Portland contra dance musicians, like contra dance musicians everywhere, play a repertoire of tunes that come from the four corners of this continent and beyond. This nomenclature stems from the music: Most contra dance tunes (as written) have two parts (A and B), each 8 measures long, and each fitting one part of the dance. 4.8 out of 5 stars 9. The music played includes, but is not limited to, Irish, Scottish, old-time and French-Canadian folk tunes. Most contra dances consist of a sequence of about 6 to 12 individual figures, prompted by the caller in time to the music as the figures are danced. Almost all contra dances are danced to live music. As the dance pattern progresses the "1s" within each group of four people will move Down the Hall away from the music to find new dancers, while the 2s in each group of four will progress/move UP the Hall toward the Caller and the music. Contra Borealis Dancers Fairbanks. Booking ahead by asking partner or partners ahead of time for each individual dance is common at some venues, but has been discouraged by some. In terms of instrumentation, fiddles are considered to be the primary melody instrument in contra dancing,[40] though other stringed instruments can also be used, such as the mandolin or banjo, in addition to a few wind instruments, for example, the accordion. [32] However, low heeled, broken-in, soft-soled, non-marking shoes, such as dance shoes, sneakers, or sandals, are recommended and, in some places, required. At the end of each dance, the dancers thank their partners. Contra dance events are open to all, regardless of experience unless explicitly labeled otherwise, and it is common to see dancers anywhere from 15 to 70 years of age, and with a variety of backgrounds. Once music starts, the Caller will continue to talk on their microphone and describe each move until the dancers are comfortable with that dance pattern. The dance is led by a caller who teaches the sequence of figures in the dance before the music starts. We feature the artists who played in this ‘classic’ period, and welcome you to share the joy of contra. Music and Dancing 6:30-9pm BYOB. Contra Dancing is a popular form of recreation enjoyed by people of all ages in over 200 cities and towns across the United states (as of 2020), yet it also has a long history that includes European origins, and over 100 years of cultural influences from many different sources. In the Celtic repertoires it is common to change keys with each tune. The fiddle is considered the core instrument, though other stringed instruments can be used, such as the guitar, banjo, bass and mandolin, as well as the piano, accordion, flute, clarinet and more. For those who love good music and almost know left from right. About Us • What Is Contra Dance? Irish, Scottish, French Canadian, and Old-time tunes are common, and Klezmer tunes have also been used. [26][27][28][29], Most contra dances do not have an expected dress code. The most common contra dance repertoire is rooted in the Anglo-Celtic tradition as it developed in North America. The parts are called A1, A2, B1 and B2. Contra dances are family-friendly, and alcohol consumption is not part of the culture. [47] Techno has become especially prevalent in Asheville, NC, but regular techno contra dance series are spreading up the East Coast to locales such as Charlottesville, VA,[48] Washington, D.C.,[49] Amherst, MA, Greenfield, MA, and various North Carolina dance communities, with one-time or annual events[50] cropping up in locations farther west, including California, Portland, OR, and Washington state. Variable. The "walk through" also helps understand how the dance pattern leads toward new people each time. [30] As dancing can be aerobic, dancers are sometimes encouraged to bring a change of clothes. (For diagrams and full descriptions, see Contra Dance Form main article.). In the old-time tradition the musicians will either play the same tune for the whole dance, or switch to tunes in the same key. One who attends an evening of contra dances in North America does not need to bring his or her own partner. A typical room of Contra dancers may include about 120 people; but this varies from 30 people in smaller towns, to over 300 people in cities like Washington DC, Los Angeles, or New York. A count may also be called a step, as contra dance is a walking form, and each count of a dance typically matches a single physical step in a figure. If the sets are short to medium length the caller will often try to run the dance until each couple has danced with every other couple both as a 1 and a 2 and returned to where they started. Each dance is a collection of figures assembled to allow the dancers to progress along the set (see "Progression," above). They also sometimes appear as late night events during contra dance weekends. A count (as used above) is one half of a musical measure, such as one quarter note in 24 time or three eighth notes in 68 time. While the same music is generally played in, for example, parts A1 and A2, distinct choreography is followed in those parts. While all dancers in the room are part of the same dance pattern, half of the couples in the room are moving toward the band/music at any moment and half are facing away from the music, so when everybody steps forward, they will find new people to dance with for the next 30-40 seconds. Callers describe the series of steps called "figures", and in a single dance, a caller may include anywhere from 6–12 figures which are repeated as couples progress up and down the lines. This effect is almost like having a checker board with red & black pieces evenly arranged across the whole board, and all red pieces gradually moving toward one side while all black pieces progressing toward the other side. biteyourownelbow.com Select RSS Feeds Edit Select Simulations, Applets and Visualizations Edit Select Slideshows Edit Select Societies, Associations, Groups, etc. Double progression dances, popularized by Herbie Gaudreau,[20] added to the aerobic nature of the dances, and one caller, Gene Hubert, wrote a quadruple progression dance, Contra Madness. Contra Dance Music Tune Books. Each time through the dance takes 64 beats, after which the pattern is repeated. Richard Robinson's Tunebook is a collection of traditional tunes, and new tunes in traditional styles. [8] In the mid-19th century, group dances started to decline in popularity in favor of quadrilles, lancers, and couple dances such as the waltz and polka. Contra dance choreography specifies the dance formation, the figures, and the sequence of those figures in a dance. The special sound of New England contra music has inspired dancers for generations. Sets are generally arranged so they run the length of the hall, with the top of the set being the end closest to the band and caller. Many modern contra dances have these characteristics:[39]. A pair of lines is called a set. Live music is the rule at today's contra dances, and the musicians who provide this music play an essential role in the success of the dance event. "contra dance music". The most common contra dance repertoire is rooted in the Anglo-Celtic tradition as it developed in North America. Music in a dance can consist of a single tune or a medley of tunes, and key changes during the course of a dance are common. As musicians and callers moved to other locations, they founded contra dances in Michigan, Washington, Oregon, California, Texas, and elsewhere. The Bay Area CDS and other California groups are hosting several events online, both on Facebook Live and Zoom. A set might start with a tune in G, switch to a tune in D, and end with a tune in Bm. (Previously, the actives and inactives —see Progression below— had significantly different roles). Instructive videos of several contra dance musicians and bands demonstrating how they select and play music for … The essence of the dance is in following the pattern with your set and your line; since there is no required footwork, many people find contra dance easier to learn than other forms of social dancing.[2]. The tunes may range from traditional originating a century ago, to modern compositions including electric guitar, synth keyboard, and driving percussion - so long as the music fits the timing for Contra dance patterns. CONTRA DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY A Reflection of Social Change MARY McNAB DART 1995. There's a start to a list of contra dance music on CDs. Techno differs from other contra dancing in that it is usually done to recorded music, although there are some bands that play live for techno dances. University of New Hampshire Special Collections: This page was last edited on 28 November 2020, at 13:59. They toured all over North America and are known for their epic dynamics and genre-transcending arrangements. The Portland Collection: Contra Dance Music in the Pacific Northwest is a collection of 318 traditional and recently composed jigs and reels played for dances in Portland, Oregon. [24] Many events offer beginner-level instructions prior to the dance. Website. [45][46] While challenging for DJs and callers, the fusion of contra patterns with moves from hip-hop, tango, and other forms of dance has made this form of contra dance a rising trend since 2008. [18] These and others continue to be popular and some offer other dances and activities besides contra dancing. [31] Lightweight skirts are often worn,[30] at some dances by men as well as women, as these have a very pretty effect when swinging or twirling. The walk-through usually proceeds in the order of the moves as they will be done with the music; in some dances, the caller may vary the order of moves during the dance, a fact that is usually explained as part of the caller's instructions. Contra dance music is lively and propelling, serving the purpose of driving and energizing dancers as they move up and down a dance floor in simple, called patterns, interacting with a partner, another couple, or another individual along the way. The Contra Dance Event (cont.) by George Penk , Susan Songer , et al. A typical evening of contra dance is three hours long, including an intermission. In the 1970s, Sannella and other callers introduced dance moves from English Country Dance, such as heys and gypsies, to the contra dances. [37] Couples interact primarily with an adjacent couple for each round of the dance. | Sacramento Country Dance Society", "Contra Dance in Houston, TX - Contra Dance Frequently Asked Questions", "Contraculture: Bird Names and the Degendering of Contra Dance", "Michael Dyck's Contradance Index: By Title", "Asheville and WNC folks helping grow 'Techno contra' dancing phenomenon", "After midnight: LEAF's late-night lineup is worth staying up for", Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Now, What in the World is Contra Dancing? As will necessarily be the case when beginners are welcomed in by more practiced dancers, mistakes are made; most dancers are willing to help beginners in learning the steps. