Contra dancing or barn dancing is familiar squaredance-type moves done in longways sets, some circles and even a few traditional squares. It is fun and people of all ages find it easy to learn. These dances feature live calling and live music that is absolutely energizing and, while fairly fast moving, they are very forgiving. An American traditional dance form that originated from English and French roots in the 1600s, contra dance thrived through the 1900s, survived in small pockets of the northeast, resurfaced in the 1950s and by the 1970s had experienced a renaissance, spreading across the country and growing in popularity. The links below offer connections to dancing across Kansas and to the nationwide community of dancing and well as descriptions of the dance form.
Contra dancing or barn dancing is familiar squaredance-type moves done in longways sets, some circles and even a few traditional squares. It is fun and people of all ages find it easy to learn. These dances feature live calling and live music that is absolutely energizing and, while fairly fast moving, they are very forgiving. An American traditional dance form that originated from English and French roots in the 1600s, contra dance thrived through the 1900s, survived in small pockets of the northeast, resurfaced in the 1950s and by the 1970s had experienced a renaissance, spreading across the country and growing in popularity. The links below offer connections to dancing across Kansas and to the nationwide community of dancing and well as descriptions of the dance form.