You are in good company — we were all new to contra at one time. Beginners are encouraged to join us at the Atlanta Contra Dance! Experienced dancers will help you, we are here to have fun not to be perfect! There is a Dance Basics Workshop before every dance on Fridays from 7:30-8:00pm. The caller will get you all warmed up and ready to dance that night.

You will learn things like a basic swing, an ‘allemande’, a ‘do si do’, and how a contra dance set works. You’ll get the fundamentals that will make you successful and have fun!

Water, Water, Water: Hydration is so important! Bring a water bottle! If you’re well hydrated, you’ll reduce any potential dizziness and increase the joy you feel from the dance. To feel great, start drinking water before you get to the dance.

Clothing: 

• There is no dress code–come in gym clothes, dress up fancy, or anything in between!
• Wear comfortable shoes–nothing fancy. Shoes with smooth soles that are designed to slide are ideal, but not necessary.
• You may get sweaty,  so a hand towel or extra shirt may help you stay more comfortable and drier throughout the dance.
• Dancers generally do not wear cologne or perfume as some people are very sensitive.

Partnering:

• The beauty of contra is that it is inherently a group activity.
• Most people switch partners after each dance of the evening. You do not need to bring a partner with you
• You are also welcome to bring a bunch of people!

Over the course of a dance, you will interact with everyone, so don’t be concerned if you aren’t bringing a partner to the dance. Ask some experienced dancers to dance –  they would love to show you the ropes!

1. Dance Role Terms: Anyone can dance any role. Instead of Lead/Follow as is used in many social dances, we use the role terms Gents/Ladies or Larks/Robins. When a couple who are dancing together are standing side by side, the dance role of the person on the left is called the “Lark” or “Gent”. The person standing on the right is called the “Robin” or “Lady” These terms are not gendered, they just refer to the dance role, meaning anyone can dance any role. Each couple dancing decides between them, while lining up for each dance.
2. Callers and Walk Throughs: Don’t worry about not knowing the dances in advance. All dances each evening are completely explained and “walked through” by that evening’s caller before they are danced. Each dance is different throughout the night and the selection of dances varies by caller. This variety is one of the things that makes contra so fun–the dances are different every night, but they all use similar moves, so the dances are easy to learn. There are thousands of dances that callers can choose from. This makes many “experienced” dancers newbies too, when a new dance is called that they have never done. The callers keep calling throughout the dance, they will have your back and help guide everyone – that’s their job!
3. Connection:  Connection (or “giving weight”) refers to the slight resistance you give and receive from your partner. This tension helps both partners to feel each other’s movements and stay in sync.  It helps the dancers signal each other “what’s next” and helps propel both of them through the figure. Some people call this “responsive tension” or liken it to a gentle shock absorber. Whatever you call it, it makes the whole dance easier, and more fun!
4. Feel the Beat: Contra dance figures fit the music in counts of 4, 8 or 16. Listen for the beats and let your body flow with the rhythm of the dance.
5. Better Never than Late: All dances are designed and timed so that each figure should work with the musical beat to flow seamlessly from one figure to the next. If you forget a figure or get lost, just jump into the next one! Don’t even worry about it 😉

Contra dancers love feedback and want you to have fun and feel comfortable. 

• Be gentle and try to be in tune with each dancer you interact with. Feel free to make suggestions to your partner (for example, if you prefer not to twirl, just say so). 
• Ask your partner if there are specifics you should be aware of (such as a shoulder that you need to be gentle with) 
• Avoid applying excessive pressure or a strong hand grip, and don’t hesitate to speak with a dance organizer if you are uncomfortable in any way. 
• Have fun! 

Check out the history of contra dancing and the history of Atlanta Contra Dance on this page. 

We are always looking for talent to come call and play with us in Atlanta! Check out this page to connect us about joining us for a dance!