I think a faster tempo is fine if most of your dancers are familiar with contra corners.
For a crowd with more beginners, I'd recommend the McQuillen tempo, which if played with an emphasis on the downbeat, is quite enjoyable (and leads to much better dance form, IMHO). I'd refrain from using the word "slow" to describe the desired tempo to the band, though. Measured? Moderate? It still has to have some lift to it. -- Lisa