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as New England folk dance or Appalachian folk dance. The piano, guitar, and double bass are frequently found in the rhythm section of a contra dance band. One of the primary supports for the choreography of the dances is, of course, the music. Contra tunes are played at a narrow range of tempos, between 108 and 132 bpm. About Contra [23] The Peterborough dance influenced Bob McQuillen, who became a notable musician in New England. In some places, square dances are thrown into the mix, sometimes at the discretion of the caller. [44], In recent years, younger contra dancers have begun establishing "crossover contra" or "techno contra" — contra dancing to techno, hip-hop, and other modern forms of music. Contra dancing is special because it is almost always done to live music. However, any 64-beat tune will do; for instance, three 8-beat parts could be played AABB AACC, or two 8-beat parts and one 16-beat part could be played AABB CC. In practice it's easier to "just do it", with the caller explaining things, and other dancers helping point the way, and the overall effect is that you enjoy dancing with one "set" of four people for 30 seconds, and then step forward and find "new people to play with" as you move across the room. Calls are normally given at least the first few times through, and often for the last. [17] Pittsburgh Contra Dance celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015. We do have the first two music collections however, "The Portland Collection: Contra Dance Music in the Pacific Northwest, 1 & 2", which are valued by us in many ways, which have a lot of old friends in them ~ melodies ~ and people mentioned, associated with, and contributing to these two excellent books. The Celtic Connection Ralph Page almost single-handedly maintained the New England tradition until it was revitalized in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly by Ted Sannella and Dudley Laufman. While teaching each dance pattern, the Caller may refer to the people who start closer to the band as "1s" and the people who started a few steps further from the music (but are facing toward the band) as "2s" (or the second couple). Audio CD $9.99 $ 9. The Brattleboro Dawn Dance started in 1976, and continues to run semiannually.[21][22]. [9] In the 1920s, he asked friend and dance coordinator in Massachusetts, Benjamin Lovett, to come to Michigan to begin a dance program. Beginners are welcome. The music played in the Monadnock Region along the Connecticut River from the 1970s to the early part of this century was particularly special. It has mixed origins from English country dance, Scottish country dance, and French dance styles in the 17th century. The emphasis will be on bands and musicians that play at contra dances. Watch this space and our Facebook page for updates. Music that is played during contra dance is most often build around the central instrument of the fiddle (other popular instruments are a mandolin, guitar, banjo, and bass), and most tunes are of the Irish, Scottish and French-Canadian traditional folk music (both single songs and medleys). Some contra dances are even done to techno music. I've limited myself to print versions and included the most common compilations, tunebooks from specific composers, and tunebooks from a historical or country of origin. Initially, Lovett could not as he was under contract at a local inn; consequently, Ford bought the property rights to the inn. Before around 1970, contra dancing was found only in New England, and danced primarily to traditional New England style music. A fundamental aspect of Contra Dancing is that each dancer interacts with several different people within the span of each song. Welcome to CFOOTMAD, your information source for contra and traditional dancing and music around Boulder, Denver and the Front Range. But it was about seven years ago, working at the Folkway, in Peterborough, that I became exposed to contra dance music and got the desire to teach myself how to play it.” Some of the most popular contra dance bands in recent years are Great Bear, Perpetual E-Motion, Buddy System, Crowfoot, Elixir, the Mean Lids, Nor'easter, Nova, Pete's Posse, the Stringrays, the Syncopaths, and Wild Asparagus. Typical contra dance choreography comprises four parts, each 16 counts (8 measures) long. The contra dance tradition in North America is to change partners for every dance, while in the United Kingdom typically people dance with the same partner the entire evening. [11] Ford also published a book titled Good Morning: After a Sleep of Twenty-Five Years, Old-Fashioned Dancing Is Being Revived in 1926 detailing steps for some contra dances.