Swingin' Tern presents Hila Lenz with Torrent

Saturday, February 7, 2026, 7:30pm

Hila Lenz comes to contra via Scottish Country Dance teaching and ceilidh calling. Her clear teaching, and positive, genuine demeanor puts dancers at ease.

With Ross Parker on piano, Sarah Parker on fiddle and Nadia Gaya on accordion, Torrent is a dynamic ensemble based in NYC specializing in energetic music for contra and Scottish country dancing. Focusing on the musical traditions of Scotland, Torrent also specializes in Quebecois, Shetland, traditional and contemporary New England styles. With the goal of bringing you tunes you may not hear anywhere else, Torrent’s driving rhythms will get you up and moving while their inspiring arrangements will make your heart sing.

Swingin’ Tern Dances has found a new home! Returning to our Chatham roots, we will dance at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 200 Main Street in Chatham, NJ. The hall has a beautiful well-worn wooden floor with large windows on all four sides for excellent air circulation. Plus, there is air conditioning for the summer! Our new site is two blocks from the Chatham train station and from our original site at Ogden. There is ample parking along with a large selection of restaurants on Main Street.

Swingin' Tern presents Contra Dancing to live music on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Beginners are welcome and are encouraged to come to the beginner's workshop at 7 pm. No experience is necessary, and one may come alone or with a partner. Contra dancing is a form of country dancing done with long lines of couples. Callers and bands are drawn from all over the country

ADMISSION: $15 per adult, $5 per student with Student ID.

The admission price is higher for Double Dances and for the New Year's Eve dance.

TIMES: The beginner's workshop starts at 7 pm followed by the dance from 7:30 –10:30 pm

LOCATION: 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928

INFORMATION: (973) 535-3274 or at www.swingintern.org

USEFUL INFORMATION:

• We have a sliding admission scale of $15 to $20+ for adults. If you are able, you can allow us to continue booking this amazing talent by paying $20 or more at the door. If that’s a stretch, stay at the regular $15 or volunteer and get in for free. Student admission is $5.

• Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.

• Masks and vaccines are optional.

• All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins.

• We have open windows on three sides and air-conditioning when needed.

• Our dance is two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris/Essex line out of Penn Station, NYC.

• We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.

• Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the orange Igloo cooler.

• Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.

• We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles!