Contra Dance
Called group partner dance — switch partners every song. Newcomers always welcome. Originated in North America/British Isles · 18th–19th c.. Typically danced around 110-130 BPM (medium-fast).
About Contra Dance
- Folk & Traditional
- North America/British Isles
- 18th–19th c.
- 110-130 BPM (Medium-fast)
- Partner
- Great first dance
Longways sets; caller directs; partner and neighbor-based figures; lively fiddle and folk music; partner changes throughout.
What to expect: Two long lines of couples, a caller walks you through every move before each dance. Live fiddle music. Famously beginner-friendly.
Lineage
Where to find Contra Dance events
Going for the first time
Folk and traditional dance nights vary widely — Scandinavian, English country, square dance, contra. Most are caller-led so you're walked through every figure in real time. No partner needed; the format rotates everyone through the set.
Listen for the caller. Thank your partner and the band. If live music is playing, applaud between tunes.