Folksy Footwork
GROVE CITY — It's whimsical, analytical and universal. And it has been making its name locally at the Grove City YMCA.
"Contra dancing is so great because it's inclusive for everyone," said Ruthe Ann Lachendro, who hosts monthly dances at the Y.
Taking place in sets, contra dancing is a communal folk dance that relies on prompts from a caller.
"It's like square dancing, but with zippier moves. It's definitely for all ages," Lachendro said.
A self-proclaimed dance gypsy because she frequently travels two hours or more for a three-hour dance, Lachendro rented out the YMCA for the first event last year, hoping contra dancing would make its mark locally. Since it has gained popularity, Lachendro started holding contra dances monthly in September.
"I started dancing in the late '70s and since then I've been dancing all around the U.S.," Lachendro said. "When I moved here three years ago, I was driving anywhere from one to three hours just to go dance. I thought it would be nice to have something for people to do in Grove City."
"It really attracts people of all ages," said Karen Wendelschaefer of the Grove City YMCA. "We have a lot of the college kids coming in and they're just having a ball with it right along with everyone else.
"It's great because you don't have to know how to dance. They teach you the steps for the first half an hour. It really is an aerobic workout, but everyone can do it," she said.
Before each dance starts, participants form two long lines with couples facing one another. Everyone in the line joins hands with the person standing beside them as the caller begins to lead them through a series of moves.
When the first series is complete, the original partners will have switched places with another couple until all individuals have danced with each other. Some of the dance steps are similar to square dancing, while others are unique to contra.
"It's a way to get out without going to bars," Lachendro said. "It's a way to get socially friendly with all age groups and it's great for singles because it's a way to test out the water of getting out and having fun and you're accepted even if you come without a partner."
Deeply interested in English country dancing, Gaye Welton and her two sons attended their first contra dance session when Lachendro first brought it to Grove City last year.
"It's a lot of fun," Welton said. "Some people would say to participate in it for exercise because it's more aerobic than a lot of other dances, but we really just enjoy going to dance. We've really seen an resurgence of interest among young people in the community since it started."
Wendelschaefer said a session at the YMCA typically brings out between 70 or 80 people, a huge increase from the mere handfuls that attended when contra dancing was first introduced in the area.
"It has grown significantly," she said. "That growth might be based on the Dancing with the Stars, but it's really hard to tell. I think a lot of people are coming out just because they have fun with it. And it's something to do that virtually anyone can participate in."
The next session will take place Saturday at the YMCA, with an instructional session beginning at 7 p.m. The dance will last from 7:30 until 10:30 p.m. Cost is for $6 for students and $8 for the general public.
Heidi Wettlaufer of Pittsburgh will act as the caller and the Ohio based band, Magic Feet, will make their debut to provide music for the event. Those seeking more information may contact Lachendro by phone at 724-450-1149 or by e-mail at momthebirder@hotmail.com.
<b>WHAT: </b>Contra dancing and instruction with Heidi Wettlaufer as caller and the Ohio-based band Magic Feet.<b>WHEN: </b>7 p.m. Saturday<b>WHERE: </b>Grove City YMCA<b>COST: </b>$6 for students and $8 for the general public.<b>INFORMATION: </b>Call 724-450-1149 or send an e-mail to momthebirder@hotmail.com.
