Contra-Dance

This evening we attending the Bloomington Old Time Music and Contra-Dance. It was quite the experience. Right when I walked in I felt excitement and passion seeping from those hosting it. You could really tell this dance was something they really enjoyed and were happy to see new comers. It seemed as though most of the folks there had grown up doing this sort of dance, or had at least done it for several years. At times I felt that people would get a little annoyed when we couldn't quite get the steps, but there were also those that were really helpful and understanding towards us. It was so neat seeing some of the dancers get so into it that they would have to apologize because to us it was too fast. Not only did the dancers get into it like this but so did the people in the band. Every time I would look over at them they would have a smile on their face watching every one dance to the music that they were making. This experience was so different of those that I have previously participated in. As a dancer and an avid music listener I have been to so many concerts, conventions, and competitions, but have never participated in something quite like this. I have been through everything from teen fan girls to strict ballet instructors to crazy modern dance teachers, but the dance we learned tonight had a completely different feel to it. Instead of being like strict ballet we had some room for error. If we didn't get the move right, as long as we kept dancing it was okay. On the contrary however, it was not like a crazy concert where you were just allowed to do whatever you want. There was a little structure and that structure had to be followed or the whole group would get messed up. This is what made the participatory aspects apparent. The audience and the participants are not clear, but there is still instruction that anyone can join in. Every level is encouraged to join and follow along. The music was also different when compared to other modern participatory events. This music was not rap or pop, it is people that have spent hours perfecting their instruments and want to share their joy with the community. This was one of the most fun participatory events I have been apart of.

It is very likely that I would attend this event again. I had a way better time than I thought I would, and I think this is because it was more welcoming than awkward. Everyone wanted us to participate and were sad when they realized we were leaving. It was also really fun getting to experience this with my class mates because we are all on the same level, dancing with people that were on a much higher level than us. This again brings us back around to the participatory aspect of the evening. We were able to have such a good time because every one wanted us to dance with them even though they realized we were terrible. I was never made to feel like I was not welcome. There are several benefits to events like this. It is a great way to make friends. I met so many people tonight that I never would have met otherwise. I also got a lot closer with classmates that I had never really spoken to before. We were all able to learn a new dance and meet new people through the course of the evening. This would not be possible without the participatory aspects.

This is an example of a form of music that keeps music going. If we all only went to pop concerts there would never be any new ideas and eventually it would just die out, but with things like contra-dancing in the mix, music and culture are able to keep moving forward, always providing people with new interests and the world with new ideas. Through this we are able to connect with different countries and cultures through a form that we can all understand; music.