How to make the most of your first contradance experience:
1. Join in early - the easiest dances are usually in the beginning of the evening.
2. Let people know you’re new to this - most dancers will do their best to help you learn (we were all new to contradance once).
3. Dance with experienced dancers as much as possible - if your partner is also new to contradance, try to line up close to the band and caller (the “top” of the set).
4. It’s traditional to switch partners often, so feel free to ask others to dance - most dancers say no only if they’ve already agreed to dance with someone else, or if they need a rest.
5. Participate as much as you can, at least five dances your first evening (but sit out to catch your breath and cool down when necessary).
6. Just let the dances flow - don’t analyze too much, that may make them seem more complicated than they really are.
7. To minimize dizziness, look at the person you’re swinging (their shoulder, chin, nose, etc) not at the room. Avoid leaning back, or looking at the ceiling or floor.
8. Communicate with partners and neighbors - ask questions, tell people if you need to be treated gently, listen to the caller.
9. Use smooth walking steps, one to each beat of the music - experienced dancers may add flourishes and twirls, but you can do simple versions of the same figures and it still works.
10. Come back soon! Each time will seem easier and more fun. By your third evening of contradance you’ll be able to enjoy it like you were born to it.
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Updated 10 November 2008