What is Phrasing in Contra Dance?
Jeff explores phrasing in contra dance music and how it relates to the dance figures. The post is followed by a community discussion.
From Jeff Kauffman
In this resource, Thomas describes what is needed from musicians for a one-off barn dance. This is a great resource for musicians who are only getting together once for a dance event.
From Thomas Green
Some of the key considerations when playing for old time dances (various dance styles over the evening).
From Vivian and Phil Williams
Andrew VanNorstand on Playing for Contra Dances
In this six-part video series, Andrew talks about the difference between playing for a concert and playing for a dance, matching tunes with dances, working with callers, and more.
From Dennis Merritt
Playing for Contras: The Basics
This three-page PDF provides the basics needed to understand how contra dance music fits the dance.
From CDSS
Playing for English Country Dance: The Basics
This three-page PDF provides the basics of how to play for English Country Dance.
From CDSS
In this blog post, Jeff explores how to choose shoes for dancing.
From Jeff Kaufman
English Country Dance and Its American Cousin
ECD and contra dance share some of the same historical roots. This article by describes those roots and how the two styles have changed over time.
From Alan Winston
5 Things…Inside the Dancing Mind of…
A one-hour chat with Q&A from movers and shakers in the English Country Dance community from across the country about the 5 things that they feel are important to our passion for ECD and why.
From the Historical Tea and Dance Society.
Contra Syncretist Flourish Videos
A video archive of over 100 video showing how to do various contra dance flourishes.
From Contra Syncretist
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.