What is contra dancing?
Contra dances are community events. At almost any contra you will find people of all ages and all dance skill levels, from young to old, beginner to expert, dancing traditional American social "set" dances. You don't need to know what to do or to bring a partner. A "caller" teaches the dances, and we swap partners every dance. It is normal for either a man or a woman to ask someone they haven't met before to dance, and for same gender couples to dance together (women do this more than men).

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.) 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.

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. An evening traditionally ends with a couples dance like a waltz.

What do I need to participate?
Energy and Enthusiasm! Wear comfortable lightweight clothes, since this is an aerobic activity and you will get warm! (Bring a water bottle.) 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.

Admission is normally $5 general, $4 members, $3 under 25 (usually $1 more when the band or caller travels from more than an hour away) and 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. Also, callers and bands can dance for free in any quarter they perform.

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 or 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; letting other dancers guide you is much more effective than watching!

When and where are the dances?
Our weekly dance is 8-10 pm on Tuesday nights, with a introductory lesson at 7:40. We 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 our old site, the 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.

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.

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.