On Saturday, Jan. 25, in praise of the ever-hovering spirit of Robbie Burns, the contra dance Fiddlejam Funtime Fiddlers will play for the dancing, prancing, bare-legged, kilted Scotsmen (full of haggis and wee drams of liquid barley), who will be will be hooting it up about the Big Yellow Merville Hall hardwood floor.

Channeling the spirit of Burns, Celtic caller June Cannon will guide the dancers with her clear and broguish instructions, keeping an eye on those who might need a wee bit more guidance in the midst of this brouhaha. You鈥檒l want to have an extra helping of salted, raw oatmeal in the morning to give you the energy to carry on through the night.

The Big Yellow castle doors will open at 7 p.m. and there will be a complimentary contra dance workshop right before the dance to loosen you up and to prepare you for the spins and lively steps of the Virginia Reel and the Gay Gordon. Families are very welcome and singles can pair up with anyone during the dance. The fiddlers will also play old-time waltzes and reels; jigs and swing; schottisches and foxtrots. Tasty helpings of haggis will be served and we鈥檒l toast the Scottish bard. Spot dance and 鈥渂est dressed鈥� prizes abound.

So steer your Highland Hupmobile in the direction of the Big Yellow Merville Dance Hall, right on the Old Island Highway, between Campbell River and Courtenay. Dance starts at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10/adults, $5youth and you can come as a family for $22. For more information, call 250-339-4249.