What is contra dancing?
"Swirly awesomeness!" Contra dancing is a community event. People of all ages and all skill levels dance traditional American social "set" dances to live music. You don't need to know what to do or to bring a partner. A "caller" teaches the dances, and we change partners every dance. In one evening, you may dance with half a dozen partners, from teens to retirees; with friends and strangers. Most couples will be "opposite sex," but same gender couples are routine (especially when there are more of one sex that evening, or when there are experienced dancers who've enjoyed the new challenge of learning both roles).

In a contra dance, you and a partner dance a series of figures with another couple. (Moving at a brisk walking step in circles, stars, heys, etc.). Live music, often reels, jigs, and traditional tunes from New England, England, Scotland, etc., sets the pace and helps keep everyone dong the same thing at the same time, so we're all moving in unison! Contra dancers hold and "give weight," providing each other with just a little support (like you're lifting a gallon of milk), so our shared energy and momentum means we can move faster & more gracefully. Once you complete the series, you and your partner repeat the same moves with another couple in a long line of dancers, over and over, until the music ends and it's time to change partners and line up for another dance! An evening includes traditionally ends with a couples dance like a waltz.

Contra dancing is easy to learn, the music is lively, and the dancing can be vigorous, but it is low impact. You interact with your current partner, and everyone else in the set, as you dance with easy steps to live music. Here are some longer explanations: Wikipedia, Gary's info.

Here are some videos to illustrate: Coffee Zombies, one of our bands, playing in KY, Ken Gall, one of our callers, and the Spinels, one of our bands, at a big dance weekend, St. Louis, Cincinnati. We have photos of our dances at Picasa.

What do I need to participate?
Energy and Enthusiasm! Wear comfortable lightweight clothes, since this is an aerobic activity and you will get warm! (Like most sports, contra involves relatively close contact - holding hands, ballroom position holds, etc.) Typical dress ranges from shorts/slacks and t-shirts to twirly dresses (they're cooler!). Please carry in a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes that will not damage or mark the floor.

Bring a water bottle of water!!! There is no smoking, and no alcohol. The Cafe at EarthHouse sells coffee, tea, smoothies, and light snacks, usually to 9 p.m.

Admission is normally $5 general, $4 members, $3 under 25. It's usually $1 more when the band or caller travels from more than an hour away. It's free for those who do setup and cleanup. We always have live music and need help with speakers, microphones, and fans, plus sweeping the floors, so no experience is needed. Callers and band members can dance for free in any quarter they perform, and can bring one person free on any night they perform. (Open band doesn't earn free admissions, sorry.)

How do I join in the fun?
Please come for the introductory workshop held about 7:40 before the dance begins, so we can walk you through the basic moves. (Feel free to come several times, and to come again after you've been dancing a while, to work on your skills, learn the "opposite" gender role, or to help newer people learn.) You will be part of a living tradition passed on by the experienced dancers helping the newcomers.

Join in the very first dance of the evening with an experienced partner. Try to dance all of the first few dances, as they are usually the easier ones; and change partners each dance. Listen to the caller, and watch the other dancers. They'll help by pointing, and gently helping you move in the right directions.

When and where are the dances?
Our weekly dance is 8-10 pm on Tuesday nights, with a introductory lesson at 7:40. We normally dance at Earth House, aka Lockerbie United Methodist Church, in downtown Indianapolis, at the intersection of E. New York St. and N. East St. (address is 237 N. East St. It's about 2 blocks east and 2 blocks south of the Murat and Athenaeum.) This map shows location, one way streets (heading south and heading east). Parking is plentiful to the east or west, and to the south.

We also have special weekend dances, and sometimes dance at the Harrison Center for the First Friday Art Tour. Friday and Saturday dances are 8 - 11 pm.

We've been dancing contras in Indianapolis since February, 1980! A partial schedule of our past bands and callers is available at Ted Crane's DanceDB.

My class, group, troop, etc., wants to come. OK?
Great! Please give us a little advance notice if you can, so we can plan for a larger than usual number of beginners. If you prefer, we can arrange for a caller & helpers to come to your school, meeting, or event to give an introduction. Contact Ken at kenthecaller@indy.rr.com, or call (317) 488 - 7751.

How young is too young?
Children who know right from left and can follow directions are welcome to dance!

How can I help?
Please help grow the dance by taking dance fliers to places you go: cafes, music and arts locations, Y and other community sites, houses of worship, libraries, and other places where there are people who might enjoy traditional American dance and music, alcohol free all ages dancing, etc.

Here's the Logo, a half page flyer for weekly dances, and a half page flyer for Gypsy Moon Ball 2010.
We're a volunteer group, so always glad for help with p.r., ride-sharing to other nearby dances, coordinating social events, taking quality photographs, audio, & video we can use on the web; etc.

I'm not in Indianapolis. Where can I find contra?
IndyContra is a group affiliate of CDSS, the Country Dance and Song Society. Not all contra groups are members; you may find others via Contra Corners. Ted Crane's Day of the Week shows who dances when (very helpful for traveling dancers!). For weekends & week long camps, see CDSS or Charlie Seelig.