[Callers] Introduction and contra in New Zealand

Hi Contra Callers, My wife and I have just had 10 days of fantastic contra dancing here in New Zealand. We joined up with Ron and Cathy Arps' contra tour. We had a ball! It was our first chance to experience real contra dancing. I've called "barn dances" here for many years, and call MWSD too. I hope we can get contra going here in Christchurch. We had a first go last Sunday (www.baritompa.com/contra) I've been on the ABC square dance forum for awhile, which promotes the idea of dances rather than classes. On the tour I really enjoyed calling a simple traditional flavour dance to the contra dancers - who would swing for 8 beats! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4zInEY84UI&feature=PlayList&p=40331… Since coming back from the tour, I've made contact via the web with a number of contra callers and musicians and received so much help and useful material. The contra community is very welcoming. Cheers, Bill