What is Contra?
The quick answer is, “A lot of fun!”
This is what it looks like! You can also see lots of other dancing on You Tube – under “contra dance”!
The dancing is driven by the music. Always live and always exciting, the music reflects the music of America – on different nights you’ll hear a bit of bluegrass or old time string band, Irish traditional, Appalachian fiddle tunes, klezmer, Cajun and other sounds that are blended by great musicians. Dances have simple, easy to learn patterns, and the smiles you see everywhere reflect the joy that dancers feel at being part of that amazing music and dance experience.
Here are the basics:
- The essentials are taught in a beginners’ session at the start of each evening
- Each dance is taught in a walk-through just before you do it, and the caller cues figures throughout the dance
- Wear comfortable clothes, and either wear or (preferably) bring soft-soled shoes, so we don’t wear out the floor
- Bring a water bottle!
- Come alone or with friends. We change partners (and roles – Larks or Robins) with each dance, and finding partners is easy in this warm, welcoming crowd. People of all ages enjoy our dances, and we are LGBTQIA+ friendly!
But it’s better to dance than to talk. Come dance with us – you will be welcomed and have a wonderful time!
