The unmistakable sounds of music and dance calling will be in the air every third Saturday this fall and winter in the Mary Baldwin University Physical Activities Center (PAC) dance studio. Various bands perform for the Staunton Contra Dance series beginning September 15 with band Floorplay and caller Becky McKenzie.
Becky McKenzie started contra dancing in 1979 and fell in love right away. After a brief interlude, she became more involved in the dance community and was trained as a caller. As she moved around the country, she worked with local groups and improved upon her calling. Currently she calls the Friday night dance for the Rockbridge Mountain Music and Dance Festival and teaches 7th grade English at Shelburne Middle School.
Based in Charlottesville, Floorplay is comprised of Paul Rosen, (mandolin, fiddle, accordion), Mary Prendergast (piano), and Aaron Lamb (drums, percussion). The band plays an eclectic mix of French Canadian, Old-time, Klezmer, Swing, and original tunes. All of the band’s members had an interest in contra dancing or had played for contras before, so the forming of Floor Play in spring 2007 was a natural consequence.
Since Floorplay’s formation Rosen says the band has “been delighting dancers.” Come dance and be delighted by Floorplay September 15, 2007, at the Mary Baldwin PAC. A beginners’ workshop will be held at 7:30 p.m.; the dance runs from 8-11 p.m. The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for young adults age 12-18, children and Mary Baldwin students attend free. For more information call (540) 280-2330 or (540) 280-2335.###