STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Do-si-do tonight when the Upper big Wood River Grange presents a Contra Dance.

The dance will be held from 7 to 9:15 p.m. tonight—Friday, Oct. 25—at the Grange Hall, 609 South 33rd Avenue in Hailey.

Live music will be provided by Strings Attached from Twin Falls, with David Quinley calling the dances.

There’ll be circle, square and line sets; one need not need a partner and one need not have experience. You’re even welcome to step on a few toes, if it comes to that!

Children are invited to join in. And dancers are invited to arrive by 6:45 p.m. for a review of the basic steps.

Tickets are $15 for one adult and $25 for two. It’s $5 for teens and free for kids accompanied by adults. Dancers are asked to bring clean indoor shoes to avoid scratching the dance floor with dirt and gravel.

The Grange Hall has hosted contra dances since the 1990s. Contra dancing evolved from the 1700s English countryside dance; it came to North American during the 1800s and today’s dances employ old-time mountain music with Irish and Scottish influences.

In most dances, dancers form two sets of parallel lines that run the length of the dance hall; they then move through a sequence of figures stepping to the music. Some of the moves are similar to those in old-time square dancing. As the dance progresses, a couple will eventually dance with every other couple in the set.

The pattern is created often so it’s easy to learn.

“Dances at the Grange Hall are a family-friendly activity for all ages and everyone is welcome,” said Manon Gaudreau. “First and foremost, this event is about people and community. Gather with neighbors, meet new friends and dance away!”