What does contra dance mean?

What does contra dance mean?

Contra dance (also contradance, contra-dance and other variant spellings) is a folk dance made up of long lines of couples. … The dance is led by a caller who teaches the sequence of figures in the dance before the music starts.

When was contra dancing invented?

While the origins of the contra dance can be pinpointed to the 17th century England and Scotland, the popularization of the dance happened in France where this dance became very commonplace in the party events hosted by nobility and royalty in early 18th century.

What does Contra mean in music?

Contra. Low, under.Under the Helmholtz Octave Designation System, a name applied to the octave which extends from C 1 two octaves below the bass clef staff to B 1 one octave below the bass clef staff.

What do you wear to a contra dance?

Contra dancing can be aerobic! Most dancers like to wear short-sleeved shirts and skirts, pants or shorts, depending on the season. Don't forget to dress in layers – what may be comfortable at the start of the evening might be too hot by the second or third dance.

What are the benefits of folk dancing?

Folk dancing has all the benefits of dancing (fitness and coordination) plus maintaining traditions and encouraging a community engagement. Folk dancing is a bridge between a physical regime and a way of life. Dancing is like “just doing a workout” but it has to be fun or meaningful.

What are the different types of country dances?

Many different dances are done to country-western music. These dances include: Two Step, Waltz, Cowboy or Traveling Cha Cha, Polka Ten Step (also known as Ten Step Polka), Schottische, and other Western promenade dances, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Nightclub Two Step.

What is the purpose of folk dance?

As the name goes, Folk dances are developed by the common folk of a certain country or region. It is an art developed by the people and reflects their life. They are usually held at gatherings or social functions and are performed to traditional music.

Which dance was widespread in the English colonies?

May 1607 – The English colonists arriving in Virginia bring musical instruments with them and make comparisons between their own traditional forms of dance—such as hornpipes and Morris dancing—and the dances they witness among Virginia Indians.