www.montanaseniornews.com TAKE ONE! FREE! With Music Alan Boren Meets People And Makes
By Gail Jokerst www.gailjokerst.com Say the word “contras” to most people and they envision Nicaraguan guerrilla forces toting rifles. Say it to Missoula’s Alan Boren and he hears Irish fiddle tunes and pictures dancers gracefully twirling, bowing, and linking hands. The difference occurs because “contras” to Alan means contra dances, lively gatherings he enjoys as both a musician and dancer. Although unfamiliar to many, contra dancing is not new. Historically, it dates back to the end of the 17th century when the French melded
English country dances with steps from French court dance. They called these hybrids contredanse or contra-dance and the name stuck. Eventually these dances migrated overseas to North America spreading from the Atlantic to the Pacific with the westward movement from colonial days to ours. For the past 10-plus years, Skippin’ A Groove, the trio formed by Alan, Roy Curet, and Laura Lundquist, has provided live music for contra dances around Montana. They play instruments ranging from guitars, banjos, and penny whistles to fiddles and flutes. The traditional Anglo-Celtic tunes they perform are often more than a century old and consist of jigs and reels from Ireland, Scotland, Britain, Canada, and Appalachia. Though at some events, the repertoire features an occasional waltz, schottische, or polka. “If your spouse doesn’t like to dance, it’s a good outlet because you can attend alone and ask anyone to be your partner for a dance,” says Alan. “There are no strings attached and all are welcome. It is also open to beginners and is a very freeing experience that is helpful for those who are shy in groups. It’s so inclusive.” As far as what age is too young or too old to swing a partner, that can vary hugely. Alan knows one dedicated dancer approaching his 90th birthday as well as a 9-year-old, who are both as nimble on the dance floor as any member of the Millennial Generation. “If you can walk,” states Alan, “you can contra dance.” While their day jobs pay the bills, playing for contras rewards Skippin’ A Groove’s members with something else – the joy of being part of a vibrant community gathering that brings together a diverse group of people who share a love of dance and music. “The purpose of community is to be able to embrace the full circle of life and that’s what happens at every contra dance. Contra dancing attracts the most creative and fun-loving people in the world, who are unafraid to try new things,” remarks Alan. “It is both a network and a crossroads. In Missoula and Bozeman, you find people from the professional (Continued on page 51)