contra dance etymology

Etymology:

"Contradance" is derived from the French phrase "contre danse," which literally means "opposite dance."

Meaning:

Contradance refers to a type of social dance involving two or more couples who perform a sequence of predetermined steps and patterns in opposition to each other.

Origin:

The exact origin of contradance is unclear, but it is generally believed to have originated in England in the 17th century. It is thought to have evolved from earlier forms of country dance and may have been influenced by French dance styles.

Characteristics:

• Longways Formation: Couples form two parallel lines facing each other.
• Progressive: The dance progresses down the line, with couples moving up or down to change partners.
• Structured Steps: The dance involves a series of preset steps and patterns, such as the do-si-do, promenade, and allemande.
• Musical Accompaniment: Traditionally, contradance is accompanied by live music, usually a fiddle or a string band.

Spread and Popularity:

Contradance spread throughout Europe and North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming a popular form of entertainment at social gatherings. It gained particular prominence in the United States, where it remains a vibrant tradition in many communities.

Modern Revival:

In recent decades, there has been a revival of interest in contradance, with dance clubs and workshops emerging in many parts of the world. It is now enjoyed by a diverse range of people, from young dancers to seniors, and continues to evolve with new steps and variations being created.

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