strathspey@strathspey.org:27659

Fyreladdie

Re: Contra dancing

Oct. 2, 2001, 4:33 p.m. (Message 27659, in reply to message 27655)

Jan,
    Contra dancing is closely related to English Country Dancing. It is done 
in lines much the same as SCD or ECD. Often the 1st or 2nd couple have 
switched sides. Dancers continue to dance down the row of ppeople until they 
reach the bottom and return by moving up the row of people, Generally, there 
arte no divided sets. It was a form of dancing done in the colonies early in 
American history. Many of the Irish, English and Scottish tunes are used. 
There is little or no footwork and differences on how some of the figures are 
executed ie: Ladies Chain. 
    It seems to be very attractive to many people because of the ease at 
which one can enter the dance. With a good set of dancers it can be a 
delightful diversion. With people less skilled, it can get rough and not as 
enjoyable. Contra uses a caller which will call the entire dance. I, too, 
find the social aspect of Contra less than in SCD.

Bob Mc Murtry
Felton, CA