Above all, Contra Dancers form a community of friendly, active people and they welcome new dancers, be they youngsters or seniors. Most dancers range from 25 to 50 years old. Many people come to a Contra Dance alone. Dancers are encouraged to dance with many different partners throughout the evening. Contra Dancers tend to dress informally.
Most people dress for comfort and in anticipation of vigorous exercise.
Be sure to wear soft-soled, comfortable shoes. For many dancers, the live music is the great attraction. Traditional jigs, reels, and hornpipes from the Scots-Irish tradition on both sides of the Atlantic form the basic repertoire. The fiddle is often the lead instrument. You may come and go as you please.