JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Cumberland Community Dance, a committee dedicated to the art of dance on Monteagle Mountain, has recently hosted its second ever Square/Contra dance event in the Monteagle community.
The event was held on Friday, September 26 just beside Hannah Pickett Adventure Playground, where residents and families gathered in musical unison to participate in both the arts of Square and Contra dancing, two forms of dance that originated in the 17th century. Richard Candler, a member of the dance committee, explained the event was started with an idea to help bring the art of square and contra dancing to the community.
The first community dance was last hosted in June, serving as the first in a potential ensemble of yearly dances planning to be held. He stated how plans to have a dance established have been in talks for several years, with residents of the community looking to have a public event pertaining to a form of dance that is deeply rooted within Appalachian culture.
“There’s been a few here and there, but there wasn’t a regular, consistent dance. So we decided to just make one ourselves,” said Candler.
Richard noted how Cumberland Community Dance aims to not only host dances every several months, but also to have a regular venue and be available to host at other locales. Despite the dance being only the second one held, several local businesses and organizations have already shared their support, including the Grundy Area Arts Council who served as a major sponsor, and Mountain Goat Market who’ve donated food for the event.
Richard stated that the committee additionally aims to expand the event outside of Monteagle’s city limits, with all committee members hoping to one day host dances further throughout Marion County and other neighboring counties for residents to experience.