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Contra dance promises good times at Legends

Janelle Silverman - Entertainment Beat

A fun-filled evening of contra dancing will take place once again tomorrow evening from 8-11 p.m. at Legends, coordinated by The Appalachian Popular Programming Society (A.P.P.S.) and sponsored by Student Programs.

Alex Hooker and The Fever City Boys will provide uplifting string-band music and a great atmosphere for everyone to learn and progress in the art of contra dancing, said Jessica Cross, member of the A.P.P.S. Appalachian Heritage Council.

Alex Hooker is an alumnus of Appalachian State University who also plays in the string band Goon Squad, according to the Center for Appalachian Studies.

Alex Hooker and The Fever City Boys have played in Boone many times in the past and are popular among students and residents of Boone.

In fact, they play at least two times a year through the A.P.P.S. program, said Shelby Merchant, also a member of the Appalachian Heritage Council.

Accompanying the music is the caller, who leads the dances throughout the evening. The caller will call out a particular move or dance as the music is played and will also give early on in the evening a brief demonstration of how the dance is done. “The caller is responsible for the function of the dances,” said Merchant.

Since the caller will demonstrate to everyone how each dance is done, no prior knowledge or classes are required before attendance.

The caller will also help the dancers throughout the middle of the dance, and when it seems as though things are running smoothly and all the dancers are confident in what they are doing, he will stop calling and just let the dancers enjoy moving to the music.

The caller for the dance at Legends tomorrow evening will be Ben Molaro.

Contra dance, although a form of folk dance very similar to square dancing, is not the same as country line dancing, according to The Boone Country Dancers’ website.

During a contra dance, a dancer and their partner will dance a series of moves with each other and another couple as the caller relates the moves to the dancers. Each couple moves across the floor, and by the end of the evening, everyone will have ended up dancing with everyone else in attendance.

Anyone can have a great time at contra dances regardless of age, according to the Web site by Les Francey and Farrell Boyce of the Hamilton Country Dancers. Children, senior citizens, teens and adults can all have a fun-filled evening of dance together.

Many people attend the dance alone, so even if you do not have a partner, it is still acceptable to attend.

As is the case with all forms of dance, if you are new to the concept of contra dance it might be helpful to partner up with someone more experienced to guide you along the way.

“It is only fun if you get involved,” said Merchant. “They’re a lot of fun if you don’t just sit on the side and watch.”

The event is non-alcoholic and admission is $1 for students and $3 for guests.