Wouldn't it be great if first dates could be all about fun and attention with no worries about rejection? Speed dating allows singles to have a series of no-strings-attached short dates. There's another way to experience that with an added spin: Contra dance!
On the first and third Fridays of the month the Avalon features Boulder Community Dance night where men and women of all ages gather to contra dance. Contra is a type of folk dance done in long lines to live music. Evolving from English Country Dance, the fiddles play as the men and women spin and twirl to the music.
Webmaster and active member of CFOOTMAD, Ron Bich, says "The pleasure and joy these dances can provide is so profound, when you can open up to the music, movement and emotional bliss that each person can express throughout the dances."
Family-friendly and alcohol-free, this is quite a different atmosphere from the bar-scene, yet still offers, not just a place for people to meet, but some old-fashioned romance. Whether you come alone or with a partner, everyone is encouraged to get a new partner with each dance. During each dance, you perform the steps and turns with both your partner and many "neighbors" as you dance down the "line" and by the end of the night you will have at least done a dosado or alaman left with practically everyone in the ballroom.
The class for beginners is offered before the group dance begins and the steps are very easy to pick up, especially for those familiar with square dance steps. The swing is fast and in order to avoid getting dizzy, you're encouraged to look into your partner's eyes. The instructor told newbies that while this may seem a little close and personal, not to worry... there was no long-term commitment necessary and you would soon be gazing into the eyes of someone else.
The ballroom at the Avalon was full by 8:00 on the first Friday of April, with an even ratio of men and women.
The experienced dancers are friendly and welcoming to those who are new, ready to help. It feels a bit like a big family reunion.
Besides contra, the evening offers two waltzes and an intermission half-way through the night for snacks and mingling.
If you've never tried contra dancing before, I'd highly recommend giving it a whirl, especially if you're single. Performing the steps in unison, spinning from one person to the next in rhythm to the music, can really feel quite magical. You may or may not meet your next love, but you most certainly will have a full dance card and an evening full of fun.
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