You're at the CONTRA - WHAT'S THAT ? page.
CONTRAS - what are they ?
"High-energy dancing to zesty music -
- An English tradition updated with a Trans-Atlantic twist". - Todays' contra dances.
"High-energy dancing to zesty music -
- An English tradition updated with a Trans-Atlantic twist". - Todays' contra dances.
Best come to sample Contra dancing -
Find out what fun the experience is !
Then share-around - the joy & fun of being at these exciting dances with great callers.
Contras are lively, inclusive and friendly occasions. Expect a variety of partners.
You're here to enjoy. Partner variety is a great way to pick-up Contra-technique.
Find out what fun the experience is !
Then share-around - the joy & fun of being at these exciting dances with great callers.
Contras are lively, inclusive and friendly occasions. Expect a variety of partners.
You're here to enjoy. Partner variety is a great way to pick-up Contra-technique.
The Title PICTURE - From her Superb Facebook Page - Our first caller in 2018 -
- Jen Morgan - (Click her for Jen's webpage)
As well as for Contras, Jen also calls for Ceilidh Dance & Zesty Playford Dances.
- Jen Morgan - (Click her for Jen's webpage)
As well as for Contras, Jen also calls for Ceilidh Dance & Zesty Playford Dances.
Do give the explanations below a read-through. Video LESSONS further down this page are ideal for dancers new to Contras.
(They show the evolution of some interesting contrasts of styles, as the dancing of contras has evolved in the USA.)
Useful information below also for the keen, curious regular dancer: especially see Brooklyn Dancers USA & "Partners in Contras". -
(They show the evolution of some interesting contrasts of styles, as the dancing of contras has evolved in the USA.)
Useful information below also for the keen, curious regular dancer: especially see Brooklyn Dancers USA & "Partners in Contras". -
"American Contras" - we often are dancing in energetic style.
View skilled dancing to wonderful, gentle "blues mood" contra music from Brooklyn USA. With various abilities at a dance, a caller will begin by explaining fully. [Probably these dancers are well-practised in this particular style before the video.] Note emphysis on their exchanges of greeting. When most are following the call well: she stops. After a minute and a half, the dancers are moving only to the music. Smooth mode does not mean without extemporisation (note the very skilfully assisted clockwise and immediate anticlock twirl at 1min 52.) Enjoy viewing HERE. Go dance with them if you're in New York.
Lively dancing with..........Karen................................Bob........Glen.
You're helped in each dance -
- through its series of moves by our caller.
Every contra dance has its very own sequence of moves -
Repeat these with each couple you meet -
- As you move along those lines which you first formed.
The call will eventually stop -
- to leave you dancing only to the music !
(Caller hopes you have learned that particular sequence.)
Movements are generally smooth and slick
- without the bouncy step-hops of many ceilidh dances.
Some like to extemporise in Contra
- often, spins and twirls are added.
At a "Brummie Contra" Pic pic by - Mandy - Copyright 2015.
- through its series of moves by our caller.
Every contra dance has its very own sequence of moves -
Repeat these with each couple you meet -
- As you move along those lines which you first formed.
The call will eventually stop -
- to leave you dancing only to the music !
(Caller hopes you have learned that particular sequence.)
Movements are generally smooth and slick
- without the bouncy step-hops of many ceilidh dances.
Some like to extemporise in Contra
- often, spins and twirls are added.
At a "Brummie Contra" Pic pic by - Mandy - Copyright 2015.
"Getting right" unfamiliar dances - that involves a bit of brain-work
- But a few mistakes are part of the fun - & hardly matter - smile -
- Just try for a fairly good recovery - and all will seem easier soon !
- But a few mistakes are part of the fun - & hardly matter - smile -
- Just try for a fairly good recovery - and all will seem easier soon !
- Try a visit to us at Brummie Contras - enjoy the company of the regular dancers. -
- The style is NOT hard to pick-up. -
- Meet others who enjoyed having recently tried their first visit. -
- The style is NOT hard to pick-up. -
- Meet others who enjoyed having recently tried their first visit. -
Details next about Contras : then video lessons from the USA !
You and your partner may begin as "ones" ie facing down in your starting "hands 4" (your back to the caller) & progress down the set.
OR you and your partner may begin as "twos" ie facing up in your starting "hands 4" - you then progress up the set towards the caller.
If NEW to this - be sure YOU let yourself get several turns in your same starting direction.
To do so, please ASK the other couple in your "hands 4" to helpfully swop, else change into another 4 to allow this.
This arrangement (of dancing several turns in your starting direction) is very helpful for yourself as a new dancer at Contras.
But it's also helpful for others in your set, to best maintain the dance movements.
NOTE: At each end of the set, you often stand (and wait once through the tune). You usually change sides to go back the other way.
An ideal opportunity this, to WATCH and to think about the similar moves you'll need in your NEW direction.
Rarely, the caller announces a dance in the older style of Proper lines.
Proper lines is the way that couples initially form in this American uTube lesson 5 below.
All the men start the dance on "the men's side of the set", opposite their ladies.
(In the US however, you'll find they call their women "women".)
You may view this explanation: where Contra line formation is gradually explained by an American uTube video lesson 5. HERE
In the UK, we usually form-up ready in Contra lines ie alternate man & woman, started by taking hands 4 from the top of the set.
Opposite is your partner - beside in your group of 4 is your contra (or neighbour).
See this all shown & called in an: Easy Contra Dance as the above details are explained in the American video lesson 6. HERE.
American video lesson 7 shows more contra moves: the wave across the line (whereas in UK we term this an Ocean Wave).
[To differentiate from a "Tidal Wave" where the alternate in & out facing wave formation is all ALONG the set.] Lesson 7 is HERE.
In UK Contras we DON'T conventionally extend the "arm around" during the courteousy turn (2nd part) of a right and left through.
[BUT PLEASE NOTE - Many ladies DO still prefer a distinct "arm around" - WITHOUT ANY TWIRL - in their LADIES CHAIN.
It is important please to extend the chain "twirl" alternative only to those ladies indicating this as their clear preference]
The final video of DANCE BASICS HERE should properly be appreciated, if not also viewed first.
OR you and your partner may begin as "twos" ie facing up in your starting "hands 4" - you then progress up the set towards the caller.
If NEW to this - be sure YOU let yourself get several turns in your same starting direction.
To do so, please ASK the other couple in your "hands 4" to helpfully swop, else change into another 4 to allow this.
This arrangement (of dancing several turns in your starting direction) is very helpful for yourself as a new dancer at Contras.
But it's also helpful for others in your set, to best maintain the dance movements.
NOTE: At each end of the set, you often stand (and wait once through the tune). You usually change sides to go back the other way.
An ideal opportunity this, to WATCH and to think about the similar moves you'll need in your NEW direction.
Rarely, the caller announces a dance in the older style of Proper lines.
Proper lines is the way that couples initially form in this American uTube lesson 5 below.
All the men start the dance on "the men's side of the set", opposite their ladies.
(In the US however, you'll find they call their women "women".)
You may view this explanation: where Contra line formation is gradually explained by an American uTube video lesson 5. HERE
In the UK, we usually form-up ready in Contra lines ie alternate man & woman, started by taking hands 4 from the top of the set.
Opposite is your partner - beside in your group of 4 is your contra (or neighbour).
See this all shown & called in an: Easy Contra Dance as the above details are explained in the American video lesson 6. HERE.
American video lesson 7 shows more contra moves: the wave across the line (whereas in UK we term this an Ocean Wave).
[To differentiate from a "Tidal Wave" where the alternate in & out facing wave formation is all ALONG the set.] Lesson 7 is HERE.
In UK Contras we DON'T conventionally extend the "arm around" during the courteousy turn (2nd part) of a right and left through.
[BUT PLEASE NOTE - Many ladies DO still prefer a distinct "arm around" - WITHOUT ANY TWIRL - in their LADIES CHAIN.
It is important please to extend the chain "twirl" alternative only to those ladies indicating this as their clear preference]
The final video of DANCE BASICS HERE should properly be appreciated, if not also viewed first.
Further extensions in Contra Dances - primarily for those new to this. -
In a Double Progression Dance,
- one sequence of the dance takes you past two couples. You spend little or no time waiting at the end.
(You often find here, that you automatically change sides.
Each dance of this type may cause odd things to happen to you near the end of the set.
These "end effects" vary according to the name of the dance.)
Double progression is popular with regular Contra dancers because the moves are slick, and keep you thinking as you dance.
In Beckett Formation. In the UK, a caller normally announces this. You stand in the lines: in 4's, but BESIDE your partner -
With as usual, lady on the right of man !
(To get into this formation, you may be asked to "circle a quarter" from Contra lines.)
Contras are a great occasion for the young and keen. They bring a wonderful and lively vitality to the dancing.
- one sequence of the dance takes you past two couples. You spend little or no time waiting at the end.
(You often find here, that you automatically change sides.
Each dance of this type may cause odd things to happen to you near the end of the set.
These "end effects" vary according to the name of the dance.)
Double progression is popular with regular Contra dancers because the moves are slick, and keep you thinking as you dance.
In Beckett Formation. In the UK, a caller normally announces this. You stand in the lines: in 4's, but BESIDE your partner -
With as usual, lady on the right of man !
(To get into this formation, you may be asked to "circle a quarter" from Contra lines.)
Contras are a great occasion for the young and keen. They bring a wonderful and lively vitality to the dancing.
Sample the youthful enthusiasm of these American Contra dancers.
Fascinating impressions HERE of their widely varied fun, & the inclusive developments around today's Contra Dancing in the USA.
Fascinating impressions HERE of their widely varied fun, & the inclusive developments around today's Contra Dancing in the USA.
Contras are a great occasion for the young and keen.
But many still are very keen on this dancing, but wishing they were younger !
Please note: A few want a gentler style.
Carefully respect those recovering from injury, or enjoying the company and music but wishing to dance at their pace.
But many still are very keen on this dancing, but wishing they were younger !
Please note: A few want a gentler style.
Carefully respect those recovering from injury, or enjoying the company and music but wishing to dance at their pace.
Ladies - you may feel you're "grabbed" somewhat abruptly for dances. Please read -
Very helpful considerations about Partners in Contras by Steve Harris.
- In the context of Ceilidh dancing: but HERE ARE VERY REVEALING THOUGHTS for ALL involved in Contra dancing. -
- It's a much-recommended read - HERE - also for regular Contra dancers !
Very helpful considerations about Partners in Contras by Steve Harris.
- In the context of Ceilidh dancing: but HERE ARE VERY REVEALING THOUGHTS for ALL involved in Contra dancing. -
- It's a much-recommended read - HERE - also for regular Contra dancers !
The first BRUMMIE CONTRA of 2015. An excellent caller: An awesome, vibrant band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pic by - Mandy - Copyright.
Pic. Diana dances with Glen. Bob Morgan (the caller) stands behind them.
The BAND here - CLICK ON Contra Alt Delete are brilliant - Nikki - Grace - Sam - Ozzy
The BAND here - CLICK ON Contra Alt Delete are brilliant - Nikki - Grace - Sam - Ozzy
You may come across - Gender free Contras
At first, quite a mind-challenge - but a fun, up to date means to help remove discrimination that can result from a fixed male / female mind-set.
At first, quite a mind-challenge - but a fun, up to date means to help remove discrimination that can result from a fixed male / female mind-set.
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- - Go to page with DANCE DATES - -
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This page last updated on 31/12/17