New England Chestnuts

'Contras as we know them today are essentially English country-dances that were modified in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Chestnuts...are the dances and tunes that have lived the longest, and that have found favor with dancers and musicians for the past two centuries.'

From sleeve notes for album of same name by Rodney Miller et al, originally recorded in 1980.

We enjoy playing for dances of this type. A workshop focused on these dances would be ideal for introducing classic contra movements, and also comparing and contrasting contra with English approaches to dance. It would be varied in terms of figures and music and so would be full of interest.

For a superb rendering of these ‘chestnuts’ and more (not yet in our repertoire) see

Lady Walpole's reel

Opera Reel

Rory o More

Chorus Jig

Lamplighter's Hornpipe

Sackett's Harbour

Petronella

Haymaker's Jig

Fisher's Hornpipe