10/02/2024
(A Reflection for Dysautonomia Awareness Month)
First off, hello! If you don’t know me already, I’m Rivkah Valley, and welcome to Checkerberry Place. In this corner of the internet, I dive into everything related to Traditional New England Dance, Music, and Culture.
As October rolls around, it’s important to highlight that this month is Dysautonomia Awareness Month. You might be wondering—what exactly is dysautonomia? Well, dysautonomia refers to a group of disorders that affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This system controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and more. For people with dysautonomia, the ANS doesn’t function as it should, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, rapid heart rate, and fainting. Everyday activities, even something as simple as standing, can become a real challenge.
Well… In my particular case, I have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). I gained this particular diagnosis after suffering through Covid twice in 2022. Thankfully I am not prone to fainting- it just makes my life a little more challenging. If you see me pause and perhaps lean against a wall at any particular dance, my brain has temporarily decided to panic about blood oxygenating my brain- so it sends a signal to my heart to speed up the process, which in turn causes my heart to race/cause temporary vision issues.
The State of Modern Contra and Its Impact on Health
In the world of Traditional New England Social Dances, there’s an old saying: “If you can walk, you can dance.” It speaks to the welcoming and inclusive spirit of traditional dance—a space where anyone, regardless of experience or ability, could find joy and community. However, as I’ve observed over the years, Modern Contra Dance is evolving into something entirely different, and while evolution in art forms is natural, it raises some important concerns, especially when it comes to health and accessibility.
Traditional dances were designed to be community-oriented, slower-paced, and less physically demanding. There were breaks for inactive couples, allowing for rest, observation, and the chance to absorb the beauty of the dance without constantly being in motion. But in modern contra, these moments of pause have largely disappeared. The dances are faster, more energetic, and participants are expected to move constantly.
There is an increasing trend toward complex and flamboyant choreography that demands high energy throughout the evening. This presents a problem, not just for those with health issues like POTS or other forms of dysautonomia, but for anyone who might not have the stamina or experience to keep up. The rise in elaborate swings, twirls, and fast-paced movements can overwhelm even seasoned dancers. While a few energetic dances are certainly welcome during an evening, an entire night filled with them can be taxing and exclusive.
The Loss of Imagination and Creative Dance
One of the unintended casualties of this shift in pace is the loss of the imaginative nature that pauses and inactivity once allowed. In older forms of contra and traditional dances, those moments of rest created space for creativity—dancers could invent their own unique balances, incorporate shuffle clogging, or execute moves like the graceful pigeon wing. These moments allowed dancers to show off their individual flair and connect with their partners in a more expressive, less hurried way.
When was the last time you saw someone balancing with a pigeon wing? It’s a rarity nowadays. That creativity, which used to be a hallmark of traditional social dances, has largely fallen by the wayside in favor of constant, high-energy motion. There’s something lost when we sacrifice these creative interludes. Dances used to be full of character and personal expression, which added to the beauty and community spirit. The absence of these imaginative breaks feels like a missed opportunity for dancers to connect with the history and artistry of these traditions.
The Accessibility Challenge
Here’s the thing—Modern Contra Dance isn’t as health, age, or ability inclusive as its more traditional counterparts. For someone new to the dance, or for those managing physical limitations, the expectations of speed and energy can feel daunting. If you’re struggling to keep up or find yourself out of breath halfway through a set, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier.
When I first entered the contra scene, I quickly realized that twirling during a promenade wasn’t going to work for me. The constant motion and need for balance triggered my POTS symptoms, making me dizzy and uncomfortable. I can handle a well metered swing, not horribly fast but not slow either, but not that expectation of twirling. Yes, you can always politely ask not to be twirled, but when you’re new, it’s often hard to voice those preferences. And the expectation, whether overt or not, is that you should be throwing yourself into the dance, moving with energy, and keeping up with the rhythm. But what if you can’t?
There’s also the issue of modern contras being less forgiving when it comes to mistakes. In older dances, if you got a bit lost, your neighbors would gently guide you back into the set, and you had a moment to catch your breath. Today, the pace is so relentless that if you fall behind even for a second, it can disrupt the entire group’s phrasing. That pressure can make the experience intimidating for beginners and physically taxing for those with any health issues, even age related.
What about accessibility? In traditional dances, like the Gallopede, it’s perfectly feasible to participate in a wheelchair with a partner helping to move along. However, in more energetic and physically demanding dances, like Charismatic Megafauna, such accommodations would be near impossible. By emphasizing only these high-energy, fast-paced dances, the modern contra scene inadvertently alienates those who need a slower pace or who rely on physical assistance to participate.
Why Preserving Traditional Dances Matters
Let’s take a step back and think about the historical significance of these dances. Traditional New England Social Dances are not just a fun pastime; they’re a part of our cultural heritage. There’s a fine line between modernizing an art form and losing the essence of what made it special in the first place. When we abandon the older, more arguably health/age inclusive dances, we risk not only excluding people who can’t keep up with modern contra but also erasing a vital connection to our past.
Each of these dances has a story. They were developed in rural communities where dancing was one of the few opportunities for social interaction. These dances helped bring people together, and they did so in a way that made sure everyone could participate. Are we in danger of losing that spirit? Are we sacrificing inclusivity for the sake of making dances flashier and more exciting?
There’s a balance we need to find—one that preserves the accessibility and community spirit of traditional dance while still allowing room for modern innovation. We shouldn’t throw out our heritage in the pursuit of making everything faster or more complex. To do so risks alienating not only those with health challenges but also beginners who might be intimidated by the fast pace and intricacy of modern contra.
A Healthier Dance Community
It’s important to remember that our dance communities are aging, and younger folks who are joining may very well have their own set of health challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 25% of young adults in the U.S. have some form of chronic condition. If we want to ensure that contra and traditional social dance remain inclusive, we need to make space for everyone—regardless of age, ability, or health status. We can’t afford to push people away by creating an environment where only the most physically fit can thrive.
Incorporating more traditional dances with periods of rest or simpler movements can make a world of difference. It allows dancers to pace themselves, catch their breath, and truly enjoy the experience rather than feeling pressured to perform at a constant high energy level. Watching experienced dancers glide through a set with minimal effort is a joy in itself, and it’s something we should be promoting as a hallmark of our community—not the exception.
So, as we continue to dance, let’s remember where we came from and work together to create a space where everyone can feel welcome, included, and able to participate—no matter their physical limitations.
