Contra, Squares and Couple Dances Offer Fun for All

Dan Pearl says a lot of people are not aware of one of the best-kept secrets in Concord: Contra dancing, which has really taken off, and is held three times a week at the Concord Scout House.

"If you ever passed the Concord Scout House on some evenings — Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays — you will have heard the sound of live music, people clapping and howls of enjoyment from people attending dancing," Pearl said.

Contra dancing, which is a form of barn dancing or square dancing in long lines like the Virginia Reel, has been done in the area for hundreds of years, according to Pearl. The scout house has held such dances for decades.

"You are dancing with a partner," Pearl said of the dance, "and you and your partner are dancing with another couple. All the couples are in a set."

Pearl added: It is an "ever expanding universe of people doing the same dance at the same time."

Pearl's dancing career spans more than 30 years.

"I stared dancing myself in the late 70s' and the series at the scout house was going on" …, Pearl said. The scout house "is really designed for events like dancing."

The Folk Arts Center and the New England Folk Festival Association sponsors the dances, which attract between 80 and 180 patrons.

The dances include a live caller who provides dance instructions while traditional Irish, Canadian or New England-inspired music is played.

Pearl, who has been the chair of the committee that runs the Thursday night dance for the New England Folk Festival Association, has been a dancer and a caller since 1979, and enjoys every minute of it.

"I enjoy the camaraderie, the activity and the music," Pearl said of the dances.

And the popularity of contra dancing is growing, according to Pearl.

"More and more people, especially younger people are discovering contra dancing," he said.

The dances, not only give people an opportunity to exercise but also socialize, according to Pearl.

"It is a place to meet new friends and see their friends," Pearl said.

Further, Pearl said contra dancing "is unbelievably accessible."

"You can show up for your first time dancing and be dancing in a matter of seconds," he said. There is "not a lot of things to learn about this dance (and there) is always helpful people to guide you along."

The dances attract people in their teens up to those aged 84, according to Pearl.

The dances are held three times a week: Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The next dance occurs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 10, at the scout house, 74 Walden St. The cost of the dance is $8 for adults and $6 for those under 20. For more information, call (617) 547-7781.

And for information on dances occurring on Mondays and Thursdays, visit the websites:  www.mondaycontras.com and  www.ThursdayContras.com.