The Bloomington Contra-Dance

Even in such a diverse community the Contra-Dance is so amazingly different than anything I've ever seen in Bloomington. Our class walked in filled with dread as we had no clue what to expect. It's safe to say though that after my experience at the Contra-Dance I would definitely return. 

When we arrived at the Boys and Girls club everyone was already tired, sweaty, and ready to go home. However, as soon as some of the experienced dancers arrived and had looks of pure elation on their faces, we realized that this would be much more than a boring dance with old people. It was as if everyone there knew each other and immediately began chatting with one and other. Even the band (made up of a fiddler, a banjo player, and a guitarist) was chatting with the caller and other regulars within minutes of their arrival. 

In our culture it is rare to experience such old fashioned things. Besides being extremely entertaining the Contra-Dance also allows for the achievement of flow states. While for the lower level dancers Contra-Dance serves as a contradiction to their day to day lives for the upper level dancers Contra-Dance is a way to escape the pressures of a capitalistic society. Just from the smiles plastered on the faces of the participants throughout the whole dance you could tell that just being at the Contra-Dance brings immense joy to people. 

Naturally, the happiness that is found in contra-dancing stems from the fact that it is a participatory event. In participatory events there is no distinction between artist and audience. An outsider would not be able to tell if the band was playing for the dancers or if the dancers were dancing for the band. Because of the Contra-Dance's participatory nature those involved become part of a cultural cohort. 

Coming together as a cohort and as a community is absolutely amazing. Music is a wonderful tool to help remodel society. Because of participatory music we have the ability to be part of a global community. Global citizenship is fostered through participatory values. A simple thing that you change in your life affects the lives of those around you. Changing your habits may seem small but it slowly changes other things in your life. Doing something is always better than doing nothing. Because of the Bloomington Contra-Dance I am changing my lazy habits and am going to try to attend the Contra-Dance whenever possible.