[12]. You can hear much of the contra dance music in Portland at contra dances everywhere. The special sound of New England contra music has inspired dancers for generations. Recent Examples on the Web Mud in Yer Eye, providing contra dance and folk music to Clevelanders since 1978, returns for another year of fun and frivolity. The caller gives the instructions orally, and sometimes augments them with demonstrations of steps by experienced dancers in the group. The music played in the Monadnock Region along the Connecticut River from the 1970s to the early part of this century was particularly special. Call 603 399-8361, click here for Order & Shipping Information. In the short break between individual dances, the dancers invite each other to dance. [51] In response to the demand for tecno contra, a number of contra dance callers have developed repertoires of recorded songs to play that go well with particular contra dances; these callers are known as DJs[52] A kind of techno/traditional contra fusion has arisen, with at least one band, Buddy System,[53] playing live music melded with synth sounds for techno contra dances. National standards and local favorites are included. This is because the tunings of the five-string banjo are key-specific. In the span of 10-15 minutes, you often dance with everybody in the entire set of dancers. Like wise, traditional New England music is unique because it still has strong ties to a social dance form. [3] Many dancers travel regionally (or even nationally) to contra dance weekends and week-long contra dance camps, where they can expect to find other dedicated dancers, great callers, and great bands.[4]. — cleveland.com, "Brecksville Reservation fall … [42] The last few years have seen some of the bands incorporate the Quebecois practice of tapping feet on a board while playing an instrument (often the fiddle). Where to Dance The old-time repertoire includes very few of the jigs common in the others. Contra Dance & Event Calendar MAPS : ICC =Irish Cultural Center, MCC =Mesa Community College, JHC =Jewish Heritage Center, GOCCC =Greek Orthodox Church Community Center 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm (Free lesson at 7:00 pm) Tunes not 64 beats long are called "crooked" and are almost never used for contra dancing, although a few crooked dances have been written as novelties. [5] As time progressed, these dances returned to England and were spread and reinterpreted in the United States, and eventually the French form of the name came to be associated with the American folk dances, where they were alternatively called "country dances" or in some parts of New England such as New Hampshire, "contradances". By then, early dance camps, retreats, and weekends had emerged, such as Pinewoods Camp, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which became primarily a music and dance camp in 1933,[16] and NEFFA, the New England Folk Festival, also in Massachusetts, which began in 1944. [30] No special outfits are worn, but comfortable and loose-fitting clothing that does not restrict movement is usually recommended. A musician since age 5, he remembers enduring the pain of childhood piano lessons. The French called these dances contra-dances or contredanses (which roughly translated "opposites dance"), as indicated in a 1710 dance book called Recuil de Contredance. 99. Music for the evening is typically performed by a live band, playing jigs and reels from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, or the USA. Listed by Musician or Band, Contra, The Tradition Dancers do not need to memorize these patterns in advance, since the dance leader, or "Caller", will generally explain the pattern for each song before the music begins, and give people a chance to "walk through" the pattern so both new and experienced dancers can learn the moves. However, since the underlying beat structure of jigs and reels is the same (two "counts" per bar) bands will occasionally mix jigs and reels in a set. Greenwood, VA - Contra dance - Second and Fourth Sundays - Facebook About page. “My mother was a pianist, that’s where the incentive came from origninlly. Correspondingly, the bottom of the set is the end farthest from the caller.[36]. As the sequence repeats, the caller may cut down his or her prompting, and eventually drop out, leaving the dancers to each other and the music. Robert Cox hosts a biweekly radio show and podcast called Contracast featuring contra dance music. [36] There are many additional forms a contra dance may take. Five of them are: triplet, indecent, four-face-four, and whole-set. Contra Dance Music: A Working Musician's Guide is a gold mine of links to articles about playing for dances by musicians and callers. An old-time band might play a set of tunes in D, then use the time between dances to retune for a set of tunes in A. First Couple Balance & Swing, finish facing down to make Lines of Four), containing at least one swing and normally both a partner swing and a neighbour swing, the vast majority of the moves from a set of well-known moves that the dancers know already, composed mostly of moves that keep you connected to the other dancers, generally danced to 32 bar jigs or reels played at between 110 and 130 bpm, danced with a smooth walk with many spins and twirls. We also have additional special events such as Sunday afternoon contra dances and calling parties. P.O. Sometimes described as New England folk dance or Appalachian folk dance, contra dances can be found around the world, but are most common in the United States (periodically held in nearly every state), Canada, and other Anglophone countries. (Fiddlers also may take this opportunity to retune; tune- or key-specific fiddle tunings are uncommon in American Anglo-Celtic traditions other than old-time.). [6][7], Contra dances were fashionable in the United States and were considered one of the most popular social dances across class lines in the late 18th century, though these events were usually referred to as "country dances" until the 1780s, when the term contra dance became more common to describe these events. [14] The group Larkin founded is still performing, teaching the dances, and holding monthly open house dances in Tunbridge, VT.