I agree with the comments that people have been making. It's fun, I
enjoy it in moderation. Too much becomes gimmicky and unwelcome. It must
always be danceable or it's not fun. I know some of the groups that are
working on a more rock and roll or techno feel and when they've asked
for feedback, I've tried to steer them towards keeping it danceable and
about the dancers, not them.
I experienced a techno-contra, Asheville style at the Youth Dance
Weekend this last fall. I had fun. Sat down when I needed a rest and got
up and danced when I didn't. There were difficult sections where
phrasing was nonexistent and even the caller got lost. These dances are
for experienced dancers. No one else could pull it off. That will make
it very difficult in keeping them going for more than a few years. There
needs to be a more traditional group where people can go and learn
before they're ready for a techno contra. I also think that people will
miss the back and forth between live musicians and the dancers. I'm not
too worried that the current contra tradition will disappear. It will
keep evolving, but it won't disappear.
Chris Weiler
Goffstown, NH
Barbara Groh wrote:
#2 I wonder if we are looking at a seperation between
traditional and a new style of dancing, not unlike
what happened 40 years ago +/-
If there is going to be (if it hasn't already begun)
a divergance in dance styles and preferances.
In our area (Asheville, NC) the twenty-somethings are contra dancing
to techno music at private parties. I hear the music is LOUD, and the
dances are stream-of-consciousness marathons. Not my cup of tea, but
it's interesting how it's evolving with our young'uns. (I don't think
it will ever replace the more traditional style of contra dancing!)
~Barbara
