Contra dance

A partnered social folk dance in which couples form long lines and follow a caller’s instructions through changing patterns. Its figures bring dancers into brief interactions with neighboring couples before returning them to new partners along the set.

Contra dance figure: A named movement or sequence of movements performed by dancers in a contra dance. Figures such as swings and allemandes form the patterns the caller strings together.
English country dance: A traditional social dance from England, performed in formations including longways sets. Contra dance inherited longways formations and figures from this older dance tradition.
New England contra dance: A regional tradition of contra dancing associated with New England communities and their dance music. New England became a major center for the dance’s continued practice and modern revival.
Contra dance community: A local network of dancers, callers, musicians, and organizers who sustain contra dances. Recurring dances depend on communities that organize events and pass on shared conventions.
Square dance: A social dance in which groups of four couples form a square and perform called figures. Its square formation contrasts with contra dance’s facing long lines.
Contra dance calling: The spoken instructions that guide dancers through a contra dance’s figures. The caller announces each figure early enough for dancers to perform it with the music.
Longways dance: A formation dance in which two lines of dancers face one another, often organized by couples. Contra dance belongs to this broad family of dances arranged in facing lines.
French-Canadian dance: A social dance tradition shaped by French-speaking communities in Canada and the northeastern United States. French-Canadian music and dance traditions contributed to regional contra dance repertoires.
Community dance: A participatory dance event organized for social connection and shared cultural activity. Contra dances are commonly held as open community events rather than staged shows.
Morris dance: A traditional English dance, often performed in teams with steps, figures, and rhythmic accessories. Morris is commonly presented by teams, unlike contra dance’s rotating social participation.

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