About
CONTRALAB
The International Association of Contra Callers, Inc.
What is CONTRALAB?
Organized in 1986, in Indianapolis, Indiana, CONTRALAB was formed, by a group of Contra Dance Leaders with a stated purpose of furthering and promoting the contra dance activity.
CONTRALAB is governed by a nine member board of governors, with three members being elected to the board at each annual meeting. The board of governors then elect the officers for the organization.
The annual meeting for CONTRALAB is generally held on the Wednesday immediately preceding the National Square Dance Convention. The CONTRALAB mentoring program conducted during the morning session of the annual meeting is designed to help contra dance callers/prompters or those who wish to become a contra dance caller/prompter. In conjunction with the mentoring program, CONTRALAB is proud to sponsor the "Bob Osgood" scholarship program. The scholarship program helps to finance the winning applicant's attendance at the annual meeting. Also, CONTRALAB sponsors an Energizer Trail-In Dance on Tuesday evening prior to the CONTRALAB Convention and leading up to the National Square Dance Convention.
CONTRALAB is also proud to be a member of "The ARTS." The ARTS stands for the Alliance of Rounds, Traditional and Square Dance activities.
The mission of CONTRALAB is to promote Contra Dance across the world by:
1. Assisting in the development of Contra Dance leaders and callers.
2. Providing a forum for the exchange of diverse ideas and dances.
3. To provide a means of educating prospective leaders.
4. To offer mentoring to other members.
5. To make available for members the resources held by other members.
Note - information below may or may not be up to date.
CONTRALAB has available a "How To Prompt Contra" self paced program consisting of six interactive lessons and an audio tape. As each lesson is completed it is returned to the facilitator for review and comment.