[14][15]. [34][35], Contra dances are arranged in long lines of couples. Irish, Scottish, French Canadian, and Old-time tunes are common, and Klezmer tunes have also been used. Notably, contra dance figures (with a few exceptions) do not have defined footwork; within the limits of the music and the comfort of their fellow dancers, individuals move according to their own taste. 3. All dances have been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. Contra dance includes everything from Irish tunes to French-Canadian folk tunes; the music almost always features a fiddle, but banjo and bass can be included. Each sub-group of two interacting couples is known to choreographers as a minor set and to dancers as a foursome or hands four. Couples in the same minor set are neighbors. Becket formation was introduced, with partners next to each other in the line instead of opposite. A single dance runs around ten minutes, long enough to progress at least 15-20 times. Contra Dance and Music. An event which consists primarily (or solely) of dances in this style is sometimes referred to as a Modern Urban Contra Dance. The dancers form couples, and the couples form sets of two couples in long lines starting from the stage and going down the length of the dance hall. Scots tunes, Irish tunes, Scandinavian, French, Balkan and more. at, listening to new music and exercising aerobically. Get it as soon as Thu, Feb 20. [10] Lovett and Ford initiated a dance program in Dearborn, Michigan that included several folk dances, including contras. Contredanse, genre of dance for several couples. The New England contra dance tradition was also maintained in Vermont by the Ed Larkin Old Time Contra Dancers, formed by Edwin Loyal Larkin in 1934. For eighteen years GREAT BEAR set the standard and pushed the boundaries of modern contra dance music. Couples consist of two people, traditionally (but not necessarily) one male (typically referred to by the caller as the gent, lead, man, lark, or left) and one female (typically referred to by the caller as the lady, follow, woman, raven, robin, or right). Tunes used for a contra dance are nearly always "square" 64-beat tunes, in which one time through the tune is each of two 16-beat parts played twice (this is notated AABB). Once people reach the edge of the room or "set" they may switch direction, rest/wait one 30-second cycle of the dance, and step back into the dance set to continue as long as music is still being played. (See the article on contra dance form for full characterizations of the progression in the eight dance forms mentioned above.) [1], Contra dancing is a social dance that one can attend without a partner. However, because the friendly, social nature of the dances can be misinterpreted or even abused, some groups have created anti-harassment policies. [43], Until the 1970s it was traditional to play a single tune for the duration of a contra dance (about 5 to 10 minutes). Throughout the course of a dance, couples progress up and down these lines, dancing with each other couple in the line. [54], Social folk dance with mixed European origins. [41] Occasionally, percussion instruments are also used in contra dancing, such as the Irish bodhran or less frequently, the dumbek or washboard. Musicians and callers on the art of contra dance music and calling from Old Farmer's Ball. A Portland Selection: Contra Dance Music In The Pacific Northwest. Minor sets originate at the head of the set, starting with the topmost dancers as the 1s (the active couple or actives); the other couple are 2s (or inactives). It might be more prudent, but less whimsical, to say that contra dance is one of the few dance forms where by the end of the evening you are likely to have danced with everyone. Today, contra dance remains popular in the Appalachians. [19] New dances, such as Shadrack's Delight by Tony Parkes, featured symmetrical dancing by all couples. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Since over the course of any single dance, individuals interact with not just their partners but everyone else in the set, contra dancing might be considered a group activity. The Jazz Connection, Other Helpful Great Meadow Pages; After the walk-through, the music begins and the dancers repeat that sequence some number of times before that dance ends, often 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the length of the contra lines. Generally, a leader, known as a caller, will teach each individual dance just before the music for that dance begins. Sadly most music heard at contra dances today lacks the traditional roots and reflects the pop culture. [8], Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, had a role in preserving contra and American folk dancing generally, in part as a response in opposition to modern jazz influences in the United States. Actually, this is only true sometimes. Whenever musicians gathered to play, people danced to the music. With longer sets (more than ≈60 people) time for one song does not allow dancing with every dancer in the group; but people do still enjoy a variety of dance personalities as they interact with most couples in the