CONTRA DANCING
Contra dancing is an American folk dance with its roots in an old European dance form. The dances are led by a caller and involve steps which are repeated and easily mastered. (See Primer Below)
Live music is provided by the Southern Maryland Open Band. This band is comprised of talented, local musicians. The band’s repertoire for Contra Dances includes Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and 18th century waltzes. As it is an “Open” band, musicians interested in playing this type of music are welcome to join in.
Dances are the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall in Chaptico, MD. Any changes to the schedule or location will be posted on this site.
| Admission: $7 non-members; $5 members; 12 and under free. |
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Lessons at 7:00PM; Dance 7:30 PM - 10:00PM;
(Free Ice Cream Social after Dance)
2008 Contra Calendar
Date |
Caller |
Location |
Jan 11
|
Jim Wass
|
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
California, MD. |
Feb 8
|
DeLaura Padovan
|
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
California, MD. |
Mar 8
|
Eva Murray
|
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
California, MD. |
April 12
|
Elgin Perry
|
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
California, MD. |
May 10
|
Greg Frock |
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
California, MD. |
June 14
|
Ann Fallon |
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
California, MD. |
July
|
Summer
Break
|
|
August
|
Summer
Break
|
|
Sept 13
|
DeLaura Padovan
|
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
California, MD. |
October 11
|
Greg Frock
|
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
California, MD. |
November (Annual Meeting)
|
Elgin Perry
|
Christ Church Hall,
Chaptico, MD
|
December 13
|
Jim Wass
|
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
California, MD. |
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A Contra Dance Primer
(edited from Les Francey and Farrell Boyce, Hamilton Country Dancers )
What Is Contra Dancing?
Contra dancing is a form of American folk dance in which the dancers form a set of two parallel lines which run the length of the hall. Each dance consists of a sequence of moves that ends with couples having progressed one position up or down the set. As the sequence is repeated, a couple will eventually dance with every other couple in the set. Contra Dancing was all the rage in 1800.
What If I Have Never Danced Before?
In Contra Dancing, your feet are never asked to do more than walk to the music. Each dance is taught by the caller before it is danced. The caller continues to prompt the dancers as needed. Because the pattern of moves of each Contra Dance is repeated often, Contra Dances are easy to learn. Both beginning and experienced dancers happily share the same set.
What If I Don't Have A Partner?
No problem. Many people come to a Contra Dance alone. Dancers are encouraged to dance with many different partners throughout the evening. If there is an excess of one gender, it is customary for women to dance men's parts (and vice versa) to form couples and extend the set.
Do I Need To Wear Special Clothes?
No. Contra Dancers tend to dress informally. Most people dress for comfort and in anticipation of vigorous exercise. Ladies prefer loose, light dresses or skirts; men wear lightweight slacks, jeans, or even shorts. Be sure to wear soft-soled, comfortable shoes.
What Is The Music Like?
For many dancers, the live music is the great attraction. Traditional jigs, reels, and hornpipes from the Scots-Irish tradition on both sides of the Atlantic form the basic repertoire. The fiddle is often the lead instrument.
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