What is Barn Dancing?
"Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order."
--Samuel Beckett
Welcome to the dance! The Central Iowa Barn Dance
promotes the enjoyment of traditional country dancing and live
string band music. We are a group of volunteers who aim to provide
opportunity for musicians, callers, and dancers to gather and enjoy
the dancing, the music and each other's company. We host dance
events that provide challenging fun for beginners and experienced
dancers alike. A barn dance evening features New England-style
contradances and American square dances. (It may
include the odd reel, circle dance, waltz, schottish, polka or
hambo.) In the tradition of an American barn dance, group dances are
walked through and called.
Common courtesy...
Mixing with other dancers is one of the joys of this art form. Plan to dance
with many different people throughout the evening. Use this opportunity to
learn from one another and have a good time. Even if you are not dancing,
please show courtesy to the band, caller, and other dancers. A CIBD barn
dance is not a free-for-all, a child-care service, or a competitive
sport. It is a chance for people to meet and enjoy a rewarding form
of traditional social interaction. Listen to the music. Be attentive during
the walk-throughs. Help each other with good humor and grace. Each person's
effort makes the whole much greater than the sum of each of us dancing
alone.
The Central Iowa Barn Dance Association has been providing good music and good
fun since 1991. We enjoy having you dance with us...please help spread the
word. Bring your friends. We appreciate your support. We need your dollars
to help pay for the hall, publicity, etc. And we also welcome your
encouragement, advice, time, and creativity in making these dances happen.
For more information call (515) 292-0117.
Central Iowa Barn Dance Association
Lonna Nachtigal
Just for fun, check out Gary Shapiro's
definition of
contradancing too.
Webmaster
(alex at cibd dot org)
Last Revised: Sun Apr 15 2012