About Contra Dance
The best way to get a sense of what contra dancing is all about it to come to a dance! The next best way is to watch a few live videos. Here are some nice examples that show off the steps, the music and the fun that make up this easy, yet exhilarating, dance tradition!
After the Videos...
There are many websites that give helpful and entertaining descriptions of contra dance. Here are some of my favourites.
What is Contra Dancing? - Syracuse Country Dancers
Hands Four - Greg Rohde
Contraculture: An Introduction to Contradancing - Steve Nagy
Here is a set of instruction videos, showing basic steps and concepts of contra dancing, from the Chattahoochee Country Dancers.
Once you know the basics, here are some additional articles well worth reading, for the info or just for a laugh.
The Top Ten (plus) Things That Make a Good (Contra) Dancer - Jonathan Sivier
Tips For Experienced Dancers Dancing With Beginners - Jonathan Sivier
Good Contra and Square Dancing Defined - Paul Tyler
More Ways to Swing than You Probably Want to Know - James Williams and Dana S. Nau
The more you search, the more you find. Here are even more fun and interesting contra related sites.
History of Contra Dancing (video) - GreatMeadowMusic.com, edited by Steve Alves
Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter - Richard Powers
Contra Dance Etiquette for the Guys (funny video) - Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand, of the Great Bear Trio
Toronto Contra Dance YouTube channel (lots of videos)