These lessons were produced by the Chattahoochee Country Dancers (CCD)  in Atlanta, Ga. and are available as a high quality DVD version. We thank them for their permission to use them here.

Click here for info on purchasing the DVD

Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview

This video is the introduction to the Contra Dance Training for Beginning Dancers. Contra caller Janet Shepherd of the CCD(Chattahoochee Country Dancers, Atlanta GA) welcomes the viewers and gives a short description of the chapters of the video. 

Unlike some dance styles, contra does not require lengthy lessons, practice, or fancy skills. It's all about having fun! We encourage new dancers to join in the first dance of the evening and fully expect them to have a great time that dance and all the rest.

The best place to learn to dance is on the dance floor; these videos are next best. Most dances offer a free lesson a half hour before the dance starts and we invite you to attend those.

We hope these videos encourage you to join us at a local dance for the real experience.

Chapter 2: Couple Moves

We start with the basics of contra dancing: two person moves. These form a essential part of all contras and include the Dosido, Seesaw, Allemande, and of course everyone's favorite: the Swing.  

While most contra dances include two person moves, it is not necessary or expected that you come to a dance with a partner. It is customary to change partners after each dance.

Callers Rob Harper and Susan Davis teach basic moves  while experienced dancers demonstrate the movements on screen.

Chapter 3: Two Couple Moves

We double the fun with two couple (four person) moves: Circle, Star, Ladies Chain, and Right & Left Through. These 'sets of four' form the basic structure of the dance. The key elements of rhythm, connection with other dancers, and timing are discussed and demonstrated in this chapter.

Callers Rob Harper and Susan Davis teach basic moves  while experienced dancers demonstrate the movements on screen.

Chapter 4: The Contra Line

All contra dances start with couples lined up facing each other the length of the dance hall: a contra line. We introduce some basic terms used to identify the dancers' position and orientation in the line and in the hall. Topics such as hands-four, partner, neighbor, progression and how to join or re-join a line are taught and demonstrated.

Callers Rob Harper and Susan Davis teach basic moves  while experienced dancers demonstrate the movements on screen.

Chapter 5: Come Dance with Us!

We hear from dancers who have danced from a few months to many years. They share with you what draws them to come back and dance again and again.

Contra dancing has much to offer. In today's fast-paced world where much of our entertainment is a passive, isolated, experience, we encourage you to come and participate in a socially engaging and fun contra dance that's good for the body and the soul. And bring the kids- families of all kinds are welcome!

Chapter 6: Your First Contra Dance

This chapter demonstrates the walk-through instructions that precede each dance set and an actual contra dance. The walk-through here is done at a fast pace for the sake of brevity in the video.

At an actual dance, the caller judges the level of the dancers and teaches at an appropriate pace, and will repeat moves, answer questions, and demonstrate until they are sure that the dancers are ready to start dancing.

Scott Russell calls, while Tomas Valenti and Tim Cape provide the music. Experienced contra dancers dance and demonstrate basic contra moves. This dance is "Pittsboro Pattycake" by Gene Hubert

Chapter 7: Another Fun Dance

Here's another contra dancers to introduce both the similarities and differences in contra dances. A few basic moves can produce a myriad of fun and interesting variations. As you master the basics, you can add your own flourishes and style to the dance.

Scott Russell calls, while Tomas Valenti and Tim Cape provide the music. Experienced contra dancers dance and demonstrate basic contra moves. "Shades of Shadrack's" by Gene Hubert.

Chapter 8 A Little History

Contra Dancing had been entertaining people and bonding communities for over three hundred years. Callers Susan Davis and Rob Harper offer a brief overview, as well  as well as some information about the Chattahoochee Country Dancers' Friday night dances.

Chapter 9: Credits

Several members of the CCD (Chattahoochee Country Dancers at www.ContraDance.org) in Atlanta, GA produced these Contra Dance Training for Beginning Dancers videos. We give them credit  and thanks for their talents, time and contributions in the production of the video.

The background music for the entire series was performed by Ann Whitley and Scott Russell. Thank you one and all. The Producers - Sherry Kilpatrick and Jim Crawford.