Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Contra Dancing
FAQs
WE LOVE HAVING NEW DANCERS! And, because we know you’ll love our dance community, first time attendees will receive a “2nd Dance Free” coupon!
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about contra dancing that we hope will give you more confidence and add to your enjoyment of it. We’ve also provided lesson videos below to help, but you don’t have to absorb everything at once. You’ll naturally learn the calls and moves, one by one, as you encounter them in lessons or dances.
Remember, the most important thing is to relax and have fun! It’s just a dance, so if you make a mistake, laugh and catch up to the next move. We were ALL new dancers once!
What is Contra Dance?
Contra dancing is a lively family-friendly social dance that anyone can attend with or without a partner. Over the course of each dance, you’ll interact not just with your own partner for that dance, but with everyone else in the set. No experience is necessary and all dances are completely explained and “walked through” by the caller before the music starts. Since your feet are never asked to do more than walk to the beat of the music, many people find contra dance easier to learn than other forms of social dancing.
A typical evening of contra dance is three hours long, with a snack break after the first half. The band will usually play music for a couples’ waltz at the break and another waltz at the end of the evening. Water is provided and snacks to share at the break are always welcome.
What if I’ve never Contra Danced before?
The best way to understand Contra Dancing is to try it out. First-timers are always welcome and encouraged to attend the pre-dance Beginner lesson. It’s a great way to learn the basics, so feel free to attend the lesson multiple times. You will learn new things each time and continue to gain confidence. After the lesson, jump right in and try the dance. Generally, the easier dances are earlier in the evening to allow new dancers to try out what they’ve just learned.
Do I need a partner?
No, you don’t need a partner to attend contra dances. It is customary to change partners after each dance, even if we attend with a partner or spouse. There are always plenty of friendly experienced people to dance with. They are happy to dance with new dancers and eager to help you learn and enjoy yourself. If you mess up a step or two, no one cares, as long as you’re having fun!
Anyone may ask anyone else to dance. If you attend with a partner, you will find that you learn faster if you seek out experienced dancers, especially for the first few dances. Either gender may ask the other to dance. It is also common for women to dance the men’s part (and vice versa) to fill out the set and get everyone dancing.
What should I wear?
Clothing: Generally, contra dancers are an informal bunch and dress to reflect that. Contra dancing can be great aerobic exercise, so dress comfortably in something you can move in. You will see folks wearing twirly skirts and kilts, while others might be wearing jeans or shorts. If dancing is particularly athletic for you, you may want to bring an extra shirt.
Shoes: Since we dance on hardwood floors, it is recommended that you bring a separate pair of shoes from the ones worn to the dance. Be sure to wear soft-soled, comfortable shoes that will slide easily across the floor. Contra dancers have used jazz shoes, leather dress shoes, bare feet, duct-taped bare feet, character shoes, dance sneakers and regular sneakers or shoes (with or without suede or leather glued to the soles). We recommend that you avoid high heeled shoes, steel-toed boots and any shoe that is made to grip the floor … the floor and your feet, knees and hips will thank you.
Otherwise, don’t worry about what to wear – there is no special costume, just be comfortable and HAVE FUN!!
Are there some tips that are good to know?
Hands Four – You’ll hear the caller or dancers saying “hands four” at the beginning of each dance. This is a signal for folks to line up for the next dance. Starting at the head of the line, two couples join hands and it continues down the line until all couples are paired.
Eye Contact – Contra dancers make eye contact whenever possible. This builds connection, enhances balance and reduces dizziness during the swing. However, some people are uncomfortable with it, especially at first, so another option is to focus on the person’s forehead or shoulder.
Timing – All dances are designed and timed so that each figure flows seamlessly from one pattern to the next. The music has eight-measure phrases and your ear will begin to pick up those phrases the more you dance. Your footfalls should match the rhythm of the tunes, so if you walk on step with the beat, you’ll be right on time.
Listening – When the caller is teaching, the dance runs much more smoothly if everyone quietly pays attention, takes “hands four” promptly, and follows the instructions so everyone may learn the figures before the music starts.
Recovery & Graceful Exit – If you lose your place, laugh, find your partner and catch up to the next move. If you must drop out mid-dance (this is rare), please try to hang on until you reach the end of the line. From there, you can usually step out without disrupting the flow of the dance for the other dancers in the line.
What if I have more questions?
Feel free to chat with folks at the dance. They were all new dancers at one time and are happy to share what they know so you can enjoy it as much as they do. Honest! Or email us via the Contact Us page.
You will find contra dancing across the country and around the globe. Numerous dance communities host dances and festivals throughout the year. Check out the announcements table for other dance opportunities. There are also loads of Contra Dance videos on YouTube. A quick search for Contra Dance on Google provides additional resources.
For more in-depth reading, visit Contra Dance on Wikipedia.
This might all sound very technical and confusing, but just follow the lead of your partners and you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
Watch a Contra Dance beginner lesson in action! Check out the helpful YouTube videos below.
Contra Dance Beginner Lessons in Action
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Photo credits: Dave Pokorney, Charlie Pruett
Video credit: Charlie Pruett, Jim Crawford
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