How to Contra Dance - The Basics Ch 3 - Four Dancers or Hands Four

[@ArtByCedar]

You're right. I dance near Washington DC and we do it both ways--but I've been to dances in other states where they only do one of the star styles.

[@jdamon1000]

Where I am, more often than not, stars are done by taking hold of the wrist of the person in front of you (in the direction of travel) - sometimes hands across, but the callers always differentiates hands across if that is what they want, more often it is taken the wrist of the person in front of you (partner or neighbor usually).

[@utahcontra]

Jim great videos I will be sharing this videos for some new Contra dancers. Thanks for making the videos.

[@43jimcr]

Thanks for the comment. I guess default is the better terminology. At CCD and locally the default seems to be as shown in our video, however, we are occassionally asked by our Callers to do a square pattern. Both patterns are known and used. Regionally (down here) is seems that "hands across" is the understood star pattern and "square" is the star pattern used when specifically called for by the Caller. Regional differences do make it interesting when you dance in different communities.

[@43jimcr]

Welcome to Contra Dancing. You are going to have a lot of fun. Enjoy the ride!

[@43jimcr]

Scot Russell and Ann Whitley are the musicians. There are 5 music titles in the videos and all are located at the end of Contra Dance Basics for Beginning Dancers Chapter 9. There you can see the title and hear the music at the same time. Thanks for your comment. 43jimcr

[@SteverenoB]

Cool.