Bloomington Contra-dancing!

     Our class went to an old-time contra-dance in the gym at the Bloomington Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday evening. When we got there, we started with a short lesson on contra-dancing, followed by the actual dance. We did three different types of dances: one where we start in a circle, a few where we stand in a line, and even a square dance. While we danced, the caller shouted different moves, such as "balance" and "spin" our partner. Also, a band was there playing old-time music, and the instruments they were playing were a fiddle, an acoustic guitar, and a banjo.

     While I have had experience with square dancing from elementary school music class, I have never done anything quite like contra-dancing. I had a great time spinning around from person to person on the gym floor, and I felt a real connection to the people around me. From this new experience of contra-dancing, I have a new found appreciation for the different participatory styles of music and dance. All of the regulars who were at the dance were very kind and patient with us beginners. I also have a better understanding of what Thomas Turino meant in Music As Social Life when he said that it feels awkward to see people sitting outside of the group during participatory events. Whenever I would see someone that was not part of a particular dance, I wondered why he or she was not involved. This is the opposite of the more mainstream dance forums to which I am accustomed, such as high school proms and homecoming dances, where if someone sits out a few songs no one thinks anything of it. Also, at those types of events, everyone has individual groups, and there is less of a sense of togetherness like there is in contra-dancing.

     If given the opportunity, I believe that I would go to a contra-dance again. I enjoyed the participatory aspects and the sense of community that seems to pervade the entire gym. Everyone was very friendly, and it was nice to see a wide range of ages. Later I realized that I had actually entered a flow state during the dances because I felt totally in the moment as the different dances were happening. It would be especially enjoyable to go back at some point during the school year and take a group of friends.

     Participatory events such as contra-dancing are beneficial to all involved for several reasons. One of these reasons is that these events give people the chance to participate in a leisure activity that lets them connect with and talk to other people. Also, people who do this are given the chance to be free of the competitive nature of capitalist culture for a few hours because everyone must dance in-sync for a contra-dance to go well, leaving little room for competition. Another thing that is evident is that the regulars who go to the contra-dance every Wednesday night have formed a cultural cohort because they have made it a habit to go each week.

     I very much enjoyed the evening of contra-dancing, and I would certainly be inclined to go back at some point. The carefree and inviting atmosphere is very much a draw, along with the participatory nature of the dance, which is something that can be difficult to find in the cosmopolitan, capitalist society of high fidelity music.