !
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On 29:11:15 was our last dance at our earlier venue of the Chaplaincy for a while.
2015 Christmas Party was at Elmdon Heath C.C. Hall - It may become our new venue.

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   American Contras are fun.
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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.
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Some very helpful details about Partners in Contra Dance HERE
Brilliant rules / tips for dancers, and real insight - especially for women to appreciate a viewpoint from Steve Harris.
( Written on the Eceilidh site - where these very same rules also apply. )

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PRICE ( for the MAIN CONTRAS with one of our superb contra-bands  ) -
"
On the door
"  £9.00       Student £7.00   - 
You can always buy your ticket at THIS for the NEXT DANCE to obtain a DISCOUNT
Excepting the Party Dance, discount is normally Adult £2 (Student £1.50).

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Picture
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 !
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AT A CONTRA, YOU WILL FIND LOTS OF DANCE PARTNERS.
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 MANY REGULAR DANCERS MIX WELL BETWEEN PARTNERS,
-  SHARING TIPS ABOUT THE DANCE MOVEMENTS.  -

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ALL THIS HELPS TO MAKE THE DANCING EVEN MORE FUN.
 


ARRIVE AT 1:30:   TO  SHARE AN INCLUSIVE SOCIABLE HOT DRINK . 
ANOTHER AVAILABLE IN THE LOUNGE, DURING THE INTERVAL .
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PRICE - "On the door"  £9.00  Student £7.00  - 
Buy at the "dance before". DISCOUNT for all dances ( except the party ) Adult £2 (Student £1.50).

Get this same discount on the -  Online prepayment page.


 Even better value with a Season Ticket.
These will next be available at the door -
- from December 20th for 2016.

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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 !
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Picture
Jen
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You may wish to click on this page & its picture -
" But I've never really done this stuff before" page. 
Picture. . 25th January 2015 with Vertical Expression . . All pictures by Mandy. Copyright.



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so - What is a
Contra dance ?
click   HERE -    
- "blue" takes you to another page 
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Picture
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   ARRIVE ACCOMPANIED OR NOT –      –   YOU WILL BE WELCOMED !
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AT CONTRAS, YOU
WILL ALWAYS HAVE OPPORTUNITIES
TO SHARE DANCING WITH A PLEASING VARIETY OF DIFFERENT DANCING PARTNERS.


Why on Sunday afternoons ?  Easier journey: Time for tea/coffee in the lounge / on the lawn: Fewer activity clashes. 
Do sample these lively, but sociable (mainly) American Contra Dances.   Hot drinks 1.30pm & interval.
Aerobic dancing ! Water supplied.  Bring your own small water bottle.
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Callers - like the bands - some new, some established - offering 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 established Contra bands and callers long continue !
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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.
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Those organising are sincerely appreciative of Karen W's kind administration of emails that make FPS payments possible on the website.
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Meg Winters organises a series (ten per year) - of excellent Friday Evening Alcester Contras: at St Benedict's School, Alcester:  8-11pm.
Keep taking a regular look at this website!
Share another great "Brummie Contra" soon.

Return to  TOP OF THE HOME  Page

CONTACT US page

​I / we wish to be AT THE NEXT DANCE
Page with details to get £1.50 each off door price next time.
Also deadlines (to check before you email).
For a group, download a form to complete & email.


Go to Great Alne Long Weekend website -
24th -27th April in 2020 for its DETAILS.

Event doubly extends the last w/e of April in 2020 
Quality workshops for ALL ages / abilities.
Enjoy a contra here on the Friday eve.
Karin Bellaart from the NETHERLANDS will also bring all kinds of lovely INTERNATIONAL DANCES as Nel did in 2017 & 2018.

EXCELLENT PART-SONG & A WIDE RANGE of OTHER DANCING.

Bring (grand)children. Share Maypole/Morris dances & ring handbell tunes from before noon on Sat & Sun.
NEW IN 2018 - EXTRA Sat/Sun PRICE DROPPED for ADULT DANCERS and THEIR ACCOMPANIED u18's

( The Great Alne Long Weekend is a "sister" website to this one) -
 click-on to go to one of these pages - 

ELMDON HEATH CC/RAIL/BUS  - Page especially to help with Rail Station connections, and Sunday bus services to Elmdon Heath Community Centre Hall.


See ROUTEMAPS:DOWNLOAD&PRINT -
 - Page has maps for car, bus stops, bike path & walking routes -
- to the   -  Elmdon Heath Community Centre venue. Download this to a smartphone to carry to walk from bus etc,
(or print on paper) to carry: even in the car. Ideal for initial visits. 




 CONTRA - What's that !   -  Information Page,


 But I've never really done this stuff before !  - Information Page.
DANCE DATES page
​  
FLIERS for NEXT BRUMMIE CONTRA pages. These may Pop-up : often below Dance DATES.
They are in pdf. You may view or DOWNLOAD.
If you would like to share out the fun of the "Brummie Contra" dances - then (regularly please) download, print - and distribute a few of these fliers in your area & dance club.
For some Contras to come, a flier page pop-up may show below other main pages or elsewhere !