What is contra dance?
Contra dance is community social dancing to live music. It's lively, joyful, welcoming, modern, traditional, and fun!
Most contra dance figures combine a walking step with hand gestures, and these figures are combined into patterns that repeat throughout dances. Each dance is taught and prompted by a caller (teacher), who indicates to dancers what figures they should dance when. Though the dance is proscribed, improvisation is encouraged.
No partner is needed — you dance with everyone! Dancers line up in long parallel lines and, in pairs, make their way down that line, dancing with the other pairs of dancers they meet along the way. Our community is diverse and intergenerational, so you know you'll meet a lot of different people as you make your way down the line!
People have been contra dancing since the 17th century — in barns, in kitchens, in dance halls, in churches — connecting with one another and creating an evolving tradition. We're excited to have you be a part of it!
IT's EASY TO LEARN.
Contra is an easy, enjoyable, and accessible dance form for most people. Each weekly PICD dance starts with a lesson for beginners. If you're new, we highly recommend joining us for it. You'll learn basic figures, how to dance in time to the music, and how the dance works. It's fun and invaluable.
In the beginner's lesson, you'll also be introduced to experienced dancers who can show you the ropes for the rest of the night. ...Which is another great way to learn: dance with people who know how to contra! It can be frustrating or challenging to dance with another new dancer, so we encourage you to seek out more experienced dancers as partners. It is traditional to change partners throughout the night, so don’t be intimidated to ask someone to dance.
In March 2018 our contra dance was featured on WCSH6's 207 program:
FAQ
DO I NEED TO BE EXPERIENCED TO COME?
No experience is needed to contra dance. We do encourage new dancers to come to the beginner's lesson, which happens at 7:00 p.m. each Thursday prior to the weekly dance. You'll have a much more enjoyable dance after going over the basics!
WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD I WEAR?
You can dance in street clothes. Loose fitting, comfortable clothing is recommended. Contra dancing is aerobic, so clothing that is cotton, silk or wickable is even better. Should you choose to wear a skirt, be sure to wear shorts underneath for modesty.
WHAT SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?
We recommend bringing a clean pair of comfortable shoes with a smooth sole. Bowling shoes or canvas sneakers work well. Heels are not recommended. Lots of us dance barefoot or in socks, as well. If you dance in the shoes you walked in with, just brush them off in the shoe changing area to help us preserve the beautiful, historic wood floor.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
A clean pair of shoes you're not wearing outside much would be great to bring. There's a water fountain in the building, but bringing a water bottle will mean fewer trips down the hallway. Also, if you're likely to sweat quite a bit, a change of t-shirt or clothing would be clutch.
DO I NEED TO BRING A PARTNER?
Nope, no partner is needed! However, if you'd like to come with another person, or a group, please do!
DOES MY GENDER HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT?
Nope! There are two roles in contra dance and you can dance either one at any time. In Portland, you will dance as either a "lark" or a "robin." We're part of a loose national network of "gender-free" contra dance communities.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
Your face is going to hurt from all the smiling.