Contra Dance | Dances of Universal Peace | International Folk Dancing | Sacred Circle Dance | Dance Resources
A caller, working with a group of live musicians, guides new and experienced dancers alike through a variety of dances. A dancer and his or her partner dance a series of figures, or moves, with each other and with another couple for a short time. They then repeat the same figures with another couple, and so on. The figures are similar to those of old-time square dancing. The figures are combined in different ways for each different dance. The caller teaches each dance before it is actually done to the music. This gives everyone an idea of what to expect so the movements can be easily executed. The caller leads the dances while they are being done to music, so dancers are able to perform each movement to the music. Once the dancers appear to have mastered a particular dance, the caller may stop calling, leaving the dancers to enjoy the movement with music alone. People of all ages and lifestyles, including children, are welcome. Contra dances are a place where people from many walks of life come together to dance and socialize. (text from the "What is... link below)
Contra Dance in the Southwest: Arizona | California | Colorado | New Mexico | Utah
Contra Dance Resources:
The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, joyous, multi-cultural circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music, and movements from the many traditions of the earth to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and others. Based on the work begun in the late 60's by Samuel L. Lewis, they promote peace and integration within individuals and groups worldwide. There are no performers nor audience - new arrivals and old hands form the circle together. And, no prior experience is necessary! (text from the PeaceWorks link below)
Las Vegas: first Friday of each month (usually), 7:30 pm, Church of Religious Science, Smoke Ranch Rd
Pahrump: Saturdays about every two months, Haven Selah
Resource: Peaceworks
Schedule: every Wednesday, 6:30 teaching, 7:15 dance, $3.00 members / $4.00 nonmembers
Location: Charleston Heights Art Center, 800 S Brush St, Las Vegas
Contact: Dick Killian, 702-732-4871
Circle Dancers dance for peace, unity and joy, to promote community, compassion and love and to reinforce the network of light that is needed to illuminate this troubled world. People in all cultures, throughout history and across the world, dance. And many of their dances take the form of a circle. This is because the circle is a powerful symbol of unity, and these dances celebrate many aspects of community life that bring people together. The Circle Dances that we do are, or are based on, traditional dances from all over the world and throughout time - mixed in with some new choreographies. This is participatory dancing, the dance of the people, with no performance aspect, and people from infancy to old age can join in. Dances are usually taught every time, you don't need a partner, newcomers are always welcome in the circles. This means you, too! Dance on in peace and love, weaving the strands of the network ever more densely across the world! (text from Seventh Circle; graphic from Karen Nicholas' Celtic Clip Art)
Resources:
If you are aware of any other folk or alternative dance happening in southern Nevada, please or call (702-822-2635) with as much information as you have. I'm not interested in the very common kinds of dance such as rock n' roll and country line dancing, but more the unique and less known kinds of community and social dance.
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