© 2019 Louis F. Dow Studio
About
Contradance
Some Contra Dance history -
Contra Dance is a traditional, American folk dance originating in New England and some other isolated, rural areas around the time of the American Revolution. It was particularly popular in the winter when young folks were relatively isolated and often snowed-in but wanted a way to meet and establish friendships and relationships. Because the original audience consisted of ordinary folks, the dance had to be easy to learn. Dancers were energetic and enthusiastic so the dance developed a high- energy and often improvisational style. Contra Dance has been in and out of favor many times since its beginning. Several years ago there was a revival of interest especially among young dancers in New England, the Carolinas, in Los Angele and now in Florida. Now, as originally, the music is almost always played live. Musicians play traditional reels and jigs along with a mix of more contemporary music while a caller leads dancers through the various patterns. The music is lively, the dance style is informal, easy-to-learn and a lot of fun, even for beginners. While the dance shares roots with a number of other folk dances, particularly English, French and Canadian folk dance, it’s a truly American dance form, developed originally in small-town New England and which has now spread around the country.
A typical dance -
A Contra Dance is danced by any number of couples dancing in what is termed a “longways set.” Most dancers change partners with each dance. An evening of Contra Dances usually begins with an introduction and some instruction for new dancers, usually in the half-hour immediately before the dance begins, followed by a number of individual dances. There are also a few waltzes or other similar couple dances. Beginners are welcomed by more practised dancers and mistakes are made but dancers are there to have fun and most will go out of their way to be helpful.
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About
Contradance
Some Contra Dance history -
Contra Dance is a traditional, American folk dance originating in New England and some other isolated, rural areas around the time of the American Revolution. It was particularly popular in the winter when young folks were relatively isolated and often snowed-in but wanted a way to meet and establish friendships and relationships. Because the original audience consisted of ordinary folks, the dance had to be easy to learn. Dancers were energetic and enthusiastic so the dance developed a high- energy and often improvisational style. Contra Dance has been in and out of favor many times since its beginning. Several years ago there was a revival of interest especially among young dancers in New England, the Carolinas, in Los Angele and now in Florida. Now, as originally, the music is almost always played live. Musicians play traditional reels and jigs along with a mix of more contemporary music while a caller leads dancers through the various patterns. The music is lively, the dance style is informal, easy-to-learn and a lot of fun, even for beginners. While the dance shares roots with a number of other folk dances, particularly English, French and Canadian folk dance, it’s a truly American dance form, developed originally in small-town New England and which has now spread around the country.
