contradance
Folk dance formation
A contradance is a folk dance in which two lines of dancers face each other and execute figures as couples, progressing down the line to dance with new partners.
Also spelled contra dance or contredanse.
The form thrives in American folk communities: We go to the contradance every Saturday night.
The caller announces each figure before it occurs.
Adjust restlessly; folk violin
- callerOne who phones
- live musicOnstage musical performance
- reelWinding cylinder or dance
- jigSpirited folk dance
old-time · bluegrass · acoustic · melody · tune · hornpipe · medley · waltz
Yolk-thickened mother sauce
- do-si-doBack-to-back dancing figure
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- promenadeLeisurely public stroll
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
chain · hey · star · circle · sashay · ladies chain · cast off · gypsy
Along the longest dimension
- setArrange in position
- progressionSequential forward movement
- improperLacking in propriety
- properSocially appropriate
Collection of people meeting
- potluckCommunal meal, shared contributions
- dance hallPublic venue for dancing
- grangeFarm estate with residence
- barn danceRural social with music
newcomer · gender-free · welcoming · beginner-friendly · workshop · camp · festival · ceilidh
Eastern U.S. mountain region
- New EnglandNortheast U.S. region
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
- colonialOf occupied territories
- Anglo-AmericanBritish and American combined
fiddle
Adjust restlessly; folk violin
- callerOne who phones
- live musicOnstage musical performance
- reelWinding cylinder or dance
jig · old-time · bluegrass · acoustic · melody · tune · hornpipe · medley · waltz · polka
allemande
Yolk-thickened mother sauce
balance · chain · hey · star · circle · sashay · ladies chain · cast off · gypsy · dosado
longways
Along the longest dimension
- setArrange in position
- progressionSequential forward movement
- improperLacking in propriety
gathering
Collection of people meeting
- potluckCommunal meal, shared contributions
- dance hallPublic venue for dancing
- grangeFarm estate with residence
barn dance · newcomer · gender-free · welcoming · beginner-friendly · workshop · camp · festival · ceilidh · square dance
Appalachia
Eastern U.S. mountain region
- New EnglandNortheast U.S. region
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
- colonialOf occupied territories
Anglo-American · folk revival · roots · participatory · vernacular
contradancewaltz
Dance in three-quarter time
ballroom dancing · cotillion · Viennese waltz · ballet · court dance