I started consistently attending international folk dancing in Austin after graduating from UT. The group had a delightful tradition—not only did they alternate line dances with couple dances, but after the break the first dance was always a contra, called by Chuck Roth. I looked forward to that contra at every AIFD dance.
When I moved to DFW I went to my first all-contra dance with the North Texas Traditional Dance Society. It was at Winfrey Point on White Rock Lake—there is a spectacular view of the jewel-like Dallas skyline. The stage was overflowing with musicians, and the floor was full of dancers. I already knew what to do, thanks to Austin folk dancing.
The romance of dancing in a beautiful location really helps with the ambiance of a dance, with the mood of the dancers, and helps to create special memories. I’ve been so lucky to experience some great venues, but also been happy to dance in basements, large rooms with low ceilings, uneven floors.
At our international folk dancing in San Antonio we sometimes do an English dance but no contra because “there’s a contra group.” So nobody here is getting the gentle introduction to contra that I did. I worry that at our contra dances it can feel like “zero to sixty” and folks get overwhelmed.
Lissa Bengtson
San Antonio
My first time, I attended at the invitation of a friend and coworker. She basically invited the entire staff at our workplace during our weekly meeting. This was in Louisville.
I was recently separated, and I knew I needed some positive socialization, so I showed up. I didn't see my friend, but I was swept into the dance, one woman after another asking me for the next dance. It definitely made me feel not only welcome, but actually wanted. I decided that night to attend as often as possible (luckily, it was weekly).
You all, I'm curious to hear YOUR first experiences at a contra, whether when young or not.
As I think back, it took me three attempts over about 15 years, from young to less young, to get over the threshold and really start enjoying myself (not counting those grade school square dance classes). My first experiences stunk. Once I got into contra, I was always concerned when I brought friends who were new to contra whether they'd have fun. The most perilous moments were 1) when they (or I) needed to find a partner and, then, 2) absorbing the disapproval of hot shot dancers when one messed up. Now, as an organizer, I'd like to stay aware of the confusion and concerns of first-, second- and third-... timers.
Would anyone mind sharing?
Rob
Dancing in Arkansas
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