Contra Dancing is a popular pastime in New Hampshire. All year round, across the length and breadth of the state, you can find folks swinging their partners in music filled town halls and gymnasiums. And it's no wonder it has been popular for so long. It provides a family-style night out, good exercise, great music, and good company in the town hall spirit that built New England. Contra Dancing is similar to square dancing in some ways.
Couples dance to lively music following the instructions of a caller.
However, instead of forming squares, couples form lines. The lines can be as long as the room. Before the dance is finished, each person will have danced with many different partners, possibly all of the other dancers. A small band usually provides music. Their instruments may include a hammered dulcimer, guitar, and, most often, a fiddle.