I’ve led several Intro to Contras sessions at National S/D Conventions. The first dance in the session was typically my Inflation Reel, with a Trade By added after the Pass Thru. (Trade By: If you’re facing someone, pass thru; if not, do
a partner trade [like a California Twirl without hands]). This gives a double progression and means I don’t have to explain waiting at the ends or crossing over. I’ve always also used Shadrack’s Delight, which I wrote to appeal to traditional dancers and MWSDers
alike.
For the most part, I’ve found that MWSDers quickly get into the groove of dancing to the phrase, as long as they’re in longways formation. (I tell them that contra dancing is “square dance basics with round dance timing.”) But the moment
I put them in squares, with the hope of doing some of my favorite Lancers or other quadrille figures, they think they can “relax” and clip the timing.
Tony Parkes
Billerica, Mass.
New book! Square Dance Calling: An Old Art for a New Century
(available now)
From: Rich Sbardella via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 12:29 PM
To: Caller's discussion list <callers@sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] Contras for a Crowd that does not Swing
Friends,
I have been asked to lead an intro to contra dance session at a square dance convention.
I will have time to lead 3-4 contras, and I am looking for suggestions.
My main concern is that most modern square dancers do not swing, they simply twirl under. With that in mind, I need contras which have no more than an eight count swing yet reflect the spirit of the modern contra scene.
One major difference between contra dance and MWSD is square dancers are not trained to dance to the phrase of the music. I will most likely begin with a circle mixer to encourage a full 8 count swing and to emphasize dancing to the phrase.
I am not looking for contra dances with MWSD basics, but rather typical contra basics. Any suggestions? I can certainly find some among my collection, but perhaps there is a gem I might miss.
Thanks,
Rich Sbardella
Stafford, CT