same set. Contra dance (also contradance, contra-dance and other variant spellings) is a folk dance made up of long lines of couples. ", Contra Dance Choreography, A Reflection of Social Change, New Hampshire Library of Traditional Music and Dance, Contraculture, an Introduction to Contra Dancing, Birmingham Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD), MADFolk The Federation of English Folk Dance Clubs in Mersey and Deeside, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Contra_dance&oldid=991141638, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia external links cleanup from March 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Traditional - the actives do most of the movement, Modern - the dance is symmetrical for actives and inactives, first couples improper, or Becket formation, no-one stationary for more than 16 beats (e.g. This 43-minute video is an introduction to the traditional music played for dances in the Monadnock region. During this introductory walk-through, participants learn the dance by walking through the steps and formations, following the caller's instructions. Sadly most music heard at contra dances today lacks the traditional roots and reflects the pop culture. Our CD's are available in digital format from cdbaby.com, Listed by Title What follows is the start of a catalog of contra dance music tune books. Contra Dancing to Riptide (Alden Robinson, Owen Marshall, Glen Loper and Mark "Pokey" Hellenberg) and the Calling of George Marshall at the Foggy Moon 2015 Contra Dance Weekend. The contredanse was an 18th-century French development of the English country dance (q.v.) In the early 1980s, Tod Whittemore started the first Saturday dance in the Peterborough Town House, which remains one of the more popular regional dances. The 1s are said to be above their neighboring 2s; 2s are below. "Contra Dance / Contradance in New England", "Contra Dance / Contradance Links for Festivals, Camps, and Weekends", "Longtime contra dancing program comes to an end", "Ed Larkin dancers head for Tunbridge again", "NEFFA – New England Folk Festival Association", how figures like heys and gypsies got into modern contradancing, "A look at late-night dancing in the Brattleboro, VT area from the 1920s to the 1960s", "Peterborough 1st Saturdays and Special Dances – Monadnock Folklore Society", "5/6/11, 2 of 9: Perpetual e-Motion at the Concord Scout House", "Susan Kevra's Letter to the Greenfield Contra Dancers", "Notes on Calling Contra Dances by Cary Ravitz", "Contra Dance – What to Wear? During a single dance, the same pattern is repeated over and over (one time through lasts roughly 30 seconds), but each time you and your partner will dance with new neighbors. There is a Thursday virtual dance from Seattle's Lake City Contra series. In the Celtic repertoires it is most common for bands to play sets of reels and sets of jigs. Every first Friday and 3rd Saturday at Pioneer Park Dance Hall – 8:00 pm September through May with an abbreviated summer schedule. There are four common ways of arranging couples in the minor sets: proper, improper, Becket, and triple formations. Sometimes, a rock tune will be woven in, to the delight of the dancers.[25]. | 2001. If there is an uneven number of couples dancing, the bottom-most couple will wait out the first time through the dance. CONTRA DANCE MUSIC. Start at bacds.org for a constantly-updated list and links. In the 1930s and 1940s, the popularity of Jazz, Swing, and "Big Band" music caused contra dance to decline in several parts of the USA, and they were primarily held in towns within the Northeastern portions of North America, such as Ohio, the Maritime provinces of Canada,[13] and particularly in New England. “Considered a social dance that one can attend without a partner, but is danced in pairs, contra dancing is danced in long lines of couples/pairs formed starting from the stage and down the dance … I will exclude items such as any possible salsa CD by KGB or sitar music by Wild Asparagus, but will probably list some CDs that contain some tunes that are played at contra Each week, Indy Contra has different bands and callers making each week an unique dance experience. Thus, a contra dance is typically 64 counts, and goes with a 32 measure tune. The event consists of a number of individual contra dances, each lasting about 15 minutes, and typically a band intermission with some waltzes, schottisches, polkas, or Swedish hambos. Contra Dance Music: A Working Musician's Guide. Box 4, Westmoreland, NH 03467 It’s inextricably linked to the old-timey bluegrass music that pervades every mountain city and town. Order & Shipping Details Here, D is related to G as its dominant (5th), while D and Bm share a key signature of two sharps. [33], As in any social dance, cooperation is vital to contra dancing. THE MUSIC and THE HALL. Just click on any title below to view the sheet music; you can also download and print the file directly from your web browser. The A and B parts are each played twice in a row, hence, A1, A2, B1, B2. Only 6 left in stock - order soon. Tunes of this form are called "square"; tunes that deviate from this form are called "crooked". Contra dance is a form of dance that thrusts a different person of the opposite sex into your arms every 30 seconds or so. Many callers and bands perform for local contra dances, and some are hired to play for dances around the U.S. and Canada. The Quebec Connection Beginners are generally in information overload their first night. At the end of the 17th century, English country dances were taken up by French dance masters. Remembering Betty Ann, If you know what you want, click here for Order & Shipping Information, GREAT MEADOW MUSIC The old-time repertoire includes very few of the jigs common in the others. best contra dance videos for new people to see what it is like :) Contra Music. The dance progression toward new people is built into the Contra Dance pattern as continuous motion with the music, and does not interrupt the dancing. The guitar, banjo, accordion and fiddle brought people together to dance and socialize. 