Bloomington Contra-Dance

Contra-dancing is a wonderful event that brings people of all skill-levels together in music and dance. It represents the power of a participatory event as our whole class had an incredible time despite our newbie status. I thought Bloomington contra-dancing was a fun experience unlike any dance I've ever been to. Everybody was very welcoming, offering their experience to help guide us through each of the dances. Nobody was annoyed that we did not get a particular step; in fact, one many told me his only rule was to not be sorry if I happened to mess up. Contra-dance was all about the experience and the gathering of people looking to have a great time. I felt very welcomed and very excited to try out something new. The steps were relatively easy, but, even when I stumbled, I just went with it and nobody seemed to mind. The event was not competitive, and I did not see anybody try to outdo one another. If somebody had more experience, they embellished a bit to the admiration not envy of others. Everybody joined together despite experience level, eliminating any hierarchy or divide that could create inhibitions in me. I did not feel self-conscious at all because of the participatory atmosphere thus making the event even more of a blast. Compared to high school or even college party "dancing," this made me much more comfortable if I were to do something wrong or misstep from what others were doing. It was different than a dance team performance as it was not for the perfection of the moves but the experience of dancing with others. The dancing joined everybody in the line together, creating a closer bond amongst everybody rather than a waltz or tango that involves only a couple. This allowed everybody's potential involvement and inclusion. 

If I every had a slow Wednesday night and was bored with my friends without something to do, I would definitely drag them to the contra-dance. It was a very fun experience to just dance and be together with others in an informal yet lively sort of way. I would also love to see how a different caller would lead the contra-dance with a big group of beginners. 

Participatory music making values inclusion, connection, the experience, and the contribution of everybody. It allows people to come together to connect through music whether clapping, dancing, leading, singing, or playing an instrument. Because participatory music is not about showcasing particular talent, everybody has the opportunity to be involved. It is democratic, not hierarchal, and open to everybody willing to join. Participatory events and music is fun and allows the best potential to reach communitas because doing something with everybody allows a deeper connection than just viewing something presentational. Doing something together as a community without underlying competition are some of the values of participatory music still relevant in participatory action. This action works to reflectively and collaboratively gather a community in democratic action though with a soundness of thought. It engages the same values of collaboration, community, and democracy thus making participatory action a perfect method for social change.