BRUMMIE CONTRAS
  • HOME ; Spring '22
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  • What's a Contra
    • But I've never really done this stuff before !
  • Tributes
    • Barry Selwood

Contra TODAY Sunday 22nd May 2:00pm.
From USA Kathy Anderson: & Double Dichotomy.
Usual Elmdon Heath CC Hall at B91 2SF
Another brill dance: another ace American caller.

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

2PM SUNDAY 8th May - CIS HINKLE & NIGHT BEFORE - NEXT Brummie contra AT Elmdon Heath cc - B91 2SF - Big Hall: good, ENCLOSED car park - cornyx Lane, solihull - near m42 j5
you're at the  HOME  page.
Brummie Contras. PSYCHEDELIC
EXPERIENCES -
ENTIRELY FROM MUSIC & DANCE
 !
- All the windows will open, AND there are ceiling FANS -
COOL CONTRAS at Elmdon Heath on Sunday afternoons -
A dry, probably cloudy late morning drive -
so don't get wet from showers, or muddy in countryside or garden -
JOIN US and ENJOY CONTRA DANCE
 
!
TODAY- Sunday- The hot blooded American lady calling for you is the legendary -
  -  the wonderful
  Kathy Anderson !   Her initial calling, many years ago brought quite a surprise to New England, and further afield.  Kathy's style is now deservedly appreciated in Ohio, the UK and Denmark over several decades. !
Music is from the amazing, brilliant, versatile :
 Double Dichotomy  Mollie and Vic.
PictureMollie of Double Dichotomy
Most dances have been and will continue to be 2:00 - 5:45pm on Sunday afternoons.
 - Wonderfully energetic dancing to amazing music from superb bands such as this exceptionally talented duo - Mollie & Vic.
​

They dependably provided an
excellent, and memorably lively dance. 
- 
   
They are - Double Dichotomy: 
​
with a brilliant pace & versatility
- 
Well known from Sidmouth, Broadstairs & Towersey - & enjoy them next weekend at Chippenham.!

PictureVic of Double Dichotomy

FOR THE AMERICAN-CALLER DANCES : AT THE DOOR: ADULT £10 : STUDENT £7.
Come - join us. Dances through 2016: more superb band lineups. Contras with real "lift".
STILL to come THIS YEAR : 10+ Sunday Afternoon Brummie Contras -
see DANCE DATES
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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 buy your ticket at THIS for the NEXT DANCE to obtain a DISCOUNT
Discount is normally Adult £2 (Student £1.50).
Do sample these lively, but sociable (mainly) American Contra Dances.   Inclusive hot drinks on arrival & interval.
Aerobic dancing ! Water supplied.  Bring your own small water bottle.
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7th Feb dance was :
Lynne Render

Picture
Gareth on keyboard, Linda on violin. Unique & soperb for dancing. The English Contra Dance Band.
PictureAnother gem picture from Mandy features some of the skilful younger dancers. C. In title pic also: 29Nov'15 Brummie Contra, dancing to dynamic Double Dichotomy.
Our Contras are energetic.
Dance to wonderful music from amazing bands.
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 Join us and  be welcomed.
You will find partners here.
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For everyone to improve, we usually change around partners after every dance.
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You need plenty of water !
Bring & refill your bottle.
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 Join us and be welcomed.
 
Expect a range of ages
:
  Do dance considerately.

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​*****************************************

Everyone really enjoys this exciting dancing to superb musicians.
Some are supple; dancing youthfully. A few - still delighting in this lively dance style - do manage their moves, in spite of injury or age
.
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Inclusive tea/coffee/squash/biscuits awaits travellers from 1:30.
This selection is also available in the sociable interval: about20mins.
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Chairs by tables around the room also allow you to relax & enjoy the music there, or chat - without always being pulled-in to dance !

