Northwest Folklife 2019

10 Your donation makes the Northwest Folklife Festival happen. Donate today! DANCE “Larks & Ravens” Contra Dancing in the Fisher Pavilion By Sherry Nevins Contra Dance Community Coordinator Contra-dancing youth nationwide have been leading a movement to help their communities become more compassionate and inclusive. In contra dancing, the terms “gents & ladies” have long been used to identify dance roles. In recent years, our regional contra community has grown comfortable with anyone dancing in either role, and many dancers now enjoy trading roles. However, being asked to play a gendered role can be a barrier for some people, especially for those who have been hurt because of gender identity or expression. Alternate (non-gendered) terms are now being embraced at contra dances in many parts of the country. Of these terms, “larks and ravens” is the most prevalent. Lark means the person on the left, and raven means the person on the right of the couple as they end a swing. Why not “leads and follows”? In couple dancing, one person leads and the other follows; in contra, the person in either role can lead depending on the choreography of each dance. Separating the dance roles from gender identity, appearance and expectations makes it easier to “dance by position,” freeing dancers to choose either role without other dancers hesitating or questioning their choice. The benefits of using non-gendered terminology are both sharing our love of contra with more people and providing more freedom and flexibility for all dancers. Try out a Larks and Ravens Dance in Warren’s Roadhouse (Fisher Pavilion) at the following times, or check out the yellow colored boxes in the guide on pages 12-19: SATURDAY, 8–10 PM SUNDAY, 6–8 PM MONDAY, 5–9 PM All dances take place in the Fisher Pavilion Photos by Christopher Nelson Contra Dancing in the Roadhouse at last year’s Folklife Festival.