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Peter Larkins | Chief Photographer Sophomore broadcasting major Seth B. Moser-Katz and senior anthropology major Jenny E. Fuller practice their contra skills on Sanford Mall.

Contra: the new square dance

by Alison Fosbenner
Staff Writer

There is so much more to it than just “swing your partner round and round.”

Contra dancing is a fast-paced, heart pounding, sweat eliciting type of dance, similar to square dancing that involves swapping partners regularly.

A caller, along with a live band, leads dancers through an assortment of dances. Before each the caller teaches the dance to the music. Couples perform that dance while the caller guides them verbally. Couples execute the series of dance moves and then switch partners.

Throughout a contra dance, dance styles such as swing, traditional square dance, waltz and others are performed. Jenny E. Fuller said that contra dancing came to the United States and evolved from English country dancing that began in the 17th century and adapted to the music here.

Bob Oelberg of the Boone Country Dancers said that contra means “against.” Contra dancing involves alternating couples that move against each other.

Every other couple moves down the set and the others move up the set.
At age 14, twin sisters Amy M. and Jenny E. Fuller were first introduced to contra dancing by their mother [in Asheville] at Warren Wilson College.

“Once we started dancing we got completely hooked,” senior fashion design major Amy Fuller said.

And today, seven years later, Asheville is their favorite place to contra.

“ASU students are really good dancers,” Oelberg said. “I have noticed they fall into it real easy.”

Appalachian State University makes an attempt at contra dancing with Barn Dances held at Legends hosted by the Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS).

“It’s a good place to go if you’re a beginner,” Fuller said. “But as far as atmosphere, it’s lacking.”

Amy explained that there usually are more experienced dancers at a community contra dance, like those in Asheville or dances sponsored locally by Boone Country Dancers.

The advantages of contra dancing surpass aerobic benefits.

Jenny, a senior anthropology major, enjoys the “complete euphoria of it” and said that contra dances allow a chance to meet new and different people.
Amy agreed and said she enjoys the community appeal most.

“It’s a great outlet if you’re stressed out,” Amy added. “Because you go and dance, and forget about everything else.”

Without any knowledge of contra dancing, some might believe it to be similar to country line dancing. But contra enthusiasts make a complete distinction.

“I don’t see how they’re related at all, but I can see how someone would think that if they’ve never heard of it,” Jenny said.

The type of music at contra dances is more bluegrass rather than country. But the main difference is that contra dancing is made up of partners, who change every so often. Throughout the dance, most, if not all, of the participants will end up dancing with everyone.

Oelberg said that many times half the people that come to Boone Country Dancer contra events at the Apple Barn or Old Cove Creek School have never been before. He said the average attendance is about 110 participants, but ranges from 70 to 160. College students make up a good portion of that average.

“We like to see it,” Oelberg said. “It’s fresh blood to propagate the tradition.”
Contra dancers welcome beginners.

“Do it. Try it and keep an open mind,” Jenny said, adding that many of her friends that she has taken along were intimidated at first but afterwards, were ready to contra again. “And I was the same way,” she said. “Our mom converted us that way.”

“If you’re willing to try, and you can’t be afraid,” Amy said. “But if you get out there, people are going to help you.”

All ages can join in on contra dancing. Oelberg said that ages range from high school to those in their sixties. “You’ll have fun even if you can’t get the hang of it right away,” Amy said.

“Go for it, because you won’t regret it. The energy and atmosphere are just contagious,” Amy said. “You see all these people smiling, and laughing, and having fun and interacting with all these great people, and you can’t help but get sucked into it.”