Home » Travel » New Hampshire » Give Me that Old Time Dancing

Give Me that Old Time Dancing

© Christina Coruth

Do si do, allemande, promenade – what is this? A square dance? No it’s not, it’s a Contra Dance! Contra Dancing is a popular pastime in New Hampshire. All year round, across the length and breadth of the state, you can find folks swinging their partners in music filled town halls and gymnasiums. According to the Enfield Shaker Museum, "Contra dancing is a form of community-based participatory dance that has been practiced continually in Northern New England for at least two hundred years."

And it’s no wonder it has been popular for so long. It provides a family-style night out, good exercise, great music, and good company in the town hall spirit that built New England.

Contra Dancing is similar to square dancing in some ways. Couples dance to lively music following the instructions of a caller. However, instead of forming squares, couples form lines. The lines can be as long as the room. Before the dance is finished, each person will have danced with many different partners, possibly all of the other dancers.

A small band usually provides music. Their instruments may include a hammered dulcimer, guitar, and, most often, a fiddle. Irish, Scottish, and English jigs and reels, as well as tunes influenced by New England and French Canadian musicians fill the halls and inspire the dancers.

Contra Dancing attracts people of all ages and skill levels. Since the caller runs through the dance steps prior to each dance, even the novice is included in the fun right from the start. The dance steps have been described as walking to music, although at times, it’s a brisk walk. You don’t need to bring a partner or you can bring the whole family. This is not a dance to be watched from the sidelines. If you attempt that, someone will notice and get you out onto the dance floor!

Special clothing isn’t required. You can dress up if you want, but leave the fancy shoes at home. Soft shoes or sneakers are recommended and encouraged, not only for the dancer’s comfort, but also to protect the floors. Most people dress casually in clothing that won’t restrict their movements and can stand up to a good sweat.

Admission prices are reasonable, usually ranging from $6.00 to $10.00. Most Contra Dances prohibit alcohol.

To sum up:
You don’t need to know how to dance.
You don’t need to dress up.
You don’t need a lot of money.

The copyright of the article Give Me that Old Time Dancing in New Hampshire is owned by . Permission to republish Give Me that Old Time Dancing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.