cypresscoveresort.com Blog

Contra Dancing begins October 15

September 29th, 2006

Contra Dancing is a form of North American folk dance in which the dancers form two sets of parallel lines which run the length of the hall. Each dance consists of a sequence of moves that ends with couples having progressed one position up or down the set. As the sequence is repeated, a couple will eventually dance with every other couple in the set.

Contra Dancing was all the rage in 1800. Many of the basic moves in Contra Dancing are similar to those in square dancing (swings, promenades, dos-a-dos, allemandes). A square dance set comprises only four couples whereas the number of couples in a Contra Dance set is limited only by the length of the hall. To join a set, all you need is a partner. If you have danced squares, you will enjoy Contras immediately.

In Contra Dancing, your feet are never asked to do more than walk to the music. Each dance is taught by the caller before it is danced. The caller continues to prompt the dancers as needed. Because the pattern of moves of each Contra Dance is repeated often, Contra Dances are easy to learn. Both beginning and experienced dancers happily share the same set.

Contra Dances have a relaxed, family-like atmosphere where the emphasis is on dancing. Contra Dancing is excellent exercise that you can take at your own pace. Above all, Contra Dancers form a community of friendly, active people and they welcome new dancers, be they youngsters or seniors. Most dancers range from 25 to 70 years old.

What if I don’t have a partner? No problem. Many people come to a Contra Dance alone. Dancers are encouraged to dance with many different partners throughout the evening. Come check it out Oct. 15th at 1:00pm in the Clubhouse. Hope to see you at a dance!

Entry Filed under: Activities