Like most dance forms, contra dancing can be confusing to the newcomer. We welcome your willingness and beg your patience. Help others have fun. Give good-faith effort to perform the dances correctly, within your level of experience. Ask anyone to dance.
Total strangers are fair game.
Women ask as well as men. We recommend beginners ask the more experienced dancers. Change partners every dance. We look each other straight in the eyes as we dance. We are sensitive to others' needs and preferences.