Contradance keeps tradition of historic music and dance alive in Shepherdstown

Community members join in the contradance at the War Memorial Building on Saturday night. Larissa Mendy
SHEPHERDSTOWN – The War Memorial Building came alive on Saturday night, with a contradance held by Shepherdstown Music & Dance.
Founded in 1979 to preserve and perpetuate the rich heritage of traditional music and dance in the region, Shepherdstown Music & Dance has held many events over the years, similar to the contradance it held this past weekend.
In forwarding its mission to perpetuate the knowledge of traditional music and dance, the nonprofit organization’s contradances always feature a class for those unfamiliar with the music and dances being performed throughout the evening, according to Shepherdstown Music & Dance Director Joanie Blanton. Both beginners and those looking to perfect their dance knowledge gathered together for the class, a half hour before the dance was set to begin on Saturday night, ready to start the evening off on the right foot.
For Shepherdstown resident Chyna Taylor, she has found that anyone can learn how to contradance, no matter their previous experience or age.
“Anyone can do it. Anyone can learn and they’re very friendly to beginners, so it’s always something I look forward to once a month,” Taylor said. “I have been contradancing probably for about eight-to-nine years now. I started back home in New Jersey and when I moved here, I found this contradancing community and loved it.”

Treblemakers Robin Wilson (flute), Emily Aubrey (fiddle) and Liz Donalson (piano) perform at Saturday night's contradance in the War Memorial Building. Larissa Mendy
The music for the evening was provided by the Treblemakers, a trio of musicians with a passion for traditional folk tunes. Emily Aubrey on violin, Robin Wilson on flute, concertina and saxophone and Liz Donaldson on piano created a lively atmosphere that set the tone for a joyful evening of dancing.
Janine Smith, an experienced caller, guided the dancers through the complex patterns and contradance figures. Her enthusiasm and sense of fun was contagious, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to experienced dancers, felt welcome and engaged.
The event was open to all, with entry fees of $15 for nonmembers, $12 for members and a special rate of $5 for dancers under 12 years old. As with previous contradances, the Shepherdstown Community Club provided snacks for the dancers to share during a break from the dancing. This not only kept energy levels up, but also added to the feeling of camaraderie among the participants.
“Contradancing is a tradition that I’ve enjoyed for probably 35-plus years,” said Shepherdstown resident Becky Lidgerding, as she took a breather from dancing. “This is my home dance, because I’m from Shepherdstown!”
In addition to their monthly dances, Shepherdstown Music & Dance also offers workshops, concerts and other participatory events aimed at fostering community spirit and a deeper understanding of cultural heritage. These gatherings provide local residents with opportunities to learn, share and connect, further reinforcing the importance of tradition. However, to be able to ensure this community tradition is preserved, an increase in volunteer involvement with Shepherdstown Music & Dance is necessary, according to Blanton.

Dancers maneuver around the top floor of the War Memorial Building on Saturday night. Lrissa Mendy
“We need new people who want to keep the dance going and put new energy into the dances,” Blanton said. “It’s been going for years, quite a long time. So, it’s mostly the old people involved, but we need more people.
“It’s great fun. It’s always live music. All dances are always taught [before the contradances, so everyone can join in],” Blanton said, noting she has often seen contradances lead to romance. “Most of the people I know have met their partners at a dance.”
For more information, visit http://smad.us/ and https://www.facebook.com/shepmusicanddance.
- Community members join in the contradance at the War Memorial Building on Saturday night. Larissa Mendy
- Dancers maneuver around the top floor of the War Memorial Building on Saturday night. Lrissa Mendy
- Treblemakers Robin Wilson (flute), Emily Aubrey (fiddle) and Liz Donalson (piano) perform at Saturday night’s contradance in the War Memorial Building. Larissa Mendy