Contra dancing group has been swinging for years

Every Wednesday night, the Bloomington Old Time Music and Dance Group offers a way for the community of Bloomington to come together over dance and music. From 8 to 10:30 p.m. the group offers live old-time music and contra dancing. \n"Old-time music is the ancestor of blue grass," said Bill Baus, dance coordinator at BOTMDG. The band plays string instruments, including fiddles, guitars and banjos. With the beat of the music, participants and their partner dance in a series of figures or moves. They repeat these steps and often switch partners throughout the evening. \nAccording to the BOTMDG's Web site, www.bloomington.in.us/~botmdg, a "caller," who stands onstage, calls the next movement out loud, guiding the dance steps. The caller also leads the dances while the dancers move to the music, so dancers are able to see each movement. \nMany people find contra dancing similar to square or country line dancing. In the dance process, participants form one line together where one partner stands perpendicular to the other, and they follow the caller, who dictates the movements. However, there is very little footwork involved, unlike country line dancing. \n"There are no complicated steps to learn," said Baus, "The movements are basic walking steps to the beat of the music."\nThe group encourages first-timers to join, including those who have no contra dancing experience. \nSenior Devon Fegen has been a participant at BOTMDG for almost two years. She was invited by friends who grew up in Bloomington, and on her first visit to the group, she had no prior experience. "They pretty much teach you," said Fegen. \nThe BOTMDG offers a short lesson before the official dance begins. Arriving 15 or 20 minutes before 8 p.m. offers newcomers a chance at a brief introduction to contra dancing. The dancing is popular among all age groups, ranging from elderly to young children. A handful of college students also participate, as the BOTMDG offers a student discount for $1, as compared to the general public's charge of $3 to $5. However, Baus said no matter your age, be prepared to sweat -- contra dancing is a very energetic activity. \nFegen suggests ladies wear skirts for comfort reasons. Soft soled shoes or tennis sneakers are also recommended. \nThe BOTMDG is located at 909 E. Second St., and Baus said anyone interested is encouraged to come out and try. The contra dance sessions are offered all year and have been for the past 30 years. \nBaus said he can't remember when the group has missed a Wednesday night dance session.\n"If we do, the world must have ended."\n-- Contact staff writer Jeanine Murray at jlmurray@indiana.edu.