Martha wrote: Since my first contra dance I have considered contras to be: "...regularly scheduled dances for basically non dancers...." This perception is based upon the fact that there are no separate lessons, and the events are open to the public. I understand that "barn dances," might fit this definition more closely. Still, I think contras are as close as we come to this definition in this country. More to the point, this might be the best frame from which callers can view these events. It would certainly place the task of integrating first-timers into the dance event at the forefront of the caller's job. I consider contra dances to be, primarily, social events. The contra dance form is used because it is so effective at sweeping in newcomers. Once you begin to re-frame a contra dance as an open public social event...the task of the caller changes and, I believe, the event becomes more fun for everyone. Just a thought. - Greg