About Lets Have Fun Dancing Meetup Group

Country Dance*New York is non profit, volunteer lead member organization promoting English and American folk dance in New York City. Our events are open to all, although a few events (not listed here) are geared to experienced dancers.

Both English country dances and American contras are derived from social dances done in England in the 17th century. They are still done today, usually by couples, in long ways sets, with two lines facing each other. In both English and contra dances, most of the movements involve a dance-walk step in patterns; some are simple (partners changing sides or four people circling with hands joined); others are more complex (heys or figures-of-eight). Some people prefer either English or contra dancing, but many enjoy both, finding a different kind of energy and excitement in each. English dances are more varied in pattern and expressive character, ranging from lively barn dances to lilting waltzes, whereas contras are more aerobic, with emphasis on lively, repeated patterns. Contras also involve more partner holds, usually swings, but eye contact adds sparkle to both. Today both traditions remain vital, and we often do new dances by contemporary choreographers and musicians.

Contra is a simple, forgiving form of dance, done with a partner, to music (always live at CD*NY) from the American tradition and prompted by a caller. A Contra dance set, or line, is actually 2 parallel lines of couples, you in one line, your partner in the other. The dance is called, as in square dancing, by a caller. You follow the instructions, dancing the figures with your partner and next couple in the line. When the pattern is complete, the couples pass each other, and repeat the pattern again with that couple. At the end of the dance, couples generally split, find another partner, form sets for a different dance, and it all continues. Most of the dance is done to a walking step, many of the figures are similar to square dancing. You don't need to come to dance with a partner, most people do not. Anyone can ask anyone to dance,

All dances listed here are at The Church of the Village, 201 W. 13th St. (at 7th Ave.), New York City. Tuesday evening English is from 7:00 - 10:15 pm, non-member admission is $13.00. Saturday evening from 8:00 - 10:45 pm, be ready for the beginner class at 7:30. Non-member admission is $14.00. Find out more at http://www.cdny.org/..., or send me an email.