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 called by a caller as the figures are danced. Most contra dances are performed in long lines of couples, but some are done in square sets of four couples.

A figure is a short dance "step" or "move", sort of a choreographic building block. Most figures take eight counts of music.

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]].