A Summer Dance

This is the evening a pet dream of mine was at long last realized...

This is the evening we had our own contra dance.

There were balloons, and twinkling lights, and the four funny little trophies I picked up and knew were absolutely meant to be.  We made big construction paper rosettes out of my pinback button seconds pile, and they were perfect.

There was watermelon, and mason jars of tea, and at last the stars slowly appearing and starting their spiral above us to the wildly sweet sound of celtic contra music that sends toes tapping and blood racing to dance, dance and spin and stomp and swing.

It was awesome.  I felt so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many dear faces that evening, all reflecting the joy I felt from glorious dancing and hilarious fellowship.

The addition of trophies and ribbons for a four-division dance competition infused a huge spark and had everybody trying to outdo themselves with their mad Contra skills.  The concrete was brutal on our shoes (and legs!), but definitely didn't put a damper on the spins, leaps, aerial allemandes, and fabulous footwork we had going.

A much-coveted ribbon and trophy were awaiting the champions in Best Freestyle, Best Swing, Loudest Noise, and - wait for it - Epic.

We're definitely doing this again.

(also - no, we did not have trench coats, machetes, or firearms on the dance floor, contrary to the garb of the setup crew above.  That's another story for another time entirely...)

The presiding Judge and his inseparable companion, Airabella.

Our champion winners for the four divisions; Noise, Swing, Epic, and Freestyle!  The competition was hot, but this crew was unparalleled.

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. 
O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
--Psalms 30:11-12


And to crown all, the evening in film.
Thanks to Ellen and Alex for getting such awesome footage!