Contra dance is a traditional New England cultural expression that originated in England, was passed through France, and has reached its current form in the United States.
(the following from Wikipedia)
“Most contra dance events are open to all, regardless of experience. A typical evening of contra dance is three hours long, including an intermission. Many events offer beginner-level instructions for up to half an hour before the dance. … Music for the evening is typically a live band, playing jigs and reels from the British Isles, Canada, or the USA… Generally, a leader, called a caller, will teach each individual dance just before the music for that dance begins.”
All of this sounds pretty dry but here’s the bottom line: Contra dance is incredibly fun, it is good for the mind and body, and it’s the kind of thing you can do with your whole family, including any children old enough to walk. If you’ve never brought your family to a Contra dance, you are missing out!
To learn more about Contra dance:
http://www.freenet.hamilton.on.ca/link/jig/a_contra_dancers_primer.htm
http://www.contradancelinks.com
Happy dancing!