The Music
Home The Dance The Music The People Meet Us
Charlie Nelson and the rest of the River Ridge String Band play Old Time Folk at MMTD. 12/5/08 (:32)
The history of contra dancing stretches back to mid-seventeenth century in England. It was a faster form of the dances that were practiced earlier in France. The dance is characterized by the different pairs of people and the fast-paced movement that is directed by a caller. Twirls, switching partners, and dancing in lines are just some of the moves that regulars are used to. |
Contra dance music is derived from traditional American fiddle and string band music. Different bands use different combinations of instruments, from banjo to accordian, mandelin and guitar. It is influenced by Celtic, French Canadian, and English folk music.
|
 |
 |
 |