This weekend marks the annual Dandelion Romp at Oberlin, a vibrant Contra Dancing festival. For many, including myself, it’s a highlight of the spring, a celebration of movement and community. As we gear up for a weekend filled with dancing, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what draws us to dance and why so many people, from all walks of life, find themselves captivated by it. Let’s explore the journey into dance and uncover the magic that makes Dance People Dance.
From Mind to Body: Overcoming Dancefloor Hesitations
For a long time, I felt disconnected from my physical self. Intellectually, I understood the unity of mind and body, yet practically, I lived primarily in my head, viewing my body as a separate entity, difficult to control and somewhat clumsy. The idea of rhythmic movement or social dancing felt foreign, almost impossible. My prior experiences were limited to awkward school dances, reinforcing a belief that grace and rhythm were simply beyond my reach.
It might surprise those who know me now, as dance has become an integral part of my life. I seek out dance opportunities whenever possible, embracing the joy of movement and connection. But for those who knew me before, the transformation is evident. Dancing was once a daunting prospect, a source of awkwardness rather than enjoyment.
A friend, Allison, often reminds me of our first meeting in college. I confessed to her my lack of dance skills but declared my intention to learn. Looking back, I’m not sure what sparked that decision, but it was a pivotal moment, the beginning of a journey into a world I never thought I could access.
Stepping into Contra: A Beginner’s Revelation
My introduction to Contra Dancing was surprisingly effortless. While a beginner’s workshop is usually offered, I initially skipped it. Instead, a kind friend showed me a few basic steps. This experience highlights a key aspect of Contra: lessons are helpful but not essential to start enjoying it. Comfort on the dance floor is the real key.
Whirling Wonders: The flowing skirts often seen in Contra Dancing add to the visual spectacle and joyful movement. Photo capturing the energy of Contra dancers by Ma’ayan Plaut.
Despite my initial hesitation and lack of formal instruction, an incredible feeling washed over me that first evening. Mid-dance, the realization struck: “I’m dancing! I am actually moving my body in sync with the music and with others!” It was a moment of pure wonder, discovering a dance form that felt intuitive and accessible, something I was not just capable of doing, but genuinely enjoyed. This sense of joyful discovery is a universal experience for many dance people dance, regardless of their starting point.
Contra and Blues: Two Sides of the Dance Coin
Today, Contra and Blues are my two favorite dance styles, each appealing for different yet complementary reasons. Contra’s appeal lies in its structure and guidance. A caller directs the dancers, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Blues, on the other hand, is about improvisation and musicality. As Aries eloquently put it, Blues offers “gentle suggestions of what might work, but in the end of the day, you make the rules.”
For beginners, Contra is often more approachable. There’s no pressure to create steps; following the caller is enough to participate and have fun. As confidence grows, dancers can add personal flair and variations, but initially, simply following directions provides a comfortable entry point. This structured yet creative nature is part of what makes dance people dance in the Contra style.
From Participant to Leader: A Dance Journey of Growth
Since my first Contra dance, my journey has been one of significant progress. While the mind-body disconnect I once felt still occasionally surfaces, it diminishes when I’m dancing. I’ve expanded my dance repertoire beyond Contra, exploring other forms and styles. Within the Contra community, I’ve evolved from a dancer to a caller, not only mastering my own movements but also guiding entire groups in the dance.
Joyful Exuberance: Dance allows for freedom of expression, sometimes resulting in unexpected and humorous moments, as captured in this photo of a Contra dance caller. Fellow dancer Aries observes the lively scene. Photo credit: Ma’ayan Plaut.
As a caller, I now lead beginner workshops, the very workshops I initially skipped. I’ve discovered the challenge of articulating the essence of Contra in words. Descriptions often fall short; even demonstrating moves doesn’t fully convey the experience until the music starts and the dance begins.
My role as an instructor has become clearer: it’s less about teaching steps and more about 1) convincing newcomers that Contra is enjoyable and worth trying, and 2) making them feel comfortable stepping onto the dance floor. Once they experience the dance firsthand, it speaks for itself. This welcoming and encouraging environment is crucial for fostering a community where dance people dance.
Why Contra Captivates: Unveiling the Allure
If explaining Contra in words is difficult, perhaps sharing why I love it will be more illuminating. These are, to me, the key elements that make Contra so appealing:
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Clear Guidance: There’s always a caller guiding the dance. For beginners, this is reassuring and removes the guesswork. Experienced dancers find it liberating, allowing them to focus on technique and add creative flourishes. This structure makes it easy for anyone to join in and become part of the dance people dance movement.
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Social Connection: Contra is inherently social. It’s uniquely designed so that in a single evening, you’re likely to dance with everyone in the room. It’s a fantastic way to meet people and build connections within a community of dance people dance.
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Live Music: Contra dances are almost always accompanied by live bands. The energy of live music elevates the entire experience, making each dance more vibrant and engaging for all the dance people dance.
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Welcoming Community: Contra dancers are, in my experience, incredibly friendly and unpretentious. Beginners are warmly welcomed, and mistakes are met with understanding and humor. Experienced dancers make mistakes too, and it’s never a problem. This supportive atmosphere encourages more dance people dance to join and feel at ease.
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Breaking Barriers: Contra transcends typical social boundaries. In places like Oberlin, the dance floor is shared by students, town residents, and even faculty and staff. This inclusive nature fosters a diverse community of dance people dance, united by their love of movement.
Festival Spirit: The annual Dandelion Romp poster advertises a weekend of dance, music, and community, inviting everyone to participate in the joy of Contra. Poster art promoting the Dandelion Romp event.
The Dandelion Romp, kicking off this Friday, exemplifies the best of Contra. It amplifies the regular monthly dances with exceptional bands and callers from across the country and even internationally. Many attendees and musicians are Oberlin alumni, creating a reunion atmosphere and drawing dance people dance from far and wide.
This year’s Romp features three dances and various workshops, from Scandinavian Turning Dances to Gender Bender Contras and Shapenote Singing. If you’re nearby, check the website for the schedule and come experience the magic firsthand. Come and dance with us!
Pure Joy in Motion: Smiling faces and energetic movement capture the happiness and community found at Contra dances, showcasing why so many dance people dance. A vibrant scene of dancers enjoying the Dandelion Romp. Photo by Ma’ayan Plaut.
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