Please make sure you watch the "Basics and Buzz-Steps" video first. Even if you are an experienced dancer you may pick up some useful tips.
Rule #1: Everyone is entitled to have fun on the dance-floor without getting hurt! Please practise these moves before trying to lead them with a stranger. It is always best to use the more complex moves with a "partner" rather than with a "neighbour" where you only get one chance to get it right.
It doesn’t matter whether you dance Contra, Ceilidh, ECD, Square Dance, Country Dance, Folk Dance or anything else. The same techniques apply and you can use many of these variations.
I use the historical role names of Man and Lady, but anyone can dance any role.
These Swings have lots of different names. If you know a different name please let me know and I will add it to this page.
The music is played by the English Contra Dance Band and Token Women, and used with their permission. Thanks for being such wonderful people and giving us such great music!
The script and teaching is by John Sweeney, with demonstrations by Karen Sweeney, the wind beneath his wings!
The videos were filmed in the Dance Visions studio in Ashford, Kent (UK). Many thanks to Beki!
There are 37 minutes of video. We hope you enjoy them. Please let me know of any additions, comments, corrections, etc.
Music:
Da Guizer's March from the CD "TAK", composed by Gideon Stove, played by English Contra Dance Band.
Calliope House from the CD "Elsa", composed by Dave Richardson, played by Token Women.