Any kind donations of prizes for the raffle are welcomed.
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 STILL 9+ BRUMMIE CONTRA 2016 DATES. DISCOUNT if you PREPAY before deadline.
FLIERS showing all coming dances are available on THIS page

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Barry kindly offers: Transport from University Station to Elmdon Heath Hall.
19th May - Presently 3 seats available.  Barry can meet train to arrive University Rail Station at 12:30 that Sunday afternoon if requested: Contact - bselwood21ATgmailDOTcom                
(Please substitute punctuation for CAPITAL letters. 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: was for 2015 venue at the Chaplaincy - a different line from Solihull: it has practicable access - especially from the line to Cheltenham.]
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Picture
Contra-alt-Delete are - Nicci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ozzy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Sun 24th Jan 
We enjoyed
the excellent 
-

Picture
Mark Elvins. AceCaller,Dance-writer
Picture
. . . . . . Ian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicky.
Calling of  -  
Mark Elvins &  Minor Contravention.
 But major, dynamic music from these members of
  two most superbly energetic Contra-Dance Bands.

                    Ian
& Charley : we've nicked from the brilliant "Vertical Expression".
                     And Nicky to wow-us with her wild fiddle from "The Night Before".
                              Join us !   Share & delight in dance to this great music !
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Picture
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Always come for a 1.30 sociable welcome for 2pm. Prospect of a wonderful afternoon of lively dance.
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 Don't miss:
 Brummie Contras -


Sun 3 Jan was - Call: Geoff Cubitt
Here's Geoff Cubitt: we wished for no better.
A brilliant touch had Geoff: bringing out the best
from his dancers - testing our skills - & his own.

Sun 3 Jan was - Music from : "The Night Before"

So: it was to  Nicky, Alan & Adam's dynamic pace.

Picture

Action: Night Before for you to enjoy again - play - To see yourself dancin' at Alcester?
Above, some of you "Brummie Contra
regulars may also enjoy here seeing yourselves at Meg's Alcester Contra.

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-
and
- see The Night Before in daylight
!
- playing here at Lichfield Folk Festival.
There they concede a gentler pace. But, get zesty panache at our Brummie Gig !

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HERE  is the view of the front of the Hall, as you approach it on Cornyx Lane.
HERE
an overhead view of Elmdon Heath CC Hall and car park : icon of 966 inbound bus stop from B'HAM INTERNATIONAL RAIL STN.
(Also at same stop, catch 966 returning to Solihull Centre. 3min walk to Solihull Station, for any to return there just before dance-end.)
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.

** *****************************************************************************************************************************
PictureAnother gem pic from Mandy - some of the brilliant student dancers from Warwick Uni. C. - Title pic too: 29Nov 2015 "Brummie Contra", dancing to dynamic Double Dichotomy.
Our Contras are energetic.
Dance to wonderful music from amazing bands.
*************************************
 Join us and  be welcomed.
You will find partners here.
*************************************
For everyone to improve, we usually change around partners after every dance.
*********************************888888****

You need plenty of water !
Bring & refill your bottle.
*****************************************
 Join us and be welcomed.
 
Expect a range of ages
:
  Do dance considerately.

*****************6666********************
Everyone really enjoys this exciting dancing to superb musicians.
Some are supple; dancing youthfully. A few - still delighting in this lively dance style - do manage their moves, in spite of injury or age
.
**********************************************************************************************************
Inclusive tea/coffee/squash/biscuits await traveller-arrivals at 1:30.
This selection is also available in the sociable interval of 20-30mins.
*********************************************************************************************************************************

Chairs near / in the kitchen are for those wishing to relax.
Enjoy the music there, or chat, without being pulled-in to dance !


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.
The next Brummie Contra: Sunday afternoon 3rd January - also
- at Elmdon Heath !

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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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Maybe this guy looks somewhat daunted ?
Few wouldn't be if in the chair for IVFDF Warwick in Feb 2016
!
However, Jake was his able and very capable self on 29th Nov !

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   American Contras are fun.
Picture
Jake
He's invited back to call for us on Mar 6th with Contra-Alt-Delete  -  Jake Wood.
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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.
******************************************************************************************************************************
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 DID HAVE 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.

MOST OF THE PAGES WITHN THE FOOTER HERE REFER TO EVENTS & CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH WERE DAMAGED, CHANGED OR HELD BACK BY THE COVID PANDEMIC.
THEY WILL BE AMENDED WHEN SITUATIONS CAN STABILISE WITH A MORE DEPENDABLE OUTLOOK.

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. Our venue for "fans".


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 !