I will add more details such who's playing and calling as it becomes available.

Tunefully Paul

For info about other dances on Vancouver Island.

A short definition
A dancer and his or her partner dance a series of figures, or moves, with each other and with another couple for a short time. They then repeat the same figures with another couple, and so on. The figures are similar to those of old-time square dancing. The figures are combined in different ways for each different dance. The caller teaches each dance before it is actually done to the music. This gives everyone an idea of what to expect so the movements can be easily executed. The caller leads the dances while they are being done to music, so dancers are able to perform each movement to the music. Once the dancers appear to have mastered a particular dance, the caller may stop calling, leaving the dancers to enjoy the movement with music alone. People of all ages and lifestyles, including children, are welcome. Contra dances are a place where people from many walks of life come together to dance and socialize. Dancers often go out to the Crow and Gate after the dance, we may on occasion have a potluck before or during the dance, or hang out with musicians in jam sessions and song circles. Children as young as seven can participate in adult dancing; your mileage may vary. As long as parents are responsible for keeping non-dancing children out of harm's way, everyone will enjoy everyone else's presence. If we build a strong community we can have dancing more than once a month and host dance weekends that will attract dance gypsies from further a field.