Contra dances expands Oberlin's creative horizon

Obies get a chance to swing their partners at Hales for a night of traditional Contra dancing

Contra dancing isn't that hard. Just ask Steve Suvar.

"You and your partner dance opposite each other," Suvar said. "You dosie-do and there you go."

Suvar is the co-sponsor of the Oberlin Community Dance. The next dance, featuring the Critton Hollow Stringband, is scheduled for tonight.

"We're expecting a pretty good sized crowd," Sherry Priest, Suvar's co-sponsor, said. "We really try to integrate the community with college kids."

Although Oberlin residents have the opportunity to contra dance every month, Priest said the band sets this event apart.

"I danced to them for a whole week last year," Priest said. "They're really good."

The band was formed in 1975 after member Sam Herrman built herself a hammered dulcimer. She'd never seen one before.

"They play old-time dance tunes," Priest said. "It's music you've never heard about. But maybe kids at Oberlin would."

Priest said Oberlin students are particuarly suited for contra dancing.

"What we find is they're so smart, they learn fast," Priest said. She stressed that even dancers with two left feet could learn to master the art of contra.

Contra dancing was developed in England. It's similar to square dancing, although Priest said it requires a bit more energy. Suvar abandoned square dancing after nearly 15 years in favor of contra.

"I just met super people," Suvar said. "And I got this dance together to give people something to do."

The Oberlin Community Dance, with music by the Critton Hollow Stringband and calling by Becky Hill, takes place tonight in Hales Gym from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission is $4. Free classes are offered from 7:30 to 8 p.m.