How do you explain contra? What IS contra dancing?
- I have described
it as “American folk dancing; similar to square dancing, but in
long lines of couples, so you dance with more people. Also, simple to
learn and easy to have fun!”
- I’ve described
it as a human puzzle to be unraveled to music. There is a set
pattern to be followed and each time it finishes the puzzle is
started again.
- Think of square
dancing from your youth and replace all the hokey with folky. A
tilt-a-whirl powered by smiling flirtatious humans.
- Use terms that
whoever you are talking to can relate to. Contra can fall into many
categories: folk, fiddle, swingy, rave even. Use familiar terms!
- Don’t.
instead, let your enthusiasm be the draw – have a special event,
and invite them.
- If a computer is
handy good clips can be found on YouTube and similar sites.
- Some have had
success with: “it taps into the same feelings as Whirling Dervishes
get.” Or “it’s a way to turn off your brain without drugs or
alcohol.”
- Or “only place
where a new person is thrust into your arms every thirty seconds.”
- Talk as much
about the great community, it’s as important as the dancing style
- “live music,
dancing and so much fun! You have to come try it!”
- like a square
dance on amphetamines
- flirting set to
music
- one (or two?)
steps closer to “real dancing” than DDR (for nerdy non-dancing
types)