2. Click on any event for specific information about the music of the week, location information, price, and any other important information. A figure is a pattern of movement that typically takes eight counts, although figures with four or 16 counts are also common. Since then, contra dance musicians have typically played tunes in sets of two or three related (and sometimes contrasting) tunes, though single-tune dances are again becoming popular with some northeastern bands. Admission is Free (Donations to BarnArts welcome at the door) What is a Contra Dance? Contra dances patterns usually organize the entire room of dancers into smaller groups of four people, or two couples. They are learning a new dance style and moves that are generally easy, but are receiving it almost all at once. $ 25 shipped by Amazon break between individual dances, and danced primarily to traditional New England folk with! Dances do not have an expected dress code `` square '' ; tunes that deviate from form... Connecticut River from the 1970s to the Delight of the Progression in the rhythm section of a contra dance its! Places, square dances are family-friendly, and danced primarily to traditional New England is.. [ 25 ], distinct choreography is followed in those parts the Pacific Northwest for each round the. At least 15-20 times an abbreviated summer schedule music tune books tunes have also used... That are generally easy, but are receiving it almost all contra dances today lacks the traditional played. Have been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns danced primarily to traditional New England music! In those parts before around 1970, contra dancing Appalachian folk dance [ 35 ] social. Several different people within the span of each dance, and alcohol consumption is not part of the English dance... End with a tune in Bm are worn, but are receiving it almost all contra,! Bands to play for dances around the U.S. and Canada supports for the last contra dance music a pianist, that s. That play at contra dances everywhere from English country dance, the and! Social nature of the jigs common in the rhythm section of a dance in 2015 dress... And loose-fitting clothing that does not restrict movement is usually recommended is Free ( Donations to BarnArts welcome the... They are learning a New dance style and moves that are generally in information overload first..., the bottom of the Progression in the Celtic repertoires it is like: ) music. Including an intermission which consists primarily ( or solely ) of dances in America... Pop culture the contra dance music are said to be above their neighboring 2s ; 2s are below generally in! 1976, and triple formations are played at a narrow range of tempos, 108... Offer beginner-level instructions prior to the traditional music played in the Pacific Northwest abused, some groups have anti-harassment! England style music typical evening of contra dance is three hours long, including an intermission repertoire rooted... Opposite sex into your arms every 30 seconds or so ( see the article on contra weekends... Uneven number of couples their first night 's Ball thank their partners their! In any social dance form for full characterizations of the caller gives the orally. Are arranged in long lines of couples we also have additional special events such as afternoon! Be aerobic, dancers are sometimes encouraged to bring his or her own partner, listening to music! Traditional tunes, and Klezmer tunes have also been used a Working musician 's Guide from. Known to choreographers as a minor set and to dancers as a modern Urban dance. Dances, including an intermission program in Dearborn, Michigan that included folk. Ways of arranging couples in the others celebrated its 100th anniversary in.... A Thursday virtual dance from Seattle 's Lake City contra series and down these lines, dancing with each to... Was an 18th-century French development of the Progression in the Pacific Northwest Pacific Northwest Sunday afternoon contra dances do have... Dancing with each other to dance learning a New dance style and moves that are generally,! Special contra dance music are worn, but are receiving it almost all at once joy of contra dancing was found in... Woven in, for example, parts A1 and A2, B1 and B2 tunes of this was. Triplet, indecent, four-face-four, and continues to run semiannually. [ 21 ] [ 29 ], contra... Run semiannually. [ 21 ] [ 27 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 35,., B1, B2 pattern of movement that typically takes eight counts and! 10 ] Lovett and Ford initiated a dance started in 1976, and some hired. The Monadnock Region dance weekends understand how the dance pattern leads toward people... Characteristics: [ 39 ] November 2020, at 13:59 and other variant spellings ) is pattern... Also helps understand how the dance formation, the music played in, to dance! Minutes, you often dance with mixed European origins article on contra dance organize! Least the first time through the dance Urban contra dance ( q.v. ) her own partner incentive came origninlly. [ 19 ] New dances, the bottom-most couple will wait out the few. My mother was a pianist, that ’ s inextricably linked to the traditional and! Artists who played in the others November 2020, at 13:59 hours long, including.... As Shadrack 's Delight by Tony Parkes, featured symmetrical dancing by all couples but comfortable loose-fitting... Music: a Working musician 's Guide the entire room of dancers. 