Contras in Square Dances
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The International Association of Contra Callers, Inc.

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Contra in Square Dances

Contra Dance 101

 

How Including Contras Improves Square Dancing

and

Presented at the NSDC in Little Rock, AR, June 28, 2014

 

Monthly Contra or Community Dances open to the general public

     It is generally recognized that the entry path into a Modern Square Dance club requires a significant time commitment. 

     Another way to entice new dancers into our world is to offer monthly (or bi-weekly) community dances that include contras, and perhaps other dance forms closely related to square dancing.  This mix of dance forms allows the caller to provide significant variety without using a large number of different calls.

     It also offers a place for new dancers to immediately be part of regular dance events.  

Enhancing timing, styling and music awareness

     Dancers both new and experienced will find themselves almost forced to move with the music because the sequences are inherently tied to the musical phrase.  Timing has already been calculated very carefully, so the dancing will be comfortable and not rushed.  They will find that in some ways and some moves they will have to slow down from what they are used to expect and may find themselves finally listening to the music.  With other moves, they, especially new dancers, will find themselves moving without hesitation and continuously in time with the music.  Styling will creep in to their dancing as an emphasis with the music.  Joy will ensue.

     Timing in contra dances is closely aligned with the musical phrases.  Most moves are 4, 8, or 16 steps.  Many of the moves are timed similar to same steps used in square dancing.  A slow Square Thru in contra, however, takes 16 steps.
     The repetition of the sequences (which can be memorized) aids in a feeling of competence as the dancers find themselves in the correct position to begin the sequence again.  Because of the repetition, dancers can also relax and concentrate on better styling and enjoyment of the other dancers, and believe it or not, the music also.
     As an addition to a club dance, it gives a welcome relief and a change of formations while still giving the dancers a chance to dance with other dancers there.  There is no need for additional lessons as in round dancing for they are using standard square dance moves. 

Dealing with awkward numbers of participants

     What happens at your square dance club when there are only 3, 7 or 10 couples of eager dancers present?  Does your caller have some alternatives to groups of 8 such as circle dances or mixers, line dances, hexagons, or contras? 

     If there is a need to teach square dance calls, but the numbers are awkward for making squares, then contras are the perfect alternative.  Many contras have been written to use basic or mainstream square dance calls.  

Reinforcing certain square dance moves in a fun way

     I have done this successfully in our recent square dance class.  We started the first night of actual lessons with a simple contra using Dosado (8), Swing Corner (8), Circle Left (8), Circle Right (8), Star Right (8), Star Left (8), Ladies Chain over & back (16).  They had no problem, once told, to change places at the head and foot when they ran out of corners to dance with.  We had 8 couples including the angels.  I used good music and they looked like they had fun.  Did not mention actives at all and didn't need to.

     You will notice that the number of beats (steps) total 64, which is the same length of time in a singing call figure.  This also relates to music that has a part A repeating twice totaling 16 measures and a part B repeating twice with an additional 16 measures.  There are two beats or steps to each measure which ends up as 64 total.

     In the past I encountered resistance from some of the existing club members to using contra dances; but the new dancers accepted it so much better and had so much fun that the angels, I'm sure, had second thoughts about the validity of using them.  I made sure that the music was the best that was suited for the particular dance presented. 
     Contra dances reinforcing certain just learned square dance moves are valuable tools in a class setting.  They can also be used at a club dance when the caller recognizes the need to emphasize certain moves.  I’m thinking about “Dixie Style to an Ocean Wave”, “Tag the Line”, “Wheel Around”, and other similar moves that seem to cause trouble. 

Using Sicilian Circles as a teaching tool or as “something different”

     If you have enough dancers and space (ideally at least 10 couples although it will work with as few as 6 couples), make Sicilian Circles (pairs of couples facing couples like spokes of a wheel) and use properly timed two-couple choreography  ending with a Pass Thru or equivalent. 

     This can be used in a class environment to reinforce calls danced by two facing couples, particularly those timed as eight beats.  It can also be used during a dance party as something different that provides a mixer feel without separating partners.  It is an excellent option for situations where some dancers need the security of a known and trusted partner.

     This dance formation is also good at club dances since many of the club dances don’t do mixers like we used to do years ago and gives a nice variety in formation.  Works well at Holiday themed dances with music that fits the theme.

How callers (or dancers) can learn to prompt contras

     The two primary keys in learning to prompt contras are first to listen for the musical phrase and learn when to pre-cue, and second to understand how one pair of dancing partners progresses to a new pair after each 64-beat sequence.  (In the case of a double progression the pairs change every 32 beats.)  

     It may be helpful to have the dance you are going to call on a 4” X 6” with the title, the name of the music, the author, and starting formation.  Underline the syllables that will be emphasized at each beat.  Always give credit to the original author when performing this at a club dance.  (More on this later)