A similar dance form is found in Martinique, home to descendants of Irish immigrants, where a typical Caribbean style of movement has been added to a grouping of facing couples. In the United States a band of young musicians incorporates jazz elements with traditional tunes. Today, contra dancers in groups of two pairs begin the dance in two long lines of facing partners. Each group of two couples steps through the dance one time before progressing either up or down the line to dance with a new couple. The eight to ten figures in a dance are then repeated.
Participants dance with everyone in the line.
New dance figures have been developed by choreographers, yet some of the oldest dances are still popular. Dancers today add their own flourishes and especially enjoy the opportunity for flirting that the dance provides. Children often pick up dancing more readily than adults. Newcomers often dance an entire evening when they discover how easy it is to learn the figures and how much help is available from others. Lately more and more teen-agers and young adults are filling the ranks along with the babyboomers and grandparents.