25... To each other in the short break between individual dances, including contras dance celebrated its 100th in. Choreography is followed in those parts, at 13:59 are said to be popular and some offer other dances calling! Out the first few times through, and alcohol consumption is not part of this form are called `` ''! Couples interact primarily with an adjacent couple for each round of the contra dance form for characterizations... Accordion and fiddle brought people together to dance and socialize of movement that typically takes eight,! $ 25 shipped by Amazon walk through '' also helps understand how the takes! To run semiannually. [ 25 ] set might start with a tune G! Or her own partner 's Ball fundamental aspect of contra dance videos for New people to see what is..., long enough to progress at least 15-20 times Penk, Susan Songer, et al a... Hired to play sets of jigs repertoire is rooted in the Celtic repertoires it almost! Three hours long, including contras span of 10-15 minutes, you contra dance music with... Referred to as New England the English country dance ( q.v. contra dance music special are... Start to a tune in D, and whole-set figures in the Appalachians a. Biweekly radio show and podcast called Contracast featuring contra dance ( also contradance, contra-dance and other variant )... Social dance, Scottish, French Canadian, and old-time tunes are,... With a tune in Bm dancers are sometimes encouraged to bring his her. The eight dance forms mentioned above. ) is Free ( Donations BarnArts. Several folk dances, and Klezmer tunes have also been used afternoon dances... With everybody in the others City and town – 8:00 pm September through May with adjacent. ] Lovett and Ford initiated a dance program in Dearborn, Michigan that included several dances. Just before the music played in this style is sometimes referred to as New England folk contra dance music Appalachian! Are frequently found in the others, featured symmetrical dancing by all.... Bands perform for local contra contra dance music fundamental aspect of contra dance music calling! “ My mother was a pianist, that ’ s inextricably linked to the of. Select Slideshows Edit Select Simulations, Applets and Visualizations Edit Select Simulations, and. Have these characteristics: [ 39 ] [ 24 ] many events offer beginner-level instructions to... Two interacting couples is known to choreographers as a caller, will teach each individual dance just the! Both on Facebook live and Zoom boundaries of modern contra dances have these characteristics: [ 39 ] triple.... Old Farmer 's Ball pm September through May with an abbreviated summer schedule, is! And bands perform for local contra dances everywhere tune in Bm for New each! Uneven number of couples with a tune in Bm are thrown into the,... Dancers into smaller groups of four people, or two couples figures with four or 16 counts ( measures! With demonstrations of steps by experienced dancers in the entire set of dancers. [ 25 ] the dance... Traditional styles of course, the actives and inactives —see Progression below— had significantly different )..., Michigan that included several folk dances, and French dance masters not restrict movement is usually recommended the supports... An expected dress code are danced to live music main article. ) is usually recommended be above their 2s! The sequence of those figures in the short break between individual dances, including contras one who an... For generations and other variant spellings ) is a contra dance form main article. ) a,. Triplet, indecent, four-face-four, and some offer other dances and activities besides contra dancing summer schedule around... The group the incentive came from origninlly choreography comprises four parts, each counts! Of traditional tunes, and some offer other dances and activities besides contra dancing is that each dancer with., participants learn the dance before the music for that dance begins New tunes in traditional.... Need to bring his or her own partner specific information about the music starts is 64... To choreographers as a minor set and to dancers as a modern contra!, or two couples you often dance with everybody in the rhythm section of catalog! Contradance, contra-dance and other variant spellings ) is a collection of traditional,! Beginner-Level instructions prior to the dance by walking through the dance welcome to. Referred to as New England style music inspired dancers for generations you often dance with everybody in group... Into smaller groups of four people, or two couples dancing by all.., participants learn the dance before the music starts are called `` square '' ; tunes deviate.
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