This weekend marks the annual Dandelion Romp at Oberlin College, a highlight of the spring semester for many, celebrating the energetic and social dance form of contra dance. Reflecting on my own journey into dance, it’s fascinating to consider how a self-proclaimed awkward individual found joy and community in movement.
For a long time, I felt disconnected from my physical self, existing primarily in my thoughts. The idea of coordinated movement, especially social dancing, seemed daunting. My previous experiences were limited to clumsy school dances, reinforcing a belief in my own rhythmic ineptitude. It might surprise those who know me now, as dance has become an integral part of my life. I actively seek out dance events and immerse myself in the rhythm whenever possible. However, it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when dance felt foreign and awkward.
My friend Allison often reminds me of a conversation during our freshman year. I confessed my lack of dance skills but declared my intention to learn in college. While the specifics of that moment are hazy, the underlying desire to learn and move was clearly present.
My first experience with contra dance was somewhat unconventional. I bypassed the beginner’s workshop, relying instead on a brief introduction from the friend who invited me. This personal anecdote highlights an important aspect of contra dance: formal lessons aren’t essential for participation. They can certainly ease initial anxieties, but the dance itself is inherently accessible.
Dancers in flowing skirts are a common and delightful sight in contra dance, as the twirling movements beautifully accentuate the fabric. Photo captures the joyful energy of contra dancers at an event.
Despite my lack of formal training that first night, a sense of exhilaration washed over me. “I’m dancing!” the realization struck. “My body is moving in sync with the music and the steps!” It was an amazing revelation – discovering a dance that felt intuitive and enjoyable, something I was not only capable of doing but genuinely loved.
Currently, contra dance and blues are my two favorite dance styles, each appealing for distinct yet related reasons. Contra’s appeal lies in its structured guidance. A caller leads the dance, providing instructions throughout, ensuring everyone knows what to do. Blues, conversely, thrives on improvisation and musicality. As Aries eloquently put it in another blog post, blues dance offers “gentle suggestions” rather than rigid rules, allowing for personal expression within the dance.
For beginners, contra dance offers a more approachable entry point than blues because it doesn’t demand improvisation from the start. As experience grows, dancers can certainly incorporate personal flourishes and stylistic variations, adding layers of complexity and individual expression. However, in the initial stages, simply following the caller’s instructions is perfectly sufficient and enjoyable.
Since that initial contra dance experience, my dance journey has expanded significantly. The body-mind disconnect I once felt diminishes when I’m dancing. I’ve explored various dance forms beyond contra. Within the contra dance community, I’ve evolved into a caller myself, not only mastering my own movements but also guiding entire groups in the dance.
A lively contra dancer is captured mid-move, showcasing an expressive and humorous facial expression, a testament to the joyful and uninhibited atmosphere of contra dance. Another dancer is visible in the background, adding to the dynamic scene of social dancing.
As a caller, I now lead those beginner workshops I initially skipped. This experience has highlighted the challenge of verbally explaining contra dance. Words seem inadequate to capture the essence of it, and even demonstrating the steps can be insufficient until the music starts and the dance truly begins.
Therefore, my role as an instructor shifts. Instead of focusing solely on technical instruction, my primary goals are twofold: first, to convey the enjoyable nature of contra dance and encourage newcomers to try it beyond the introductory lesson; and second, to create a welcoming and comfortable environment on the dance floor. Once individuals experience the dance firsthand, its inherent appeal becomes self-evident.
While a verbal explanation of contra dance might fall short, I can articulate the reasons behind my deep appreciation for it. These are the core elements that make contra dance so compelling:
- Guided Participation: The presence of a caller providing constant instructions is incredibly reassuring, especially for beginners. Experienced dancers, however, are not constrained by this guidance; they can continually refine their technique and incorporate countless variations and embellishments.
- Social Engagement: Contra dance is inherently social, arguably the most social of social dances. It’s almost guaranteed that you will dance with everyone in the room throughout an evening, fostering connections and interactions.
- Live Music Atmosphere: Contra dances are invariably accompanied by live bands, adding an energetic and vibrant dimension to the experience.
- Welcoming Community: Contra dancers are known for their friendliness and unpretentious nature. Beginners are readily welcomed, and mistakes are met with understanding and humor. Experienced dancers are just as prone to occasional missteps, and such occurrences are never a cause for concern.
- Barrier-Breaking Activity: Contra dance transcends typical social barriers. In Oberlin, the dance community includes students, town residents, and even faculty and staff members, creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Even President Marvin and Amy occasionally join the dance floor!
Promotional poster for the annual Dandelion Romp, a contra dance festival, showcasing the event’s branding and highlighting the lively spirit of the dance.
The Dandelion Romp, a more expansive celebration of contra dance than Oberlin’s regular monthly dances, commences this Friday evening.
This special event attracts exceptional bands and callers from various locations, many of whom are Oberlin alumni. Attendees also travel from afar, representing states like Maine, Virginia, and Washington, and even international locations such as Ireland, from where a band member is traveling this year.
The Dandelion Romp features three dances alongside diverse workshops covering topics like “Scandinavian Turning Dances,” “Gender Bender Contras,” and “Shapenote Singing.” If you are in the vicinity, consult the website for a detailed schedule. Come join us on the dance floor!
A group of joyful contra dancers are captured in mid-dance, their expressions radiating happiness and camaraderie, exemplifying the social and fun nature of contra dance.
