Tips for Beginning Dancers

Contra Dance is easy to learn, but you will learn most quickly if you:

• Come early for the teaching session 1/2 hour before each dance. Every contra dance is a combination of a limited number of basic figures, and these figures are introduced to new dancers at this time.
• Dance the early dances. Usually an evening's dancing progresses from simpler to more complicated dances, with the later dances including figures that were introduced in earlier dances. If you sit out early dances, to "learn by watching" you won't find it as easy as if you dance from the beginning.
• Dance with experienced dancers. If you come with a partner, you will both learn more easily if you split up for the early dances and dance with a more experienced partner who can help you through the moves. You can dance with your partner in later dances. You will find most experienced dancers are eager to introduce new dancers to contra dancing.
• To find a partner, just ask them: "would you like to dance?" Women ask men, men ask women, and sometimes, especially if the genders are not balanced at a dance, men ask men and women ask women.
• You don't need to come with a partner. We change partners each dance, so you'll have no problem finding a partner at the dance.
• We dance for fun. Everyone makes mistakes; don't worry about it.
• Come again. We give each first-time dancer a coupon good for free entry to a future dance in Riverside, or any California Dance Cooperative dance

What to wear

• Dress casually; most women wear loose skirts. Light, comfortable shoes are best.
• Many dancers prefer a leather-soled shoe that can slide a little, although sneakers are fine, too.
• Contra dancing is vigorous exercise--you'll get warm; dress accordingly. Layers are helpful for dealing with changing temperatures.
• Water is available, and tasty refreshments are served at a break (after 1.5 hours), but some dancers bring a water bottle with them.

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