Difference between revisions of "Contra Dancing"
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Revision as of 02:29, 10 November 2013
Contras are folk dances in which people are in two facing lines or a square, usually starting with one partner and often rotating to other partners.[1] Contra dances are especially popular in New England, the Pacific Northwest, and other places in North America. Contra dance music is usually Irish, Scottish, French Canadian, and Old-timey tunes. Compared to square dancing - some describe contra as "more flowing, more varied, and less macho."
Objectives
Fun, cooperation, getting to know each other, exercise, practice following directions to learn new skills . . .
Group Size
At least 12 dancers, a caller, and a band or someone to run recorded music.
Materials
Live music is preferable - many small bands specialize in contra dance music. An experienced "caller" is necessary. (Some bands include a caller. Contra callers and bands can usually recommend each other. A large hall with room for dancing. A source of drinking water (dancers get hot and thirsty). Fans for cooling the hall, if necessary. Breath mints are often provided to help dancers prepare for close contact! When there may be more of one gender, sometimes clothing props are provided to distinguish the "lead" in each couple - e.g., ties, so that each women who is leading puts on a tie. Nametags can be helpful for people not familiar with each other.
Set Up
People do not have to attend as couples. Men and women can interchange in the roles of "lead" and "follower." Most callers begin a dance with a 15 - 30 minute teaching session for beginners, to demonstrate the basics and have people practice the moves that come up in many dances. You will learn to identify your "corner." Simplest moves include the promenade, do-Se-do, swing, alamand, and right-hand star.
Directions
The caller gives all directions throughout each dance. More experienced dancers also help those who get confused, so no one has to worry about knowing or memorizing. After each dance, people have the opportunity to find a new partner, or to sit out, rest, and watch [assuming there are enough people to continue the dancing].
Debrief
Discussions afterwards can be about what it was like to learn new dance techniques, to be lead/follower, and such.
Alternatives
Other types of folk-dancing from any of a variety of cultures.
