The contra-dance we attended actually made me feel very comfortable and somewhat free. It was like nothing that I have ever participated in before. I thought it would be awkward dancing with all of the "strangers" there but it wasn't a big deal at all. In fact, switching from partner to partner made it much more interesting than the dances I was used to. There was never a dull moment, I was constantly listening for the next call and would try to remember what each meant. One could say that it was quite easy for a beginner dancer to experience a state of flow during the Contra-Dance. This music, however, was so much different than mainstream music making and dancing. I know that dancing is thought of as participatory, but in the world we live in now I don't think that's necessarily true. People think that they have to form to dance a certain way or else it's not, "cool." Many of the dances I've been to allows people to either dance with the opposite sex or just stand around waiting to ask someone to dance. There is no happy medium because dancing by yourself in the middle of everyone is considered weird - unless, of course, you've got skills. Last night, however, was strictly participatory in the sense that you were always encouraged to dance and their was always a partner for you to dance with. The music came from two live performers that constantly kept the beat going with their shoes stomping the ground. I don't think I've ever been to a club where live bands were playing and people could dance. Clubs now a days are mostly studio audio. The people there were so nice and never criticized one of us if we were doing it wrong. Everyone was so helpful and happy.
I would definitely attend this event again!! I can't say that I would go by myself but if I had a couple of friends with me on a Wednesday night I would be more than happy to take them to the Contra-Dance. A good thing about taking this class and being in IFS is that it has made me so much more aware of the campus of IU and it's surroundings and I feel like I have a head start. So by showing my friends around to places like the Runcible Spoon or the Contra-Dance would be very interesting in my opinion.
The benefits of participatory music making and social action include the coming together of everyone (communitas), the level of flow that can be reached, and the motivation that is brought upon everyone from being encouraged to join. Without this event being participatory, I would have never joined in. I would have been way too nervous! But, with the help of all the experienced dancers and their congeniality I had an absolute amazing time. I think it's sad how much the practice of participatory music making and dancing in America has dissipated. America has this view that everyone has to conform by to be considered "cool" and that really shouldn't be the case, as learned in this two week course. I feel like I am so much more socially able to participate in events like that now. There is no way in hell I would have ever danced at the farmers market to the West African drums. This class has changed my view on a lot of aspects and I do believe that the benefits of participatory music making and dancing are infinite when it comes down to it. Awesome night, and awesome experience!!
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