Contra-about it
Why Contra dancing is great!
I have been recommending Contra dancing to loads of people. There isn't a massive scene in Bristol; in fact, there's only one Contra dance a month (which is quite sad, though it also makes it very exciting when it comes around). Now, when I first tell people they should 'come Contra dancing this Friday', they say something like, 'what is that?' or 'country dancing?'. I don't think definitions are helpful for dancing. The most common one given for Contra is something like, 'In Contra dance, dancers form long parallel lines that run the length of the hall, with partners facing each other'. There are a bunch of snazzy twirls and swings, with different formations and a caller who tells you what to do. But what is better than a definition? Videos! Here is one featuring my friends Robyn and Jack at Bristol Contra (my local scene) and some from IVFDF (InterVarsity Folk Dancing Festival)!
Few things to note - Lark and Robyn are ways to refer to dancer I assume this was done to move towards gender-free calling in Contra. Usually, a Lark leads and a Robyn follows…usually.
I am pretty addicted to Contra dancing now, and I suspect there are a few reasons why:
a) The movements in Contra are very satisfying
A few of the moves you've seen, such as the Contra swing, Petronella, circle lefts/rights, California twirl, and Robyn's chain, are incredibly satisfying to perform. It's challenging to describe precisely why this is the case, as the articulation often fails to capture the full experience. However, the movements feel fluid, gentle, and expressive. Many of the moves may not appear flashy or complex, but the sensations and emotions they evoke are incredible and joyous. For example, the quick swings that seamlessly flow into circle lefts create a wonderful sense of connection and euphoria.
b) Once you get the basics, you can get creative
After attending a few Contra dances and getting comfortable with the fundamental steps and patterns, you can start to get really creative and experiment with the moves. If my partner is willing, I often enjoy switching between the Lark and Robyn roles. When doing a left-hand star, I might put my right hand in and move in the opposite direction. While some dancers are quite particular about following the caller's instructions to the letter, I don’t really see much point that. Live a little, my friend! Though don’t be an ass, and recognise others are dancing with you as well!
c) Partnered dancing is great for someone who enjoys physical touch and affection
I wasn't much of a hugger before I moved to England, and the idea of dancing? Forget about it, I would've been scared out of my mind! But over the past few years, from 2021 to 2023, I've gone through a big change. I started feeling more at home in my own body. Part of it was thanks to getting into running and getting fitter, and another part was going to therapy, which helped me rebuild my confidence. Just getting out there on the dance floor, messing up, and learning from it all played a role too. And now? I'm totally cool with dancing with anyone, and I absolutely love it! Physical affection and touch have become really important to me, and dancing is a pretty nice way of getting that.
d) The music is great
Anyways all of this spiel is to say that if you’re in Bristol this Friday - Contra is on! Or find it somewhere else in your area!