What is Contra Dancing?

There are many theories about where "Contra Dancing" came from. Most people would say England or France, but a commonly held opinion is that contra dances, or simply, 'contras', evolved from English Country Dances brought to America by the Colonists in the 1700's. Since many of the early dance masters (teachers) in America were French, they may have changed the word "country" to the French word "contre" (meaning 'across from' or 'contrary') because of the opposing or "contrary" lines of dancers. The French word "contre" has since been Americanized to "contra".

A few of the dances we do today are identical to the ones done centuries ago, but many have changed and evolved with the times. New dances are also being written all the time. The result is a living tradition and just plain fun!

If you've seen square dancing, you will recognize some of the elements of Contra. Many of the figures are the same, and as with square dancing, there is a caller to tell people which figures to dance and when. A Contra set is a long line of couples from one end of the dance floor to the other. Partners dance with each of the other couples along the line until they have danced with them all. Since typically a person dances witha new partner each dance as well as with new couples along the set, by the end of an evening, a person has danced with nearly everyone in the room! Contra dancing is danced to traditional music, such as jigs, reels, and marches, which come to us from the British Isles, French Canada, or Southern Appalachia.

New Contra Dance Communities are popping up around the country everyday. Why? Here are some of the many reasons:

  • Most dances feature live music
  • No previous dance experience is required, since most dances start with a "Beginner's Session"
  • Throughout the evening, all dances are taught and then called
  • No costumes or special clothing are needed
  • Dancers are not expected or required to arrive with a partner
  • Admission at dances are reasonable compared to other forms of entertainment
  • Dancing is a wonderful aerobic exercise
  • Like the "barn dances" of the old days, they are great community gatherings for people of all ages.

For more information about Contra Dancing, visit the following web sites: