
A Contra Dance Primer

Les Francey and Farrell Boyce, Hamilton Contra Dances



What is Contra Dancing?

Contra Dancing is a form of American folk dance in which the dancers form a set of two 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.

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Is Contra Dancing Similar to Square Dancing?

Many of the basic moves in Contra Dancing are similar to those in square dancing (swings, promenades, dos-à-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 the set, all you need is a partner. If you have danced squares, you will enjoy Contras immediately.

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What if I Have Never Danced Before?

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.

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Why Should I Dance Contras?

Contra Dances have a relaxed, family-like atmosphere where the emphasis is on dancing, a welcome relief to noisy and smoky dance halls. The patterns of the dances are nifty. 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 20 to 65 years old.

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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. If there is an excess of one gender, it is customary for women to dance men's parts (and vice versa) to form couples and extend the set.

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Do I Need to Wear Special Clothes?

No. Contra Dancers tend to dress informally. Most people dress for comfort and in anticipation of vigorous exercise. Ladies prefer loose, light dresses or skirts; men wear lightweight slacks, jeans, or even shorts. Be sure to wear soft-soled, comfortable shoes.

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What is the Music Like?

For many dancers, the live music is the great attraction. Traditional jigs, reels, and hornpipes from the Scots-Irish tradition on both sides of the Atlantic form the basic repertoire. The fiddle is often the lead instrument.

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Do I Have to Join a Club?

No. You may come and go as you please. Admission is charged to pay for the hall, the caller and the musicians. You may purchase an annual membership if you wish; this costs $10 per year, and gives you a $5 discount on the admission price at each dance.

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What if I Still Have More Questions?

Check out our more detailed Contraculturedocument or e-mail Les Francey.



This description was written for a pamphlet promoting Hamilton Contra Dances and first published during our 1992 - 1993 season. This content copyright © Hamilton Contra Dances unless otherwise attributed. Permission to reproduce material from this site is hereby granted, subject to due credit being given to the source and author(s). Site address: www.hamiltoncontra.ca. The Hamilton Contra Dances website is maintained by Nora Gaskin.

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