| An attractive aspect to newcomers is that you don't
have to learn any fancy footwork for contradances. Most of
the dance movements involve walking in patterns - some as simple as a
circle of four people moving
with hands joined, or each of the four joining one hand in the center
to
form a "star." Other movements are more complex and challenging,
such
as the "hey for four" and "contra corners." What the typical
contradancer
enjoys most is the "swing," which allows a few moments of flirtatious
ecstasy
while you and your partner whirl around together. |
|
 |
A dance caller teaches the pattern of each dance before the
music begins, then calls the movements to the music. During an
evening of dancing, the caller will call about a dozen dances.
For a change of pace, the
evening may include a few square dances and some couples dances, such
as
a waltz or schottische. Music at a contradance is both live and lively, and is provided by a small band which typically has one or two fiddles, a piano, and maybe a guitar, flute, tin whistle, or hammered dulcimer. The dance tunes include traditional ones with roots in Ireland, Scotland, Canada, New England, or the southeast, as well as recent compositions. |
| Contradancing is non-competitive; the main objective is to enjoy yourself with other fun-loving people. You don't have to take a course before you're considered experienced enough to dance the whole evening. Since it's the custom to ask a different partner for each dance, you're sure to meet new people and make new friends during an evening of contradancing. Beginners are always welcome, and you don't have to bring your own partner. |  |
 |
For something that is relatively simple, contradancing
attracts a wide variety of people, many of whom become very passionate
about it. They
enjoy it for all sorts of reasons: the exhilaration of movement (the
"dancer's
high"), the social interaction, the great music, the exercise. The dance has an informal atmosphere, so dress casually, preferably with lightweight clothing, for dancing generates heat, not to mention perspiration . In order to preserve the dance hall floor, please bring sneakers or other shoes with clean, soft soles to change into at the dance. See you at the dance!
|
| To hear some contradance music, click on the phonograph. | 
|