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Folklore Society keeps contra dance alive

Written by T.J. Tranchell -Argonaut

Tuesday, 12 September 2006

It isn’t every day one can see a group of people engage in a dance that hit its peak of popularity in the 1800s.  It is more like once a week. It is called Contra dancing and while similar to square dancing, there is one big difference. “In a traditional square dance, you might only have four couples,” said Les Francey, of the Hamilton Country Dancers.  “With contra dancing, you are only limited by the size of the hall.” Many of the steps are the same as in square dancing, too.  Promenades, dos-á-dos and swings, can all be seen in a contra dance.  If people don’t know what those moves are, there’s no worry because someone will be there to show them. Before each dance held by the Palouse Folklore Society, a half-hour teaching session is held. “We want to encourage newcomers and first-timers,” said Meg Hatlen, spokesperson for the PFS. “The best way to bring them in is to show them what to do first.” Even then, contra dancing isn’t that difficult. With someone next to the band calling out the next step, it is fairly easy to follow along. The “caller” sets the pace of the dance as well as the difficulty. “I like to start the crowd off slow,” Joseph Erhard Hudson said.  “Later on I might spice it up a bit.”   Hudson will be the caller for the coming contra dance  Saturday at the 1912 Building.  Accompanying Hudson will be the live music of John McInturff. Anyone who’s decided to take a chance and go out contra dancing but can’t get anyone else to go with them is in luck.  Contra dancing is built around the idea of dancing with more than one person.  Just like many of today’s dance clubs, more women are apt to attend a contra dance.  When this happens, women will form pairs and dance the men’s part in order to get as many people dancing as possible. The next item to consider is what to wear.  You don’t need to dress like you just rode into town on your buggy to have a good time. According to Francey, attire is informal. “Most people dress for comfort and in anticipation of vigorous exercise,” she said.   One important thing to consider, however, is wearing comfortable, soft-soled shoes. For anyone unsure of whether they want to try contra dancing, members of the Palouse Folklore Society said that people really won’t know until they come and watch.  “We hope that if you do come to watch that you’ll join us out on the floor.  We all have a great time and you’ll meet a lot of new people,” Hatlen said. For a complete schedule of activities and events, visit www.palousefolklore.org. Add as favorites (59) | Views: 791 Be first to comment this article Write Comment Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code. Name: Title: Comment: