Contra dance tutorials, tips, and terms
During the introductory lesson, the caller will go over everything and the dance itself will reinforce many of these tips and dance terms — don’t worry! But we’ve also provided you with a cheat sheet in case you like to plan ahead or want to review.
Tutorials:
Here is a video of a caller giving a beginner lesson, similar to the one you had or will have at Jax Contra Dance. Note: unlike most social dances, it is the caller who is considered the “lead” rather than one of the dancers. All of the contra dancers are following the dance directions of the caller, so the terms “lead and follow” don’t really apply. Although many callers still use the terms “gents and ladies” to describe the two positional roles in contra, the roles may be called as “left and right” or “larks and robins.” Anybody is welcome to dance in whichever position they please!
An extra lesson on doing the Buzz Step Swing:
Tips:
To avoid dizziness during swinging, look into your partner’s eyes. If this makes you uncomfortable, look at some other spot on your partner’s face or shoulder. With time, you may become more comfortable with eye contact and making that connection, but it is most important not to get dizzy! Most dancers find that the dizziness abates with time. Tell your partner to slow down the swing if it gets to be too much.
During the swing, the partners place their hands on shoulders and shoulder blades, not around the waist, to provide good support.
“Better never than late.” If you or your partner get out of sync with the dance steps, it’s better to just skip it and move on so you can be on time for the next move.
Give weight. During allemandes and swings and other moves, it is important to feel the weight of the person you are dancing with. Each of you must provide a firm and equal force to help propel you and your partner along. Loose limbs and a feather-light touch will not accomplish this. Giving weight and having good timing will create a very satisfying dance for you, your partner, and everyone else in your contra dance line.
Terms:
“Up the hall” is towards the band
“Down the hall” is away from the band
“Couple One” is facing and progressing down the hall
“Couple Two” is facing and progressing up the hall
“Hands Four” is the grouping of two couples, who face each other down the line.
