Contra Dance - Choreography

Choreography

Contra dance choreography specifies the dance formation, the figures, and the sequence of those figures in a dance. Notably, contra dance figures (with a few exceptions) do not have defined footwork; within the limits of the music and the comfort of their fellow dancers, individuals move according to their own taste.

Most contra dances consist of a sequence of about six to 12 individual figures, prompted by the caller in time to the music as the figures are danced. As the sequence repeats, the caller may cut down his or her prompting, and eventually drop out, leaving the dancers to each other and the music.

A figure is a pattern of movement that typically takes eight counts, although figures with four or 16 counts are also common. Each dance is a collection of figures assembled to allow the dancers to progress along the set (see "Progression," above).

A count (as used above) is one half of a musical measure, such as one quarter note in 2/4 time or three eighth notes in 6/8 time. A count may also be called a step, as contra dance is a walking form, and each count of a dance typically matches a single physical step in a figure.

Typical contra dance choreography comprises four parts, each 16 counts (8 measures) long. The parts are called A1, A2, B1 and B2. This nomenclature stems from the music: Most contra dance tunes (as written) have two parts (A and B), each 8 measures long, and each fitting one part of the dance. The A and B parts are each played twice in a row, hence, A1, A2, B1, B2. While the same music is generally played in, for example, parts A1 and A2, distinct choreography is followed in those parts. Thus, a contra dance is typically 64 counts, and goes with a 32 measure tune. Tunes of this form are called "square"; tunes that deviate from this form are called "crooked".

Sample contra dances:

• Traditional - the actives do most of the movement

Chorus Jig (Proper duple minor)

A1 (16) Actives down the outside and back.

A2 (16) Actives down the center, turn individually, come back, and cast off.

B1 (16) Actives turn contra corners.

B2 (16) Actives meet in the middle for a balance and swing, end swing facing up.

Note: inactives will often clog in place or otherwise participate in the dance, even though the figures do not call for them to move.

• Modern - the dance is symmetrical for actives and inactives

Hay in the Barn by Chart Guthrie (Improper duple minor)

A1 (16) Neighbors balance and swing.

A2 (8) Ladies chain across, (8) Half hey, ladies pass right shoulders to start.

B1 (16) Partners balance and swing.

B2 (8) Ladies chain across, (8) Half hey, ladies pass right shoulders to start.

Many modern contra dances have these characteristics:

• longways for as many as will
• first couples improper, or Becket formation
• flowing choreography
• no-one stationary for more than 16 beats (e.g. First Couple Balance & Swing, finish facing down to make Lines of Four)
• containing at least one swing and normally both a partner swing and a neighbour swing
• 95% of the moves from a set of well-know moves that the dancers know already
• comprised mostly of moves that keep you connected to the other dancers
• generally danced to 32 bar jigs or reels played at between 110 and 130 bpm
• danced with a smooth walk with lots of spins and twirls

An event which consists primarily (or solely) of dances in this style is sometimes referred to as a Modern Urban Contra Dance.