Come dance with us! Who are you people? Our dances are open to the public, so come dance with us! In addition, we travel to local contra, square, and other folk dances and dance weekends in the area. Come join us as we explore the rich folk dance tradition of Southwest Virginia and beyond! But what is a Contra Dance? Contra is a form of community folk dance made up of long lines of couples dancing in sequence. A contra dancer gets to dance with their partner and everyone else in their line! Each individual dance is taught and called by a 'caller' with music provided by a live band (though occasionally we'll host techno contras). Still confused? Look it up on youtube, or just show up at one of our events! Worried about being new? Prior experience is not expected! Before each evening begins, the night's caller offers a lesson for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher. In addition, contra is a walking dance, so no fancy footwork is required. Contra tradition is to change partners at the end of each dance, so bring your friends and get ready for a great time! What/who should I bring? Contra is a social, community dance, so no need to bring a partner with you (though the more, the merrier)! Over the course of a dance, you will interact with everyone in the set including, but not limited to, your “partner,” your “neighbor,” and, in some dances, your “corner“ and/or your “shadow." Come with friends, or come by yourself, there will always be people excited to dance with you! Though there is no dress code, there are a few suggestions. Dancers tend to warm up over the course of the evening, so comfortable, cool clothing that you would enjoy dancing in (skirts, shorts, kilts, and 'flowy' clothes are common). Wear comfortable shoes with smooth soles that are designed to "slide." This protects the floors and your knees! What is Gender Role Free Dancing? Traditionally, contra dancing roles are designated as "Ladies" and "Gents." Though anyone is welcome to dance in either role, the terms can be limiting, sometimes discouraging people from dancing in certain roles or with certain partners. At ContraFolk dances (and at many gender role free dances around the world), we use the terms "Ravens" for those who start on the right of the contra line and "Larks" for those who start on the left. It's easy to remember: "When you finish a swing, put the Lark on the Left and the Raven on the Right!"
Don't be surprised if you see experienced dancers dancing both roles throughout the evening. Some may even swap roles mid-dance! An important mantra in gender role free contra dancing is to "dance with who's coming at you!"
Principles of Community
As a community of dancers and friends, we hold ourselves to Virginia Tech's Principles of Community. All are welcome at ContraFolk, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status.
