Waltzes, contras, squares, international folk, polkas, swing, music jams and old-time fiddling will be on the music menu this weekend at the Central Iowa Traditional Dance and Music Festival in Ames.

“This should be a really fun weekend with a lot of dance opportunities,” Lonna Nachtigal, Central Iowa Dance Co-op staff member, said. “We are bringing in some interesting outside talent.”

The festival will host two dances beginning with a welcome dance at the Elks Club, 6th and Douglas, tonight at 7 p.m.

The dances will showcase local dance groups including the Central Iowa Barndancers, Onion Creek Cloggers, Scottish Dancers of Ames and the International Dance Circle.

“This is a great way to socialize and no predetermined dance partner is needed since participants will be dancing with each other and switching partners often,” Nachtigal said.

Workshops on a cappella singing and fiddling will be held Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ron Buchanan will be hosting workshops over squares, swing and contras.

A professor of dance at University of Northern Iowa, Kathleen Kerr will be accompanied by UNI dance students and lead workshops in international folk dance.

Music jams, gospel singing and teacher workshops will be held Sunday morning, and a farewell dance will conclude the busy weekend.

“I hope this turns into a traditional program and expands into more folk dances and bands, ” Nachtigal said.

The cost of the weekend’s festival is $40 per person and $100 per family. However, dances and workshops may also be paid for individually.

A 25 percent discount is offered for ISU students.

For more information about the festival, call 292-0117 or email, [email protected].