Contra Dancing at Tapestry is always done to live music. A caller guides new and experienced dancers alike through a variety of dances.
In each dance the dancer and partner dance a series of figures, or moves, with each other and with another couple for a short time. They then repeat the same figures with another couple, and so on. The figures are similar to those of old-time square dancing. The figures are combined in different ways for each different dance.
The caller teaches each dance before it is actually done to the music. This gives everyone an idea of what to expect so the movements can be easily executed. The caller leads the dances while they are being done to music, so dancers are able to perform each movement to the music. Once the dancers appear to have mastered a particular dance, the caller may stop calling, leaving the dancers to enjoy the movement with music alone.
First-time dancers will likely find experienced dancers extremely friendly and helpful.
At Tapestry most Contra dances are done in "long-way sets;" up to five, but usually two or three sets of parallel lines of ladies and gents. Many nights will include a few dances of other kinds: traditional squares or round dance. A waltz and hambo are usually done at the break.
We dance with a different partner for each dance, although dates who attend together and significant others might dance with each other more than once.
This is 2002. Women can ask men to dance. At a contra dance this is certainly true and has been for some time. It might be just as common as men asking women, or more so. Women will sometimes dance with women, and men will sometimes dance with men. In general, especially for the men, this happens only when a gender imbalance exists in the hall (men tend to be real chicken about dancing with other men otherwise).
The above notwithstanding, it is a good idea at some point to dance the opposite role. It's a real eye-opener! Be warned, however, that you'll need extra alertness and concentration.
Contra dancers make eye contact whenever possible. This adds to the connectedness of the dance, and helps reduce dizziness, especially during the swing. It is also uncomfortable for some. Don't let anyone tell you that you must make eye contact, but give it a try even if it's a little uncomfortable. Expand your comfort zone. You might get used to it and even like it. Remember: they're gazing into your eyes not because they love you but because they want to make the connection, and they don't want to throw up on you.
While the dances at Challenge Contra are not much more difficult than the ones we do after about 10PM on Saturday nights, there is no New Dancer Basics class. We suggest that new dancers attend the Saturday night dances for a couple of months before trying this.
Adapted from Gary Shapiro: What is Contra dance?
http://www.sbcds.org/contradance/whatis
Pictures
The caller (Ted) lines up to teach new dancers the "hey for four." Teaching begins at 7:30PM on Saturday nites and we strongly urge new dancers to participate.
After the teaching we like to start the evening dancing with a round dance mixer. Here couples get set for the classic French Canadian dance, La Bastringe.
"Hands Four." In a long-ways set couples with their backs to the music (on the right here) progress down the set (in the direction they are facing), while the number two couples progress up the set. Each dance is taught.
Our caller and band for this evening, Pig's Eye Landing. From L: Ted Hodapp, Tim Reese (Fiddle), Erik Puck Peterson (Guitar), Amy Sandeen (Bass).
Do you want to hear what we dance to? Check out Real-audio samples of their CDs at Contracopia (Ralph leathers britches is a good example).
Down the Hall. All four couples march down the hall, turn singly and come back.
Circle to the left.
Courtesy turn.
Tom, our greeter and admission taker for the evening. Tapestry is always looking for volunteers like Tom to do admissions, sound, and house manager.
Tapestry Folkdance Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
