What is Contra Dance?

Contra dance is a general term for a number of different styles of traditional dance. The unifying theme between Contra Dancing Styles is that pairs pair opposite each other in long lines that have no fixed length. Contra dance is especially popular in the United States, where it is also known as traditional dance in New England. At the end of the 17th century, the French began to accept many English rural dances and mix them with aspects of French formal dances. Dubbed dances Contredanese or contra-dance . Later, as dancing in the English country took place through the world, it was referred to by the English version of the French name: Contra Dance.Ost from square dances. In the end, the dances of the squares themselves were replaced by dancing of couples like Waltz, and the counter dance fell even more into the darkness. Although Square Dancing had a nationwide recovery at the age of 30, the counter dance remained outside the reflector, with the exception of several isolated regions.

The largest enclave of traditional dances was in New England, especially in the far north, such as parts of northern Vermont and Maine. There, the counter dance never came out of fashion and the community maintained practice and steps alive. When the interest in counter dance was revived in the 1950s, these small enclaves functioned as a storage of steps and traditions for new dancers from which they could draw. Ted Sanella was perhaps the most famous of those who brought the dancing back, expanded and modernized the traditional counter dance at the age of 50 and 60.

In modern times, Contra dance has seen extensive revival and dances can be found in many rural cities and in most large cities. Dance Contra is an amazing event for beginners and families because it tends to be open to people of all skills and it is a friendly and open environment. Children and new dancers are invited to join, and most of the dances will have a short time before the start of their own dance, which serves asShort class in dance and various techniques.

Music in Contra Dancing is done live and usually consists of traditional English, Irish and Scottish tunes, which are played on traditional instruments. The caller leads dancers with every dance, first by explanation of the steps at the beginning of the dance, in the period known as a walk. After passing, the dance begins itself, during which the caller calls several times steps and lets the dancers repeat steps before allowing them to dance. Usually at the end of the dance will also be called the last step.

Culture Contra Dance is informal, but often includes traditional elements. Women can wear a swirling peasant skirt, men can wear occasional clothing and the behavior of dancers will often tend to traditional attitudes, with dancers formally thanking at the end of each dance. Due to group dynamics of contra dancing is a very social activity and many of them perceive the counter dance as a way to establish new friends and meet withnew people.