Contra Dancing

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."

Fun, cooperation, getting to know each other, exercise, practice following directions to learn new skills . . .

• Medium
• Large

At least 12 dancers, a caller, and a band or someone to run recorded music.

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. Comfortable dancing shoes. Some halls have shoe sole requirements or brushes for cleaning shoes to keep the floor surface smooth. Clothing should be in removable layers (dancers can get hot). Many dancers report that it is more fun to dance in a skirt that twirls well. Some male dancers prefer to wear skirts for this reason. A source of drinking water (dancers get 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. Name tags can be helpful for people not familiar with each other.

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. Dances can range from easy to more complicated.

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].

Discussions afterwards can be about what it was like to learn new techniques together, to be lead/follower, and such.

Other types of folk-dancing from any of a variety of cultures.