Successful Contra Dance Means More Dances in the Future

Manchester’s first contra dance on April 11th was a success! Nearly 50 people danced the evening away at Emanuel gym to the expert calling of Peter Baker and lively music of Brad Battey, Alex Belhaj, and Manchester's own, Mike and Sue Gleason. Thanks to the generous support of the Manchester Wellness Center, the Dance, Manchester! premiere event had dancers clamoring for more.

Attendees consisted of couples, dancers who came solo, and some who just came to listen and watch. Caller, Peter Baker, provided masterful instruction and good-natured guidance throughout the evening. Couples and solo dancers as well were quickly engaged in a great introductory dance that helped put everyone at ease. There were smiles and laughter as dancers moved around the dance floor allemanding, dosey doeing and twirling with their partner and other dancers. Contra is described as "high spirited social interaction" and it proved true as most dancers danced with every other dancer in the hall at least once.

Dancers progressed from beginning steps to intermediate dances by the evening’s end and this was a compliment to the skill of the caller and musicians. However, dancers deserve credit as well according to Baker and the Gleasons, all of whom expressed amazement at the smart crowd assembled for this first contra dance. They said that usually with so many newcomers they can't introduce such advanced dances, but this group did really well. They were impressed!

Dance, Manchester! organizers - Patty Swaney, Eileen Parker and Jeannie Armstrong – were thrilled by the evening and the community response. They had participants fill out surveys and of the 40 completed, all 40 want more dances. Comments on the evening included – “Great fun!,” “Great caller and musicians!,” “Wonderful group of people,” and “Just what Manchester needs!”

Organizers hope to be able to have at least one or two more dances before fall when a grant proposal, if successful, will fund monthly dances running from September to May. In anticipation of getting the grant, the group is busy lining up callers and musicians for the September–May schedule. They have also chosen the name – Dance, Manchester! – and are establishing a social media presence.

In the meantime, the organizaers would welcome support to help fund a dance or two this spring and summer. They feel that people did so well and learned so much the first time around, the next dance should be even more fun. And as more people learn the steps it will be easier for newcomers who can be guided by experienced dancers. Dances will have a suggested donation of $5, all of which will go to cover costs like the musician, snacks, and advertising and to help fund future dances.

So, watch for announcements from Dance, Manchester!

To see video of the last dance of the evening, check out this Youtube video: Watch a Movie of the Dancing!

Eileen Parker and Jeannie Armstrong (both far right) encouraging dancers to fill out a survey. Photo courtesy of Patty Swaney.

Dancers start to arrive and wonder what they’re in for. Photo courtesy of Patty Swaney.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.