Contra dancing is fun, lively and open to experts and newcomers alike - one of many old fashioned dance traditions that persists under the auspices of modern folk dance.
What is Contra Dancing?
Contra dance is a communal folk dance that begins with lines of partners who dance through prepared series of steps or figures, exchanging partners many times throughout each routine. The dance steps are taught by a "caller" before the music begins, and the caller often continues to "call" the figures throughout a dance – especially where there are a number of beginner contra dancers, or if the steps are especially elaborate.
Contra dance is family-friendly and is almost always open to beginners of all ages, although it does offer challenges for even experienced dancers. Part of the fun of becoming a better contra dancer is being able to add new flairs and tricks to the steps, as well as the opportunity to teach and guide new dancers.
History of Contra Dance
Contradance originated with traditional English country dances, but it has French influence as well. English dances became popular in France in the 17th century, though the French added some of their own formal steps and called the new trend contredance – a term which became popular, along with the new dances, throughout the United States and other regions.
Contra is also known as country dance, country line dancing, and traditional New England dancing – the latter because it was kept alive in the 19th and early 20th centuries in parts of New England. Contradance can be found around the world, but it is most popular today in North America.
What to Expect in Contra Dance
First-time contra dancers can expect to find themselves greeted warmly and drawn into the dance right from the start.
- Country dance lessons usually happen right before the dance itself begins. Arrive half an hour (or fifteen minutes, depending on the group) early for lessons.
- The dancing itself is done to live music – usually English, Irish, and Scottish reels played on banjo, keyboard, accordion, guitar and fiddle.
- Each dance is about 10 minutes long, prefaced by instructions from the caller.
- Most people change partners with every new dance, so come alone or with a friend.
- Couples may choose to dance together more often, though it's usually easier to follow the steps with a more experienced partner!
- Although you'll stay with your partner for the length of a dance, you'll also be dancing with many others in the course of the figures – a great way to meet people and learn new styles of dancing.
Country Dance Lessons and Clubs
For those interested in experiencing contra dancing, it's easy to find festivals, clubs and groups all over Canada and the United States, as well as other parts of the globe. Most of these groups are extraordinarily welcoming to newcomers and make it easy to learn the steps and take a spin right away.
After all, according to the Santa Barbara Country Dance Society, "The only real answer to the question 'What is contra dance?' comes when you try it."
Reference
- Toronto Country Dancers, "What is Contra Dancing?" Dancing.org/TCD, accessed 26 January 2010.
- MacGuigan, Brendan, "What is Contra Dancing?" WiseGeek.com, accessed 28 January 2010.
- Shapiro, Gary, "What is Contra Dance?" Santa Barbara Country Dance Society, SBCDS.org, February 1995.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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