Not too long before I came to Austin, I heard the Angels tell me I would be dancing. It took me by surprise because I’ve never had much luck at it. Then, last October, I “happened” to run into something called English Country Dancing. I mistakenly showed up at a church at the wrong time for a particular meeting. As I was leaving the building, I couldn’t help but notice a room with music pouring out. I peeked in and the entire room was smiling. It was an amazing sight, so I decided to sit and watch. After the dance ended, someone came up to me and brought me into the next dance. I wasn’t planning to do it, but I felt their love and kindness, so I decided to just go ahead and give it a try. It was so much fun! Then after the dance several people there came up to me and said “Wait until you try Contra Dancing!” It took me about a month to get the courage to go.

They were right!

It’s not an understatement to tell you that I’ve been wanting to introduce you to Contra Dancing for a long time! Last night I went to a 3rd Saturday dance in Austin, and I can’t keep my mouth shut any longer. Contra Dancing is the most fun I have ever had. I heard that the Colonial settlers modified English Country Dancing into what we know today as Contra Dancing. It’s just plain fun. Contra in this case means “across from,” and during the dances, you often stand in lines across from your partner.

Contra is so healthy for your heart! It’s because you look in people’s eyes when you dance, and for some reason, you will find that you cannot stop smiling the entire evening. Each dance you dance with a new person, and you do not need to bring a partner with you to the dances. Also, you do not have to “know” how to dance. You will learn no matter what, and you’ll have a great time! Messing up is part of the fun.

If you search “contra dancing” plus your city name, there is a good chance you will find a dance in your area. Here’s the calendar for Austin’s dances. Come join in the fun!