The Old But Young at Heart Club (camp, centers) - Page 6 - City-Data Forum

songinthewind7 · 12-22-2007, 01:35 PM

How to dance a *** (or whatever)

Put in some music, jump around, move around, shimmy around. As long as you're moving, and having fun, call it a ***.

catman · 12-22-2007, 01:52 PM

Even I can do that! But I don't feel quite as good today. The scratchy throat is back, whioch is how the last round started. Hopefully, it won't initiate the same cycle. I think I'll have a shot of Laphroiag, which should help.

Dancingearth · 12-23-2007, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by songinthewind7

DancingEarth:
We'll do any kind of dance any body wants to do. Everyone gets to choose.

Cathy:
Have a safe trip and a nice visit with family.

Jane:
Thanks for checking the tank for us. It should be okay but want to make sure.

Catman:
Happy to hear you feel better today. Now get ready for that ***.

Hope all of you have a Merry Christmas.

yah count me in - I like all kinds of dances. Tonight I was contra dancing ad waltzing. Fun. Celebrating the beginning of longer days again

Steve Hazzard · 12-23-2007, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dancingearth

yah count me in - I like all kinds of dances. Tonight I was contra dancing ad waltzing. Fun. Celebrating the beginning of longer days again

Can some one please explain contra dancing? I have seen this term so many times and I have no idea of contra dancing! Thanks!

Dancingearth · 12-23-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Hazzard

Can some one please explain contra dancing? I have seen this term so many times and I have no idea of contra dancing! Thanks!

Contra is lots of people laughing while attempting to follow the caller's instructions. Here's a a website that explains more:

http://www.sbcds.org/contradance/whatis/#Def0
"Definition 1: an earnest attempt
A caller, usually working with a group of live musicians, guides new and experienced dancers alike through a variety of dances.

A dancer and his or her partner dance a series of figures, or moves, with each other and with another couple for a short time. They then repeat the same figures with another couple, and so on. The figures are similar to those of old-time square dancing. The figures are combined in different ways for each different dance.

The caller teaches each dance before it is actually done to the music. This gives everyone an idea of what to expect so the movements can be easily executed. The caller leads the dances while they are being done to music, so dancers are able to perform each movement to the music. Once the dancers appear to have mastered a particular dance, the caller may stop calling, leaving the dancers to enjoy the movement with music alone.

People of all ages and lifestyles, including children, are welcome. Contra dances are a place where people from many walks of life come together to dance and socialize. Dancers often go out to a restaurant after the dance, have a potluck before or during the dance, or hang out with musicians in jam sessions and song circles."

Although I agree with definition zero:
"The only real answer to the question "What is contra dance?" comes when you try it. Check out Charlie Seelig's Contra Dance Links to find a dance in your neighborhood."

You will find these dances going on all across the US. Last night the caller was from Massachusetts. I did it in Santa Fe and now WA and the people are simiiliar - friendly and love to dance. I took a friend that never did it last night and people were very patient and helped her through the dances. Actually very much like **** and reels. Here's a picture of 1,000 people dancing at the Seattle Folk life festival--talk about lots of energy flying around the room!

songinthewind7 · 12-23-2007, 10:32 AM

OOHHHHHH !
I want to do that.

Dancingearth · 12-23-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by songinthewind7

OOHHHHHH !
I want to do that.

Try it--you'll like it! You don't need a partner (if you don't have a partner to go with) Traditionally you are suppose to switch partners for every dance. I would love to do some cross country traveling and stop in at contra dances across the country. Is this near you?

http://www.zianet.com/lcludeman/contra/snmmds.html

songinthewind7 · 12-23-2007, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dancingearth

Try it--you'll like it! You don't need a partner (if you don't have a partner to go with) Traditionally you are suppose to switch partners for every dance. I would love to do some cross country traveling and stop in at contra dances across the country. Is this near you?

http://www.zianet.com/lcludeman/contra/snmmds.html

Yep, Las Cruces is about a 2 hour drive I believe from Timberon. Sounds fun.
(I'm in Texas now though, until the house sells)

chilegal · 12-23-2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dancingearth

Try it--you'll like it! You don't need a partner (if you don't have a partner to go with) Traditionally you are suppose to switch partners for every dance. I would love to do some cross country traveling and stop in at contra dances across the country. Is this near you?

http://www.zianet.com/lcludeman/contra/snmmds.html

That looks like fun. Its about 80 miles from Alamogordo, and add 1 3/4 hrs on to Timberon.

catman · 12-23-2007, 02:52 PM

Whew. I was afraid it had something to do with Nicaragua and Oliver North.