How to get
contra dancers involved in other forms of dancing?
During breaks allow
time for other types of dances to take place - a small sampler
people like to rest during breaks!
it can just be a demonstration
Have a short
waltz/scandi/swing dance workshop before a contra or during the break
Don't
disparage other dance forms, like ECD
Have other kinds
of dance at dance weekends. Especially when not in the same time
slot as a contra. (e.g., swing in one hall, ECD in another, latin in
the third)
Play up the
cultural/dressing up aspects of ECD, SCD (Scottish), etc. Maybe
sneak an ECD, etc. into a night o' contra?
Especially for
ECD - play up ALL aspects of dance -> music, community,
dancing, exercise, "it's like Jane Austen", etc. - not just
the dance part
People who do
multiple types of dance should encourage their friends to try the
other kinds of dance and show them how fun it can be.
and not all those kinds of dance have to be incorporated
into a contra dance event - contra dances for contra dancing!
Offer a FREE workshop to learn some basics or get a taste of Morris, ECD, Rapper, whatever it may be. Get CDSS to loan some swords or sticks.
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.