STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Sup, then strut, as the Upper Bigwood Grange hosts a Contra Dance and Potluck.

The evening kicks off with the potluck dinner at 5 p.m. at the Hailey Grange at 609 3rd Avenue South, a couple doors down from The Senior Connection. Dance lessons begin at 6:30 p.m. And dancing will start up at 7 p.m.

Strings Attached will provide live music, with David Quinley calling the dance moves.

Admission for adults is $15 per person--$25 for two—to pay the band. Teens ages 13 to 18 get in for $5 and children accompanied by an adult are free.

Those partaking in the potluck are asked to bring their own plates, utensils and napkins, along with a dish to share, to promote sustainability

Contra Dances had their beginnings in France, the British Isles and some Scandinavian countries in the 1700s. These dance traditions eventually found their way to North America and continue to this day.

“We hear Contra Dances are becoming very popular among young adults in the Carolinas no,” said Ted Macklin. “The dance tunes are based on old-time mountain music with Irish and Scottish influences. The moves are introduced before each dance, are not complicated, and easy with even no prior experience.”