January 28, 1997

Contra Dancing: It ain't about Ollie North
Jeremy Ball
Assistant Features Editor

Darin Glass
Staff Writer

How about letting down your hair and dancing until there is not another arm to swing?

Well, every last Saturday of the month in Legends you can.

But this is not your run of the mill everyday bump and grind. This is contra dancing.

Contra dancing is a New England style of dance which was derived from English country dancing.

When most people think of country dances they think of Hee-haw and red bandannas. So, has Appalachian been invaded by Jed Clampet wanna-bes?

Jennifer L. McSwain, a junior from Shelby who is also a member of the Appalachian Heritage Council, the APPS council which sponsors the event, says, "No. This isn't Hee-haw. We don't wear gingham dresses and there are no crinolines".

Contra dancing is actually a very orderly form of dancing, quite unlike the stereotypical ho-down.

There are several different types of country dancing native to the United States. Square dances, ironically, are usually done in circles. This type of dancing is native to the Appalachian mountains. Contra dances are done in lines. In proper dances, males and females stand across from each other, hence the name contra. In improper dances, the two lines alternate male and female.

The dances at Legends are composed of both squares and contras. Most, however, are contras.

Live bands play acoustical sets with a caller leading the dancers by calling out commands to the dancers on the floor.

McSwain says "at first it's a little confusing, but after a dance or two it's really easy to pick up. Every one's really helpful too".

The dances move in time to the music. Contra dances are traditionally done to New England style traditional music which is strongly Celtic and French-Canadian influenced.

Most of the dances in Legends, however, are done to the music of the traditional music from this region, Old-time music. This music resembles the New England style, but has a distinctly southern twist, with the notable addition of the banjo. This style of music is the predecessor of bluegrass.

Both Contras and squares are fast-paced and done with partners. So, you might not just dance with somebody but get a date out of it, too.

Program Coordinator of Student Programs, Brad Vest, is excited about the monthly event, mainly because it's a great way to have fun safely and responsibly on a weekend.

There is no alcohol involved and everybody can do it. It would be impossible to do it with alcohol and it is so much fun," said Vest.

And students aren't the only ones to take advantage of the dances at Legends. Nancy Mamlin, a faculty member, was the caller for the last dance. McSwain says that it's a good opportunity for students to interact with other members of the community.

Dances run from eight and end around 11:30. The cost is just $1 for students and $4 for adults.

In a day where most social interaction has been reduced to work and school environments and where social activities are seldom remembered the morning after, contra dances provide a rare opportunity to interact with both students and members of the community on a social level.

McSwain says one reason why she likes it is because everyone is equal and required to get along.

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Boone Oddity: Little beauties visit Boone
Jeff Sprouse
Staff Writer

-"The beautiful smiles enlightened the mall" (Shane Wallace, ASU Student)

Once again, the spotlight shines on the bizarre subculture of children's beauty pageants. Sometimes praised, often chastened as the corruption of innocence, the tragic murder of little JonBenet Ramsey has made the debate resurface.

Whatever your opinion, last Saturday the Boone Cover Miss and Cover Boy pageant was held in the Boone Mall. Beneath a table laden with trophies and the background din of Muzak and crying babies, girls with names like Chastity, Dixie, and Destiny smiled and waved to impress the judges.

For a basic fee of thirty-five dollars and additional charges for a range of categories from fifties wear to talent, these girls and boys competed not only for the title of Boone Cover Miss but also to have their one-hundred dollar beauty fee paid for the state finals.

Carolyn Marley, the pageant's director, served as emcee, and read the biographical sketches the contestants provided, such as this one for three week old Destiny Hope: "On television, Destiny enjoys watching CMT, Country Music Television."

Marley, who's been organizing pageants for ten years, had a lot to say about the positive aspects of these contests. "I have mothers call me about what this meant for their children: the poise, the self confidence, they're able to speak up in class, take an active part in things. This is a confidence builder!" She also noted that beauty pageant's have the largest scholarship program in the whole world.

Janna Reed, North Carolina State Cover Miss, is the epitome of poise and confidence. She traveled to Boone from Charlotte with her mother to sing as well as help give away the trophies. When asked what she got from the pageants, she said, "I get to travel around, meet new people and entertain." Janna hopes to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Her mother, from whom it is evident Janna got her good looks and charm, echoes Marley's sentiments. "I think it's great for [the children's] self-esteem. I think the pageants are a very rewarding experience for most children."

However, it's not all "Here she is", tiaras and roses. While Marley says her pageants have been blessed, she said, "Where the problem comes in is these parents who want the crown." She went on to relate the story of a pageant she organized in Mooresville.

A little girl who didn't win but received a participation trophy ran off the stage to her mother, beaming over her accomplishments. The mother grabbed the trophy and said, "You didn't win nothing! That's just a little old participation trophy."

Therein lies the root of the critic's argument, which is that the pageants are put on more for the parent's ego than the benefit of the child. Camille Paglia, professor of Humanities at the University of Pennsylvania and noted author, stated in a recent interview that "these pageants mark a deep sexual disturbance in the society, a cannibalizing of youth by these vampiric adults."

The audience, while primarily comprised of families and friends who often coached their children on stage, had it's detractors. Groups of teenagers sipping cherry Icees giggled at the glamour. Older shoppers going from store to store made secretive disparaging comments to each other.

John Hawkins, an assistant manager at Blockbuster Music, located next to where the pageant was held, said, "I think it teaches children to be egotistical at a young age."

Whatever your opinion, the fact still remains that the Boone mall was graced by these beautiful, talented young men and ladies. I saw no evidence of overbearing parents or captive children. The overall points winner may have been Adena Biggers, but in my mind, the real winner was all who participated.

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