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Fun Xmas-Party-Dance! MC Kimberley Smith!
Xmas fun from Kimberley Smith.
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"Live" Music from Brian & Mike !
Dancing begins 2pm - the Sunday before Xmas. SUNDAY 17th December Kim Smith brings us - - Kim's Christmas Dancing selection - A fun Brummie C's "Sunday Variety Party" ! An Introduction to Contras, sung squares & mixers. At the party afternoon there's a wider than usual mix of dances, with seasonal eats & bubbly drinks also. Especially enjoy a tot of mock-Champagne-Perry. These and usual refreshments are all included ! - You may bring friends, relatives & young dancers - for fun squares & mixers as well as introducing all to our lively American Contras ! ADULT PARTY TICKET on the DOOR - £10.50 Save £2 on a FIRST VISIT to this venue. Please say so at the door. |
FRIDAY 29th December. Dancing 2pm
. . . . . . . . .Bill Kinsman calling . . . . . . . . . Photo by . . . . .
Joe Buchanan-Wollaston
- for his second annual visit to Brummie Contras -
- be there to enjoy the longstanding fun -
- and remarkable memory for dances of -
- Bill Kinsman !
- in this, the year of his 91st Birthday !
- The Rowe family band -
- their young members in age contrast -
- are our excellent, lively musicians !
- This time with all his family, we again enjoy the superb talents of Ben, on violin :who also leads the Warwick University Folk Soc Band.
- be there to enjoy the longstanding fun -
- and remarkable memory for dances of -
- Bill Kinsman !
- in this, the year of his 91st Birthday !
- The Rowe family band -
- their young members in age contrast -
- are our excellent, lively musicians !
- This time with all his family, we again enjoy the superb talents of Ben, on violin :who also leads the Warwick University Folk Soc Band.
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STILL 2 BRUMMIE C. 2016 DATES see HERE. Save £2 if you PREPAY before deadline.
Door-price has been kept lower than is practicable. But if YOU commit early and prepay -
by early ticket, or via website prepay page & form - then you deserve a small saving.
Prepay also allows saving for those with children, or budgeting on a limited income.
NB: Any venue has good & bad aspects. Always there's balance between finding a hall-fee
AND still offering an excellent band & caller fair recompense for their days' work & travel.
Door-price has been kept lower than is practicable. But if YOU commit early and prepay -
by early ticket, or via website prepay page & form - then you deserve a small saving.
Prepay also allows saving for those with children, or budgeting on a limited income.
NB: Any venue has good & bad aspects. Always there's balance between finding a hall-fee
AND still offering an excellent band & caller fair recompense for their days' work & travel.
2018 : Sunday 7th January : Jen Morgan calling - with experienced contra players - PORTLAND DRIVE DUO - Elaine & Brian.
Sunday 4th February : Frances Richardson calling - Music from superbly versatile accordionist - VIC SMITH.
Sunday 4th February : Frances Richardson calling - Music from superbly versatile accordionist - VIC SMITH.
MORE 2018 Brummie Contra Dates available shortly !
2 Afternoon Brummie Contra EVENTS STILL to come this year
- at Elmdon Heath. See above & on the page with DANCE DATES
- at Elmdon Heath. See above & on the page with DANCE DATES
It's more fun if more come ! Let's try this to encourage you !
New to this venue's Contras ? Ask for £2 off at the door.
Bring a friend who has NOT danced Brummie C's at this venue -
You may EACH claim a discount of £2 at the door.
New to this venue's Contras ? Ask for £2 off at the door.
Bring a friend who has NOT danced Brummie C's at this venue -
You may EACH claim a discount of £2 at the door.
So share-around - the joy & fun of being at these exciting dances with great callers.
Any kind donations of prizes for the raffle are always welcomed.
Avoid dehydration - we supply pleasant tasting tap water. Helpfully, bring your own small water bottle to refill !
Solihull Station fortuitously convenient ? Then B91 2SF MAPS/PRINT page has routes -
- bus or cycle details & maps. Printout there includes Sunday bus routes/times !
- bus or cycle details & maps. Printout there includes Sunday bus routes/times !
Barry kindly offers: Transport from University Station to Elmdon Heath Hall.
3 (sometimes 4) seats are available. Barry usually meets Jan. They can also meet & bring YOU ! Email and arrange to be there by the time of the train normally arriving at University Rail Station at 12:30.
