What is contra dancing?

In short, it's a type of American folk dance, somewhat similar to squaredance, but done in facing parallel lines. (It is not line dancing, however!) All dances are taught first, and prompted by a caller as needed. 

Contradancing is easy to learn, aerobic, and always uses live music, generally based on oldtime and Celtic fiddle tunes. Anyone may attend a dance, there is no club membership required. In this dance tradition, partners generally change for each dance, so if you arrive solo, it's no problem. Dress in comfy clothes and shoes.

Here's a great descriptive essay on contradance

There is also a nice video.

Can't get enough contradancing to suit you? Check out these other regional dances:

• Columbus
• Cincinnati
• Charleston WV
• Dayton
• Cleveland