I agree with the comments that people have been making. It's fun, I 
enjoy it in moderation. Too much becomes gimmicky and unwelcome. It must 
always be danceable or it's not fun. I know some of the groups that are 
working on a more rock and roll or techno feel and when they've asked 
for feedback, I've tried to steer them towards keeping it danceable and 
about the dancers, not them.

I experienced a techno-contra, Asheville style at the Youth Dance 
Weekend this last fall. I had fun. Sat down when I needed a rest and got 
up and danced when I didn't. There were difficult sections where 
phrasing was nonexistent and even the caller got lost. These dances are 
for experienced dancers. No one else could pull it off. That will make 
it very difficult in keeping them going for more than a few years. There 
needs to be a more traditional group where people can go and learn 
before they're ready for a techno contra. I also think that people will 
miss the back and forth between live musicians and the dancers. I'm not 
too worried that the current contra tradition will disappear. It will 
keep evolving, but it won't disappear.

Chris Weiler
Goffstown, NH


Barbara Groh wrote:
>
>>
>> #2 I wonder if we are looking at a seperation between
>> traditional and a new style of dancing, not unlike
>> what happened 40 years ago +/-
>> If there is  going to be (if it hasn't already begun)
>> a divergance in dance styles and preferances.
>
> In our area (Asheville, NC) the twenty-somethings are contra dancing 
> to techno music at private parties.  I hear the music is LOUD, and the 
> dances are stream-of-consciousness marathons.  Not my cup of tea, but 
> it's interesting how it's evolving with our young'uns.  (I don't think 
> it will ever replace the more traditional style of contra dancing!)
> ~Barbara
>
>
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