Lift is available on the 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: University Station has more practicable access for some. Just contact Barry as early as possible to secure a lift.
3 (sometimes 4) seats are available. Barry usually meets Jan. They can also meet & bring YOU ! Email and arrange to be there by the time of the train normally arriving at University Rail Station at 12:30.
Lift is available on the 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: University Station has more practicable access for some. Just contact Barry as early as possible to secure a lift.
Here now - the callers & bands who have already contributed to the Autumn Series of Brummie Contras !
Geoff
On Nov 27th we had Geoff Cubitt !
Geoff is superb in his gentlemanly approach; through which he tests
and brings out the best both in his own, and his dancers abilities.
We enjoyed strong, clear talents of Charlotte Rich's calling too.
Our music was quite brilliant. A new line-up of the outstanding -
Warwick University Folk Society's
Contra Dance Band !
Geoff is superb in his gentlemanly approach; through which he tests
and brings out the best both in his own, and his dancers abilities.
We enjoyed strong, clear talents of Charlotte Rich's calling too.
Our music was quite brilliant. A new line-up of the outstanding -
Warwick University Folk Society's
Contra Dance Band !
JOIN THE FUN - Brummie C's - mainly on afternoons, & at a lively pace. Always to great music. These star players: Warwick University Contra Dance Band.
Graham
Knight ! had called on Sun Nov 6th ! |
A true Somerset smile from Graham - who is a Director of Eastbourne's EIFF Festival !
We enjoyed more superb music from this brilliant, young and vibrant band ! |
Contra-alt-Delete are - Nicci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ozzy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . They played for us on 6th March and on 6th November 2016 and were star players at Lichfield 2016 Folk Festival's Contra Dances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam & Grace are working presently in Edinburgh, and Ozzy & Nicci in London.
On Sunday 23rd Oct we had Jake's precise calling !
Mollie of D.D.
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Vic of D.D.
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- Double Dichotomy -
the amazing duo of Mollie and Vic, again were invited: giving us another truly excellent, driving Contra Dance ! |
Jake Wood... Caller.
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Rachel Shapiro-Wallace
On 2nd Oct we enjoyed Rachel Shapiro-Wallace
From Chicago Illinois via Edinburgh & thanks to Nicky in the Band.
With this great band,
Who knit to play together really well -
- The Night Before !
From Chicago Illinois via Edinburgh & thanks to Nicky in the Band.
With this great band,
Who knit to play together really well -
- The Night Before !
Nicky : violin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan ; accordion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam ; guitar
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Brummie Contras: a PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE
- ENTIRELY FROM THE JOY OF MUSIC & DANCE ! - On Sunday 4 Sept - Rhodri Davies was calling - He began-again your regular Brummie C's _ - An exceptionally versatile & popular caller of Contras. - One favourite speciality of Rhod's is to set up the selection of a Contra - at RANDOM from a massive book of them - all abbreviated. Then to call it ! |
Rhodri Davies .....
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Ian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicky , , , , , , , . . . . . ,
PRICE for a CONTRA with a superb contra-band & ace UK caller needs in future to be -
Dance - on the door £10.50 Student £7.00 -
Our first Autumn contra-dance (above) was brilliant - and well advertised - especially at Summer Festivals.
Even after making a small personal subsidy - And Les's helpful raffle monies - a disappointing sum remained after subtracting hall fee.
Rhod came from Manchester. One band member drove from Sheffield. 2 band members brought all their equipment from Mansfield.
They were outside - ready to set-up to adjust our sound to compensate for the hall's acoustic echoing at 12:45.
To keep these excellent bands & callers, we need to offer them courteous entry: & must better recompense their work.
We need as many keen contra dancers as possible to share lively Sunday afternoons - so do please come AND bring your friends !
If you BRING a NEW FRIEND along to dance - you can each save. Also save another time and buy your ticket early.
If entry seems costly then PREPAY - at any dance for the NEXT: or fill-in the form on Prepay Dance page & pay by BACS. Save £2.
Dance - on the door £10.50 Student £7.00 -
Our first Autumn contra-dance (above) was brilliant - and well advertised - especially at Summer Festivals.
Even after making a small personal subsidy - And Les's helpful raffle monies - a disappointing sum remained after subtracting hall fee.
Rhod came from Manchester. One band member drove from Sheffield. 2 band members brought all their equipment from Mansfield.
