For the final event of the Amos Fortune Forum 2022 season, Steve Zakon-Anderson and friends will present “Contra Dancing: Past and Present and its Vital Role in the Monadnock Region” Friday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m.at the Meetinghouse in Jaffrey Center, 15 Laban Ainsworth Way.
Contra dancing is a form of social/folk dancing that is practiced across the United States, as well as in many other countries. After enjoying some boom years in the 19th century, it all but died out, except in certain locales, most notably the Monadnock region. From there it began to spread once again in the mid-1900s.
The presentation will look at what contra dancing is, where it came from and where it is going. The event will also include a look at how it has served to connect people of all ages and backgrounds and to strengthen communities, as well as some live music.
Steve Zakon-Anderson began contra dancing in Francestown in 1980. He began calling for contras three years after that, and since 1985, he has been a regular caller for dances at the Peterborough Town Hall. He has also traveled to dance events, camps and festivals, and has called dances and taught workshops in calling, contra dancing and couples dancing in almost every state and in numerous foreign countries. Zakon-Anderson has also written more than 30 contemporary contra dance compositions, many of which are used by fellow callers around the world.
The forum requests that people wear masks while inside for the health of speakers and attendees. People can watch the presentation in person or on the Amos Fortune Forum YouTube page.