What to Expect at a Contra Dance

So what is contra dance?

Contra dance has origins from English country dance, Scottish and French dances, and strong influence from Appalachia. Contra dancing is danced in long lines of couples/pairs formed starting from the stage and down the dance hall; couples progress up and down these lines, dancing with every other couple in the line. The dance is led by a caller who teaches the sequence of figures in the dance before the music starts and continues to call through all or part of the dance. Each time through the dance takes 64 beats, after which the pattern is repeated. Contra dance incorporates various figures, the Balance & Swing, Do-Si-Do, Promenade and several others, each of which will be taught as needed in a walk-through preceding each dance or during the beginners’ lesson.

What kind of music will I hear?

Music played for contra dances includes, but is not limited to Irish, Scottish, old-time and French-Canadian folk tunes. The fiddle is considered the core instrument, though other instruments such as the guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin and percussion instruments are played as well.

How much does it cost?

Adults pay $10.00 and ages 12-26 pay $5.00. Children under 12 dance for free; they must be accompanied by an adult. Big Scioty adult members pay $7.00, and ages 12-26 pay $3.00. We take cash or check.

All Soles Contra and Squares is another local contra group (we include their dances in our schedule). Their admission fees are the same but they don’t offer membership prices.

What should I bring/wear?

Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean dry shoes that will let you move easily on our nice wooden floor. To say on waste, bring a water bottle. We supply water and snacks, but welcome any additional snack donations! Alcohol beverages are not permitted.

Do I need to bring a partner?

Contra dance is a social dance – the goal is to enjoy the dance
and help others have a good time, too.

These tips will help beginners and experienced dancers get the
most from the dance and create a great dance community!

Technique and Terms

• Hands four: Most dances begin with “hands four,” meaning four people, i.e. two couples, join hands. Couple #1 faces down the hall, away from the music, while couple #2 faces up the hall. It begins at the head of the line and continues down until all couples are paired.
• Eye contact: Whenever executing a figure, make eye contact with the person with whom you are dancing. This does not signal a proposition but merely acknowledges a connection with your fellow dancers. It also enhances balance and reduces dizziness during swinging. If eye contact is uncomfortable for you, try looking at your partner’s ear, collar, etc.
• Give Weight: Remember how as children, you would lock elbows and swing each other around. This is what is meant by giving weight. It is the physical connection between dancers, whether in a swing, balance, courtesy turn, etc. Each dancer counterbalances their own weight with that of fellow dancers to propel one another through the figures. It enhances grace, fluidity, and continuity throughout the dance.
• Swing: Square your shoulders parallel with your partner and hold your arms firm but not rigid. Don’t squeeze too tightly or bend your partner’s wrists. Though you and your partner may choose to swing vigorously, always maintain balance, control your space, and respect the spatial needs of the other dancers.
• Swing hold: Your supporting hand – right for the gent’s role, left for the lady’s role – should be on your partner’s upper back for a safe hold. Please be aware that some dancers do not like to swing too vigorously; respect any request to be more gentle.
• Swing steps: Strive for a smooth rhythmic step – bouncing up and down can be very uncomfortable for a partner.
• Twirling: “Twirling the lady” is a popular embellishment. Though the gent typically leads the lady into a twirl, it is the lady’s prerogative to follow the lead or override it.
• Timing: Dance each figure within its musical phrase. Remember, “better never than late.” If you lose your place and all else fails, wait for the inevitable partner swing, find your partner, and pick up from there.
• Graceful Exit: If you must drop out mid-dance (this is rare), please try to hang on till you reach the end of the line. From there, you can usually step out without disrupting the other dancers in the line.
• Flourishes: Many experienced contra dancers improvise or use flourishes during a dance. Dancing in time to the music and helping your partner to be on time are always more important than embellishments. When improvising, maintain a sense of “place” within your line. Respect, discretion, and common sense are your best guide to what is or is not appropriate; be sensitive to new dancers who may not be ready to try twirls or may have issues with dizziness.

How to dress

• No dress code! Just wear clothes that will keep you cool and allow you to move in comfort.
• Avoid any jewelry that will catch on other’s clothes or scratch their hands or wrists.
• Remember your dance shoes. If you do not have shoes that you use only for dancing, please wipe the bottom of your shoes; we do not want to bring grit onto our nice wooden dance floor.
• If you perspire heavily, consider bringing an extra shirt and changing during the break.
• Please omit perfumes and scented products to accommodate dancers with allergies.

Big Scioty Contra Dance delights in presenting a warm, happy, comfortable, family-friendly environment where friends can gather to enjoy contra dancing. We want YOU to feel safe and comfortable here and to look forward to dancing with us again. If there is something we can do to make our dances better, please let us know. If someone or something makes you uncomfortable, please talk to a board member (Richard Ades, Richard Reichard, Ellie Nowels, or Martha Shaw) or else drop an email to bigsciotycontra@gmail.com. If there is something we are doing well, please tell us about that, too!

*Thanks to Wikipedia and a number of other contra groups’ flyers for these hints