They were outside - ready to set-up to adjust our sound to compensate for the hall's acoustic echoing at 12:45.
To keep these excellent bands & callers, we need to offer them courteous entry: & must better recompense their work.
We need as many keen contra dancers as possible to share lively Sunday afternoons - so do please come AND bring your friends !
If you BRING a NEW FRIEND along to dance - you can each save. Also save another time and buy your ticket early.
If entry seems costly then PREPAY - at any dance for the NEXT: or fill-in the form on Prepay Dance page & pay by BACS. Save £2.
Dances continued into the Autumn, to more superb band lineups.
Brummie Contras always have a real "lift".
- see DANCE DATES
Brummie Contras always have a real "lift".
- see DANCE DATES
Keen dancers on Sun 2nd Oct didn't miss the ace call of Rachel from USA .
We enjoyed her first calling in England !
We enjoyed her first calling in England !
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.
_
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 await all travellers from 1:30.
This selection also is available in the sociable interval: about 20min
*
Chairs by tables around the room enable relaxation, should you
prefer to enjoy the music here, or chat -
without always being pulled-in to dance !
_
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 await all travellers from 1:30.
This selection also is available in the sociable interval: about 20min
*
Chairs by tables around the room enable relaxation, should you
prefer to enjoy the music here, or chat -
without always being pulled-in to dance !
All our venue's windows open properly AND it has ceiling FANS !
- Comfortable Contras - COOL in every sense !
_
- With easy access also from the M42, the 2016 Summer Brummies should
have brought much fairer remuneration for exceptional & tolerant bands & callers.
_
BUT lovely, lively dances were enjoyed mainly by a regular & loyal few !_So, in 2017 -
Practicably, it seems wise to arrange - ONLY ONE "Brummie C" in May, June & July !
_
IF you'd like to have Brummie C's more often available - especially Summer ones -
just COME TO THEM ! Please just do this regularly - AND bring along your friends !
- Comfortable Contras - COOL in every sense !
_
- With easy access also from the M42, the 2016 Summer Brummies should
have brought much fairer remuneration for exceptional & tolerant bands & callers.
_
BUT lovely, lively dances were enjoyed mainly by a regular & loyal few !_So, in 2017 -
Practicably, it seems wise to arrange - ONLY ONE "Brummie C" in May, June & July !
_
IF you'd like to have Brummie C's more often available - especially Summer ones -
just COME TO THEM ! Please just do this regularly - AND bring along your friends !
The Band knits together well !
American Contras are fun.
Action: Night Before for you to enjoy again - play - To see yourself dancin' at Alcester?
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 two 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 now to be requested at the door (£2 when callers are from USA).
Our responses need more genuinely to reflect how bands/callers put themselves out for us !
A facebook ad from Charley twice added 25% to numbers WHEN our venue read "University".
Her same appreciated effort for Sept 4th seemed unfortunately to add no-one.
Opportunity to socialise with those attending during the time of the contras has been cut.
It becomes vital to visit other dance venues more, to better spread publicity for Brummie C's.
I have 7 (of 8 requested) dates to book bands & callers for 2017 at Elmdon Heath.
That hall is to be left empty for the occasion of our 3rd Anniversary Dance on Good Friday 2017.
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 two 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 now to be requested at the door (£2 when callers are from USA).
Our responses need more genuinely to reflect how bands/callers put themselves out for us !
A facebook ad from Charley twice added 25% to numbers WHEN our venue read "University".
Her same appreciated effort for Sept 4th seemed unfortunately to add no-one.
Opportunity to socialise with those attending during the time of the contras has been cut.
It becomes vital to visit other dance venues more, to better spread publicity for Brummie C's.
I have 7 (of 8 requested) dates to book bands & callers for 2017 at Elmdon Heath.
That hall is to be left empty for the occasion of our 3rd Anniversary Dance on Good Friday 2017.
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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THEN OVER 3 HOURS of FUN & LIVELY DANCING. Should you prefer to take life more gently - relax instead.
*
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.
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. )
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. )
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.
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.
The first BRUMMIE CONTRA of 2015. . . . . . picture by Mandy. Annie is with Les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Val dancing with Harry. . . . Copyright.
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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 !
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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 ********************** ********************** 
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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 - 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 !
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 !
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: at St Benedict's School, Alcester: 8-11pm.
Keep taking a regular look at this website!
Share another great "Brummie Contra" soon.
Share another great "Brummie Contra" soon.