When I was discussing the development of a new and more encompassing website with our club president, Joni McSpadden Miller, she gave me a brief glimpse into her vision for STDS, which I will try to communicate here. I’ll probably mess it up, because Joni is much more of a "people person" than I, but hopefully I will get points for trying.
Joni related the story of an evening when the Oklahoma weather was not cooperating and she was scrambling to let everyone know at the eleventh hour that the dance had been cancelled. One of the people she called was very disappointed, and while they understood the reasons for the cancellation and had no desire to get out in the bad weather; it still left a huge gap in their fellowship with the world at large. This was a striking example to Joni, as it was to me, about the important role STDS plays in the lives of the people who come to our dances.
The STDS board is thrilled that our dance community is growing. The number of dancers has been steadily increasing for the past few months, with both new and experienced dancers. While growth is welcome, a few growing pains are to be expected. We would like to take this opportunity to pass along some information to all dancers; a refresher for those who have danced for some time and helpful information to those new to our community.
The following information is excerpted from a web article, “What is Contra Dance?”, which may be found on the Santa Barbara County Dance Society. (Please see 'Dancing & Musical Friends'.) The contra dance group is a community of people of all ages and lifestyles. “Contra dances are a place where people from many walks of life come together to dance and socialize”. One of the beauties of the community is the diversity and open-mindedness of the dancers. As such, graciousness and consideration is the norm, accepting each individual for what they bring to the dance. Dancers often socialize prior to a dance, at a pot-luck during the dance or going out after a dance. First-time dancers will likely find experienced dancers extremely friendly and helpful.
This week NPR (National Public Radio) featured a spot entitled "Youth Flock to Contra Dancing. It featured the up-and-coming New England band, Perpertual E-Motion. They are the band playing for our special Wayward Hall event on July 28th and who we are trying to book for the 2011 Flamingo Fling. Other bands featured were Wild Asparagus and Elixir (Nils Fredland's band). To listen or read the NPR story, click NPR Feature.
Also, some youngsters are doing 'techno contra' or merging various forms of traditional dance, such as Morris and clog, with Hip-Hop. Traditional dance is alive and well, and ever evolving. The first video is a tecno-contra (so elegant it looks like English Country) and the second is a high energy mix.
What Is Contra Dancing?
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