Quote:
|
I keep hearing people talk about contra dances. What are they? Best of luck with class prep, i'm sure you'll be wonderful!
|
Contra dances are SOOOO fun. How to describe.
Okay it's a little bit similar to square dancing, in that there is generally live music on a stage and a dance caller. However, rather than being in a four couple square formation, you are with a partner in a long line of partners. Every other couple is either number 1 or number 2 alternating as you go down the line. Ones progress down the line away from the stage, twos progress up the line toward the stage. When you reach the end of the line you switch number- if you were a 1 you are now a 2, and back again.
You're progressing with dance steps, you usually do a round of like, 6-8 dance steps with your partner and your corresponding 1 or 2 and then progress in your direction and do the same steps with that new partnership.
Usually the caller calls for the first maybe 8 rounds and then you're expected to memorize it. If folks start messing up a lot the caller usually jumps in with a reminder call.
It's a very old traditional form of dance which has been embraced by many generations. Not only is it super fun in nature, but participants in many areas have also evolved with it so that anyone can lead, anyone can follow, men rock twirly skirts, and fun is had by all. It's also started turning into a techno craze where it's electrified with techno music.
Confusing to write descriptions. Here's a video of one of my favorite contra bands performing at the dance festival we're been talking about over in the Hobbies discussion area. Get past the first 1:45 min and you see the dancing. But these guys rock on the music so enjoy them too.
Here's a poorly filmed techno contra: I'm psyched we're adding a techno contra party to the saratoga dance festival this year.