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University Daily Kansan
Arts/Entertainment
Wednesday, July 16, 1986
Amateur and pro barn dancers swing partners for fun, fitness
By Evan Walter Staff writer
Trotting and whirring to the beat of a planking b弓 and chiring fiddle, experienced and beginning dancers did the square, the contra and other traditional dances at the Lawrence Arts Center on Friday night.
The Lawrence Barn Dance Association and the Missouri Valley Folk Life Country Dancers from Kansas City, Mo., co-sponsored the dance at the center, 845 Vermont St. The dances were traditional English, colonial American and traditional Southern.
The "Cross Town Contra Band, a group from Kansas City provided the music. The caller, who directs the steps, came from Frankfort, Ky.
"This is one of the largest crowds we've had," said Sandra Strand, one of the organizers for the Lawrence Barn Dance Association.
"The whole organization is informal and loosely structured," Strand said. "We wanted it to be like the old-time community dance. You don't have to know how to dance perfectly to have a good time. The way they did it in the old days, the community would get together just to have fun."
The Lawrence group was formed in September 1982, said Jane McMurrier, one of the association's leaders. They are usually bired for each dance.
The instruments that accompany these types of dances are a guitar, banjo, piano, fiddle, concertina (a boxed instrument) and bowrun (a drum). McMurray wrote:
The Lawrence group also offers dance workshops two or three times a year, she said.
"It's a non-profit, community-oriented group." McMurrier said. "They go through the steps for inexperienced dancers."
Miss Schroeder, one of the organizers for the Missouri Valley Folk Life Country Dancers, took to her husband with her husband, another couple and a caller.
The group dances the second Saturday of every month. But starting September, they'll meet on the third Saturday of every month, Strand said.
Normally, the dances draw crowds of 40 to 60 people, she said. The two groups together attracted more than 85 people Friday.
'I encourage people even if they think they have two left feet, to try it some time.'
Mark McHenry Topeka fifth-year senior
The Kansas City group started doing only English country dances. They later turned to the contra dance, which is a New England variation of the traditional English dance. Schroeder said.
T. Auxier, the caller, has been dancing since 1973 and calling since 1974.
cidicum," the earl called since 1974. "This is my hobby." Auxier said. "I dance at least once a week, sometimes twice a week.
"I've had three dance camps so far this summer and two more to go."
"There was a workshop in Kansas City," Strand said. "An all-weekwork workshop, and I had the best time, and I had coming to this dance regularly."
In addition to teaching the seventh and eighth grades, Auxier instructs dances at Berea College in Berea, Ky.
Strand said that she had been dancing for about three years, and danced two to three times a month.
Mark McHenry, Topeka fifth-year senior, said that he had been dancing for a couple of years. He first heard about the Lawrence group from friends.
"I really like the group of people, and it's a good workout," he said. "This group is low pressure. Anyone can come in as a beginner."
"I encourage people, even if they think they have two left feet, to try it some time."
Carl Graves, another association organizer, stressed no experience was necessary to enjoy the group's 'nances.
Russell Gray/Special to the Kansan
"When I first came, I could not dance a lick," he said.
Denli McIntosh, Lawrence graduate student, has been dancing for two years.
"I've always been into dancing," he said. "I saw the ads for it, and we've been hooked ever since."
"I'm acquainted with most of the people. I love the people, and I love to dance."
Marita Abner, a professional musician and bassoonist for the Kansas City Symphony, is a member of the Kansas City group. She has been dancing since 1977. Friday night was a night solely for dancing.
"It's fun to move around," she said. "I like the music, and it's great exercise.
Auxier, Frankfurt, Ky., calls out the next dance step to the more than 85 people who attended a square dance at the Lawrence Arts Center on Friday night. Auxier is a professional caller for square dance groups
"I worked with a woman in New York who did contra dancing. That's how I first heard about it."
Sights and sounds
Today
*Student Union Activities will show the film "The African Queen at 7 p.m. in Woodruff Hall" in Kansas Union. Tickets are $1.50.
Mark Holmberg, assistant University carllioneur, will give a carllion rectal at 8 p.m. at the university. It is free and open to the public.
Thursday
The Midwestern Music camp faculty/staff recital will be at 8 p.m. in Swarshout Recital Hall in Murphy Hall. It is free and open to the public.
Friday
*Student Union Activities will show the Film "The Life of Brian" at 7 p.m. in woodruff Auditorium at Kansas University. Tickets are $1.50.
The Midwestern Music Camp jazz concert will be at 7:30 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall of Murphy Hall. Admission is free.
Kansas Summer Theatre:
"The 1940's Radio Hour" will be at
8 p.m. in Crafton-Preyer Theatre
of Murphy Hall.
The Clyde W. Tombaugh Observatory will have a free open house at 8 p.m in 500 Lindsey Hall Call 843-8146 for more information
Barn dancers enjoy dancing the box dance Friday night at the Lawrence Arts Center. The box dance is a type of square dance.
Saturday
The Midwestern Music Camp piano recital will be at 10 a.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall of Murphy it is free and open to the public.
The Midwestern Music Camp concert will be at 1 p.m. in Crafton-Preyer Theatre of Murphy Hall. It is free and open to the public.
Kansas Summer Theatre:
"The 1940's Radour Day" will be at
8 p.m. in Crafton-Preyer Theatre
of Murphy Hall.
Sunday
Mark Holmberg, assistant University cariloneur, will give a free carillon recital at 3 p.m. at the Memorial Campanile.
Thomas Price, Lawrence graduate student, will give his master's recital on the tuba at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall in Murphy Hall. It is free and open to the public
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