what is contra dancing?

Contra dancing is a style in which pairs of couples dance together, in two facing lines (the contra line), progressing up or down the line following each musical figure. So while you and your partner dance together, you also dance with everyone in the room.
Contra dancing has been around for centuries in various incarnations. Various sources point to the British Isles, Ireland and even Northern France for its origins, but everyone agrees that in some form, contra dancing immigrated to the early United States where it began to take on a life of its own.
Or see this longer definition what is contra dancing?

what is the music like?

The music is live, and clearly Celtic-inspired, but everywhere has its own flavor added. Most of the bands consist of at least a guitar or piano and rapid fiddle music.

is it hard to learn?

Not hard at all. Dances are all taught by a caller who teaches the moves, and tells you as you go through each dance what to do. This simple method of teaching makes contra dancing very easy to pick up, and is especially helpful to seniors or younger children who might find memorizing moves difficult.

what is all ages, really?

Contra dancing is unique in its ability to draw people of different ages together for a fun night. Contra dancing is energetic and a good source of exercise, but not hard to do or to learn. Adults and children, as well as a growing number of teens, enjoy contra dancing on a regular basis.

do I need a partner?

No. Contra Dances are "mixers" with frequent changes of partners, and people come either singly, or in couples or groups, sometimes whole families.

why is this event being held?

Who am I, anyway? My name is Sarah Hirsch, and I am a student at Middletown High School. MHS Students get to chose a community service project that they feel would change or benefit society in some way. I have grown up dancing, and would love so much to get a contra dance started on Aquidneck Island.

more questions?

Follow our Contra Dance Links to more dances, festivals, directories of callers and musicians, online music, history, and other resources.

how do you do it for five dollars?

We don't! Our caller and musicians, and the Fenner Avenue Club, have all made very generous arrangements, and we have been given a grant. This dance could not happen without their help, but we can not count on them for future dances.
Costs for the caller, two or three musicians, and the hall, total in the mid hundreds. Established dances need to draw over a hundred people and charge from five to eight dollars, often with a whole-family price cap.
We do hope this one event grows into a series. Offsetting some of these costs for a new dance will keep the price low, making it easier for more people to come try it. If you're interested in sponsoring, or any further questions, please email me @ sarah_hirsch@hotmail.com or call (401) 849 3466

where else can I dance?

The nearest Community Contra Dances are

Geoff Hall in Rehoboth, Mass.
http://www.contradancelinks.com/rehoboth.html

Dances are held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of most months with a few dances on the 5th Friday of a month. Beginners of all ages, singles, couples, and families are welcome to attend. Very welcoming, beginner friendly.

Brown University
http://www.contradancelinks.com/brown.html

Dances are generally held on the 1st and 3rd Fridays when Brown is in session. Lots of students, but not limited to students.