Contra Dance: I met my new boyfriend

I was super excited to attend this Contra Dance event tonight. Not knowing exactly what to expect I went in with an open mind, and the willingness to try and learn anything that was thrown at me. I wasn't totally sure on how I would feel leaving this new activity but I couldn't wait to find out. Right when we got there, we were welcomed with open arms and an open dance floor. We arrived a little bit earlier than everyone else to get sort of familiar with the calls and the steps.

This event made me feel very included especially because I had the opportunity to dance with almost every person there. I felt especially included when my new "boyfriend" (the so-called creep) asked me to be his first dance of the night. I took him up on this offer because I knew he would guide me through the steps while looking longingly into my eyes. He did help me with kind of getting the hang of it but after he asked me to dance the waltz with him I felt that this night was a little too participatory for me.

This event was different than a mainstream forum for public dancing and music making because this event was solely participatory unlike other events where they are usually presentational. This event also was so participatory that I felt obligated to dance with anyone that asked because, of course I was enjoying the dancing but just as a way to not be rude and go against the participatory aspect of the Contra Dance. When we walked in, I went to go take out my wallet to pay one of the guys in charge came over and told us that it was free the first time.

I would attend this event again because I really enjoyed the free-spirited and inclusive atmosphere that we were in. Sadly, if my "boyfriend" Bill is there I am not so sure if I will also be there... Just kidding.

The benefits of participatory music making and participatory social action are that they have the ability to bring people together without a sense of competition or hierarchy. Everyone is encouraged to join in no matter their skill level. Through participatory music making and social action everyone is a part of the same activity and has the ability to experience flow or a sense of communitas with the people around them. Being able to experience these things brings people together and connects them to each other on another level.