Regular Dance Night in Manchester Kicks Off with Contra!
Contra dance In the Pittsfield Union Grange last summer, called by Peter Baker, the best contra caller in the area. Baker will be calling at Manchester Contra Dance on April 11.
Looking for something new, fun, and different to try right here in Manchester? A regular dance night is being planned and the kick off dance will be a contra dance at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 in the gym at Emanuel church, 324 West Main St., Manchester.
The dance will have live music and the area’s best caller, Peter Baker. Baker is a caller at many dances at the Grange on Saline – Ann Arbor Rd., and has been calling Contra Dance events for 30+ years. One of the fiddlers that he works with, Brad Battey, will provide live music along with local musicians Mike and Sue Gleason. Live music is best for Traditional Country type dances because of the enthusiasm involved and the ability of the caller to stop the music when he sees that the dancers need some additional help.
Contra is a type of partnered social folk dancing led by a caller. Its origins include English and French country dances of the 17th century and has waxed and waned in popularity through the decades, experiencing a major revival in Michigan in the 1920s thanks to Henry Ford and a recent revival as young people expand contra dance to music other than the traditional anglo-celtic folk music.
When asked what contra dance is, one of the organizers, Patty Swaney explained that she’d searched for a good definition and this was the one she thought was the best. “Contra dancing is social interaction, meeting people, and making new friends, set to music. The rest is just details. Otherwise, the only real answer to the question ‘What is contra dance?’ comes when you try it.”
The idea for a recurring dance night in Manchester was generated by a group of friends who had been dreaming of a local dance venue for some time. They also felt that a reoccurring social event like this could contribute to Manchester’s revitalization. The group got together for a “Robert Burns Night” party in January and inspired by a country dance scene in the movie Christmas in Connecticut in which they dance the Virginia Reel, the friends tried the dance at the party and loved it. After that, they got serious about starting a regular dance event.
Swaney provided the spark by attending a Manchester Wellness Coalition meeting and suggesting regular community dances. The Coalition was very receptive to the idea and is assisting in the application for a grant from the Chelsea Area Wellness Foundation as part of the 5 Healthy Towns Initiative.
This is a great opportunity to hear great live music, learn new dance steps, make new friends and get some exercise! There will be instruction from 7:30 to 8 p.m., so there is no need to know the steps. No partner is needed. Participants must be over 18 and must wear soft-soled shoes. Even if you don’t dance, you can come enjoy the music. A $5 donation will be collected at the door.
The contra dance is just the first of many dances planned here in Manchester. Co-organizer, Eileen Parker, stated, “The country dance is an old tradition. We want to revive it and give it a modern spin incorporating other dance styles by popular demand – swing, ballroom, etc. and let’s not forget rock & roll. We hope that people will come, have fun and get the ball rolling.” The organizers are looking for dance type suggestions for future dances. Is there a specific type of dance you’d like to suggest? Email etparker@comcast.net with your suggestion.
This event is sponsored by the Manchester Wellness Coalition.
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