Earth Day doesn’t officially take place until April 22, but what the heck, the West Sound Contradance Coalition is getting a jump on things by hosting an Earth Day Celebration a week early, with a day of dancing.

April 15 Island Center Hall will ring with the sound of music and feet stomping on the wooden floor — hopefully in time with the music. The event is co-sponsored by Madrona School and Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation District.

Kitsap County’s own Country Capers provides the musical accompaniment, while Seattle contra dance caller Sherry Nevins will call the dances.

The day starts with a Family Dance, 5-6:30 p.m., with dancing and frivolity geared toward young children and their families.

At 7:30 p.m. there will be a “how to” workshop, designed to teach the basic contra moves, followed by a dance for adults from 8-10:30 p.m.

So what is contra dancing? The word “contra” is Latin for “against,” or “opposite,” and that gives a clue as to the dance formation. Dancers line up in long lines down the hall, opposite and facing their partners. The caller begins by talking the dancers through every step of the dance before the music begins, so it’s not complete chaos from the downbeat. There may be five or six linked moved, which result in each couple having moved one space up or down the line. Or hopefully, flowing through the moves like fish in a stream.

Some typical moves, or “calls” are “right and left through,” “partners chain and back again,” “hey for four” and the all important, “partner swing.” No matter how lost dancers may become in the sequence of moves, swinging always gets them back in proper position for the next set of moves.

A few things that are good to know: all moves are based on eight counts, if you get confused don’t stop – just keep moving, and smile! Contra dancers are nice folk, always glad to help out a newbie. The only way to learn contra dancing is by doing, and the dances get progressively more difficult as the night progresses. The biggest mistake is to sit out the first few, thinking you will get the hang of it by watching.

Contra dancing is an American folk dance which reflects the country’s immigrant heritage. Contras are often danced to Celtic jigs and reels, and the dance moves are co-opted from French, English, Scottish and Irish traditional dances.

While the night air may seem chilly, it’s best to wear cool clothes, such as short sleeved shirts for men and flowing skirts or dresses for women — contra dancing can be quite a workout. For both, shoes with clean, non-marking soles are essential to protect the wooden floor. It’s best to bring shoes to change into at the dance hall.

No partner is needed, as dancers take new partners for each dance.

The Earth Day Celebration dances take place April 15 at Island Center Hall, 8395 Fletcher Bay Rd., Bainbridge Island.

The family dance is from 5-6:30 p.m., with the adult contra dance from 8-10:30 p.m.

Admission to the family dance is $7 adults, $3 children and $18 for families. The contra dance is $8 adults, $3 teens.