contra dancing in LA
Hi guys,
I just wanted to share a really awesome community activity that I've recently discovered - Contra Dancing! There are organized dances every weekend at different locations around the LA area. I know it sounds kinda weird, but honestly it's a ton of fun as well as a great workout. :) Here is a link to a locally based Contra Dance group (you can find dates and times on this website), and an excerpt from their description:
http://www.meetup.com/Contra-Dancing-American-Folk-Dancing-Brentwood/
"Almost everyone who tries Contra Dancing loves it, though many people have never heard of it. I am reaching out to expose the dance to as many people as I can. It is so much fun and I want our dance community to grow by sharing the fun experiences with more people.
Basically, we dance to live music which can have an array of instruments depending on the band. A typical band has a fiddle, guitar and keyboard. There is a caller who calls the dance by doing a "walk through" before each dance. Once you get the steps to the dance, the pattern just repeats itself. Easy!
At the beginning of each dance night, there is a 30 minute lesson which covers all the basic steps that will be called. That is the best time to get an overall view. But, do not be discouraged if you come later, the caller also does a quick 5 minute review before each dance so you can still learn them quickly at that time.
By the way, it is perfectly ok to go to the dance by yourself. You do not need to bring a date, significant other, or even a dance partner to enjoy the evening. Many people come solo!
RECOMMENDED ATTIRE: Smooth-soled shoes, lightweight clothing and/or change of shirt - you might work up a sweat!"
Facebook Group at http://www.facebook.com/search/?ref=search&q=contra%20dancing%20is%20fun&init=quick#/group.php?gid=96151337731&ref=ts
Myspace group at http://www.myspace.com/american_folk_dancing
http://tribes.tribe.net/american_folk_dancing-contra_dancing
I just wanted to share a really awesome community activity that I've recently discovered - Contra Dancing! There are organized dances every weekend at different locations around the LA area. I know it sounds kinda weird, but honestly it's a ton of fun as well as a great workout. :) Here is a link to a locally based Contra Dance group (you can find dates and times on this website), and an excerpt from their description:
http://www.meetup.com/Contra-Dancing-American-Folk-Dancing-Brentwood/
"Almost everyone who tries Contra Dancing loves it, though many people have never heard of it. I am reaching out to expose the dance to as many people as I can. It is so much fun and I want our dance community to grow by sharing the fun experiences with more people.
Basically, we dance to live music which can have an array of instruments depending on the band. A typical band has a fiddle, guitar and keyboard. There is a caller who calls the dance by doing a "walk through" before each dance. Once you get the steps to the dance, the pattern just repeats itself. Easy!
At the beginning of each dance night, there is a 30 minute lesson which covers all the basic steps that will be called. That is the best time to get an overall view. But, do not be discouraged if you come later, the caller also does a quick 5 minute review before each dance so you can still learn them quickly at that time.
By the way, it is perfectly ok to go to the dance by yourself. You do not need to bring a date, significant other, or even a dance partner to enjoy the evening. Many people come solo!
RECOMMENDED ATTIRE: Smooth-soled shoes, lightweight clothing and/or change of shirt - you might work up a sweat!"
Facebook Group at http://www.facebook.com/search/?ref=search&q=contra%20dancing%20is%20fun&init=quick#/group.php?gid=96151337731&ref=ts
Myspace group at http://www.myspace.com/american_folk_dancing
http://tribes.tribe.net/american_folk_dancing-contra_dancing