Contra is for Everyone: A Spotlight Interview with Carol and Len Bittenson and Liz Nelson
- wwc28court
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
On Friday, October 17th, at 7pm, the Westfield Woman's Club will close out the 'Sounds of Westfield' series with an evening of contra dance. We were able to interview caller Liz Nelson, and two of the members of the band Crossover, Carol and Len Bittenson.
First up, what is contra dance?
Liz: My best description of contra would be a harmonious blend of line dancing (choreographed repeated patterns), square dancing (a caller teaches the steps and prompts the steps to the music), and swing dancing (various interactions with other dancers including a partner during each dance).
Bittensons: It comes from English country dancing (the French word contre-to stand against/across each other) and New England native folk dance. The music is a mixture of English, Scottish, New England, and Appalachian folk music. Tunes may come from many different countries, but the form is a true amalgamation of it. New music is still being written today.
How did you get involved with the contra dance scene?
Liz: Initially calling wasn't something I ever envisioned doing (because I really just loved to dance!). Shortly after moving to Western MA in 2018, I noticed an advertisement for a local caller workshop and figured it could be an opportunity to meet new people in the area. Lo and behold, I absolutely loved it!
After the workshop I continued to practice and learn with other local callers as my mentors. To this day I am incredibly grateful to Bob Isaacs, Julian Blechner, Will Mentor and many others for their teaching, advice, and support.
Bittensons:
Carol- My mom, a professional violinist, said, “You can choose any instrument, as long as it’s the violin, viola, or cello.” I started violin as a child. It wasn't until I was 30 that I started playing fiddle(style).
Len- I grew up with her! I started playing piano when I was six. In 4th grade I picked up the viola, but I started playing folk tunes on the recorder first. When I was 15 I really started practicing fiddle tunes on my dad’s violin and on my viola. I had been playing with my family, but in college I discovered other musicians and enjoyed jamming with them.
What do you like most about contra dance?
Liz: In my opinion one of the best parts of contra is that it can be a place to express yourself and connect with others in a supportive, safe environment. At my local dances we have folks
of various ages, identities, body types, religions, backgrounds, and personalities, all coming together for three hours or more every weekend thanks to their love and enjoyment of folk music and contra dancing. It’s a beautiful (and rare) thing.
I often think about each contra event as a journey the dancers are taking. The music transports the dancers to each stop along the way, but the caller draws the map. I love the challenge of choosing dances that allow the “travelers” to learn, grow, and experience different aspects of contra dancing through the combination of the choreography and the music. It’s also incredibly rewarding when dancers reach their final destination (the end of the evening) expressing various senses of joy, self-confidence, and that cozy, warm feeling of “I-belong-here.”
Carol Bittenson: When contra is at its best, the caller, musicians and the dancers become one entity. It's also easy, great fun, good exercise and an excellent way to meet people.
Who is contra dance for, or can anyone join? What if they don’t have any experience or don’t think they are a ‘good dancer?’
Liz: Absolutely ANYONE can contra dance. The steps are very accessible, and because the dancing is pattern-based and repeats over and over new dancers have extra time to pick up the choreography. All you really need is a willingness to try something new, a good sense of humor, and a water bottle (hydration really is important!).
Bittensons: Everybody! Unlike swing or other partner dances, contra is a true social dance. You might dance with a dozen different partners in a night. It’s a great place to enjoy music without the pressure of performance. It’s an intergenerational experience as well. From children, to college kids, to adults in their 70’s and 80’s, you’ll find all ages at a contra dance.
Ok, I'm sold! What should I expect at this event? Should I wear anything in particular?
Liz: Usually so much laughter! I love reminding folks that dancing is supposed to be FUN, so have as much of it as you can. Nervousness is normal and mistakes are going to happen (to dancers of ALL experience levels) so own and enjoy them as part of the experience.
Bittensons: It’s participatory! You can sit on the sidelines, but this is a social experience. More seasoned dancers are generally welcoming and kind to newer dancers. At the start of the evening, the caller(Liz) takes about a half hour to talk the group through various movements of each dance to introduce and walk through each new dance. Then the band will play and the dance begins. You are encouraged to change your partner with each dance, and anyone can dance together.
Wear soft soled shoes that can slide easily. Comfy, loose fitting clothes. Bring your favorite flowy skirt to twirl in!
Anything else you might want to add?
Liz: I really hope to see you there! Contra dancing is an art form, a social experience, and a recreational activity all in one, and there’s a place for you! (at the very least you’ll try something new, hear some great music, and have a good story to tell….)
Carol Bittenson: As Donna Hebert once said, ‘Contra dancing is the most fun you can have with your clothes on!’
Tickets are only $10 for this event, and can be purchased online or at the door. The Sounds of Westfield series has been made possible thanks to support from Massachusetts Cultural Council.
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