How to attract younger dancers (who have never heard of contra)...
- If you have children or young friends have them bring a group of their peers to a dance. It is much asier to entice them with others of their age there.
- Cookies/Ice Cream/Pizza!
- We gave free admission to freshmen who arrived in the first 1/2 hour of the dance.
- Don't compare to square dancing!
- Don't disparage contra or other dance forms
- Pop really hot contra music in the stereo when you have non-dancer friends over. Then invite them to the dance.
- Have special events and invite your friends.
- Student rates
- Not just students! Recent grads are paying off loans!
- Say contra dance party on the flyer
- Don't answer when asked "what is it?"
- be vague
- Advertise
- Tell people they'll get a fun workout to music
- Tell them that even people who don't like any other kinds of dancing like contra - it worked for me!
- Make it a fundraiser for a cause i.e. square dance for mountaintop removal
- It's a dance designed for white guys who "can't dance"
- Be family friendly - it's ok to have little kids at dances
Continue the conversation...
YDW is supported by CDSS. Site design by Ethan Hazzard-Watkins. Photos by Brian Gallagher, Sargon de Jesus, and Chris Levey. Logo Drawing by Jordy Williams.