Contra Dance

What is contra dance? After attending the contra dance tonight, my answer to this question would have to be, quite simply; EPIC! That may not be the legal definition, but in my opinion it describes contra dance perfectly. The contra dance at Bloomington’s boys and girls club was one of the best social and musical experiences that I have ever had the privilege to take part in. The contra dance was more than a fun experience; it was also a learning experience.  After attending the contra dance and observing the environment, I would say that contra dance is more than just a dance. I would argue that contra dance is better described not as a simple form of entertainment but as a means to social bonding.           

The thought of going out and dancing in front of a large number of people had originally terrified me. My only thought was that I have no rhythm and would surely be laughed out of the building. Despite everything I have learned in class these past two weeks, I still held on to the idea that in order for me to go out and enjoy dancing I would have to have at least some talent for it, which I do not.  I was sure that going to the contra dance would end up as one of my more embarrassing nights. I most definitely did not think I would have any fun, despite the reassurance of my professor.  I assumed I would suffer through a dance or two and then take my rightful place on the side lines with the rest of the dance impaired participants to wait until we were allowed to leave. I can happily say that none of my expectations for this experience were met.  The contra dance turned out to be the most fun I had had since arriving in Bloomington.

            When I first arrived at the contra dance I was nervous, as were most of my classmates. We were told to pick a partner for the first dance, so I safely selected one of my classmates and joined one of the two lines. We were paired into groups of four and the caller walked us through the moves of the first dance, none of which I understood. I thought for sure that our lack of knowledge would offend the seasoned dancers with which my partner and I were paired, however I was wrong. The couple we were paired with for the first part of the dance were extremely welcoming and helpful. I was more shocked to discover that the other seasoned dancers we were paired with were equally as welcoming and helpful. No one seemed to care that we had no clue what we were doing; in fact most people seamed thrilled to have newcomers that they could teach. As the song progressed, I was able to get most of the steps down, with the help of several more experienced dancers.  By the time the third dance started, I was filled with confidence. The exciting energy of the environment, coupled with the welcoming people left me with an amazing feeling of pure joy.  I had only just experienced contra dance for the first time, but in that short amount of time I developed a strong sense of belonging and really felt connected to the people there.  

            When it comes to more mainstream forums for public dance, the environment, goals, and values are completely different than that of contra dance.  Mainstream public dance is typically found in places like bars and clubs. These bars and clubs act as host for public dance with the purpose of making money. The purpose of hosting contra dance is to bring people together and have a good time. The type of dancing performed at bars and clubs is highly different than contra dance. Dances performed at bars and a club typically consists of people shaking their bodies in front of each other, and involves very little actual movement. Participants of club dancing have very little interest in forming a connection with their dance partner and are more focused on pleasing themselves.   Club dancing does often involve two people being very close to one another but is actually far less personal than contra dancing. The participants of contra dance have practically no choice in the matter of forming a connection with their dance partners.  At a contra dance, every one dances with each member of the group at some point and the moves they perform are often very intimate.

            Participatory music making and social actions are very unique experiences, which have several benefits. One of the biggest benefits of participatory music making and social actions is that everyone and anyone can take part. There are no barriers keeping people from joining in. The aspects of participatory music making and social actions are very simple and allow everyone to take part despite their skill set. Participatory music making and social actions also allow for variation so that more advanced participants do not become bored. Participatory music making and social activities enable participants to form a connection. These connections can have a greater impact on people and their lives. People are able to gain an understanding of the people with which they form these connections. This new found understanding of people different than one’s self can help open up the mind to the world around them.  Taking part in a local participatory social action, such as a farmers’ market, can help to improve one’s community.  The benefits of participatory music making and social actions are vast and it is important to keep them in mind when approached with the opportunity to take part in a participatory action.

I left the contra dance with a new outlook on dance. I had an incredibly good time and I would definitely want to go again. The regular participants of the contra dance were very friendly and welcoming, it’s true, but there was more to their kindness than just wanting to be a good person. The people there genuinely wanted the newcomers to experience the joy and excitement that contra dance brings them.  I have only taken part in the contra dance this one time; however, after just one time I too have the same feeling of wanting to share the amazing experience I had with others.  The experience was so amazing that I have no doubt I will return to the contra dance again. I would be thrilled to attend this event again for my own enjoyment, but more importantly I want to be able to go back with my friends and family. I want other people to have the chance to take part in the same unique experience that I was lucky enough to take part in. I want them to feel the same unique connection with the participants that can only be found in the kind of participatory environment that comes with contra dance.