Vancouver, WA

Saturday I visited the Fulton Community Center in Portland for a Contra Dance. Click here for several definitions of contra dancing. What kind of music is played for a contra dance? Most of the tunes are either jigs or reels, but there are usually a few schottisches, marches, and waltzes thrown in for good measure. The evening is traditionally ended with a waltz.

Most contra-dance bands consist of from three to five musicians, usually a guitar and a fiddle, and often also a piano, an accordion, a mandolin, a bodhran (a wide, flat drum), or a whistle. Many musicians play two or more instruments and change around for different tunes.

The sound could be better on this youtube example of a contra dance, but I like it because as well as the dancers, you can see the band. There are several musicians at the dance on the video, and you can see the caller as well. He reminds the dancers what steps to take and when to take them. That part is very much like an old-fashioned square dance. Some of the music is similar to square dance music, too.

We’ve arrived at Fulton by 7:30 to take part in the beginner’s session, so we can learn the steps and turns. We all form two long lines, facing each other, from the top of the hall (that’s where the band sits on the stage) to the bottom of the hall. Not everyone is a beginner, though. Some experienced dancers get here early, as well, to help guide us newbies through the steps. There are dancers of all ages here, and of varying abilities. Everyone is friendly, and helps the new dancers out. I feel very welcome!

Musicians start arriving by 7:30, too, tuning up, warming up, and visiting. There is already a good crowd, even this early. Lots of dancers, and because it’s the fifth Saturday, lots of musicians; by the time the dance gets started at 8:00, it looks like 20 or more musicians to me.
On the fifth Saturday (in months that have one) there is an “open band” dance. That means that anyone who plays an instrument can sit in with the “official” band of the evening. That’s why there are so many musicians on the stage tonight. There’s an open mic, too, which means you could be a dance caller!

Now the dance is going full swing! Whether you’re a musician or a dancer, it’s an evening of high energy. Hard to get a clear photo with all those high steps, tapping feet, and swirling skirts. The music is as wild as the dancing; all those musicians make a mighty big sound!

If you decide to try contra dancing yourself, you can check out the local times and locations at Portland Country Dance Community’s calendar. And watch for me there; I’ll be back!