Contra Dancing

When: Saturday, May 17, 2008 - Saturday, May 17, 2008

Where: Duke Marine Lab, Piver's Island

Co-Sponsored by the Down East FolkArts Society & Duke Marine Lab the Down East Folks Arts Society presents contra dancing located at Duke Marine Lab, Piver's Island in Beaufort, NC.

There are many theories about where “Contra Dancing” came from. Most people would say England or France, but a commonly held opinion is that contra dances, or simply, 'contras', evolved from English Country Dances brought to America by the Colonists in the 1700's. Since many of the early dance masters (teachers) in America were French, they may have changed the word “country” to the French word “contre” (meaning 'across from' or 'contrary') because of the opposing or ''contrary'' lines of dancers. The French word “contre” has since been Americanized to contra.

Every dance features a Beginner's Session, live band and caller and instructor. The beginner's session begins at 7:00 p.m. the dance begins at 7:30 p.m. and lasts until 10:30 p.m. For more information, call 252-504-2787 or visit www.downeastfolkarts.org

Phone: 252-504-2787

Website: www.downeastfolkarts.org

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