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dance videos in full quality. Click the links
below.)
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Contra dancing is fun, easy, and for
all ages who are active. It is done to live music, which has Celtic,
bluegrass, and jazz/rock roots. No experience is necessary. Contra
dancing is a great way to meet people and get exercise.
This site contains downloadable contra
dance video to give you a feel for what your first visit might be
like.
You will find links of local groups so
that you can find a scheduled contra dance near
you.
The roots of contra dancing are Irish, Scottish, and
English with more modern influences from French Canada, Cajun
Louisiana, and Appalachia.
Come alone
or bring your friends, family, co-workers,
whoever.
People at contra dancing are
friendly, casual and helpful. Contra dancing is easy to
learn. Almost all contra is done to live music.
Contra dancing is a safe, low-pressure
place to meet people.
What you may want to bring with
you to your first contra dance:
-Some halls require white-soled shoes,
this could mean: sneakers,
sandals, or shoes with leather or suede soles: anything
that won't mark the
floor.
-Light clothes. Contra dancing is
real exercise, cottons are suggested.
-The cost of admission: usually between 5
and 10 dollars.
-Bring cold non-alcoholic drinks and
snacks. (Many halls have minimal refreshments.)
-Almost all halls are smoke and alcohol
free.
-Bring a sense of adventure and a
smile.
We hope that you will see from the
videos on this site that contra dancing will provide you with an enjoyable social
activity and lots of exercise at the same
time
