Contradance

A New England contradance (or contredanse) is an American traditional dance evolved from British and European folk dances, such as English Country Dance.

Most contradances consist of a sequence of about six to twelve individual figures. These figures are recited by a caller in time to the music as the figures are danced. Contradances often are arranged in long lines of facing or opposing partners; hence the contra of contradance. Three major arrangements or formations are proper, improper, and Beckett.

Proper:

 F1 F2 F1 F2 F1 F2 F1 F2...
 M1 M2 M1 M2 M1 M2 M1 M2...

Improper:

 M1 F2 M1 F2 M1 F2 M1 F2...
 F1 M2 F1 M2 F1 M2 F1 M2...

Beckett:

 F1 M1 F1 M1 F1 M1 F1 M1...
 M2 F2 M2 F2 M2 F2 M2 F2...

 (key: band is to the left, F=female, M=Male, 1=1st couple, 2=2nd couple)

A figure is a short dance "step" or "move", sort of a choreographic building block. Most figures take eight counts of music, although figures with four or sixteen counts are also common.

Basic figures:

Balance

Swing Your Partner

Allemande

Star

Do-si-do

Ladies Chain

Long Lines Forward & Back

Right & Left Through

Hey For Four

Figure of Eight

Promenade

Hands Four

Petronella Turn

Courtesy Turn

Circle of Four

Turn as a Couple

Turn Alone

California Twirl

Down the Hall Four In Line

Box the Gnat

Roll Away with a Half Sashay

Contra Corners

Contradances are held all across the United States. See affiliated groups at [[Country Dance and Song Society]] and [[Contra Links]].