TOPPISH's Rachel O'Brien, has called a weekly contra dance since 2001. Rachel is an Associate Professor of Geology at Allegheny College, in NW PA, and has been a contra dance caller for many years. The weekly contra dance, in Meadville, PA, is part of the college dance curriculum, and is open to both students and community members. Contra dancing is truly community dancing, and, in an underground sort of way, is popular throughout the US and Canada. The dancing has its roots in French, English and Irish folk dance, and a New England tradition that incorporates many of the moves used in square dancing. It doesn’t require a partner, isn’t competitive, allows a person to dance with several individuals, is aerobic, and promotes community building and interaction with diverse groups of people, there's live music, and, best of all, it’s fun.

You can contact Rachel for Calling or TOPPISH gigs by sending an email and describing the event you are planning.