Autism Community Friendly Contra Dancing

Everyone is invited to attend!

What is Contra Dancing?
Contra dancing has been around since the 1700s. If you don't know it -- it's kind of like square dancing but with long lines of dancers. A caller first explains the movements and then prompts you during the dance.

How is it Autism Friendly?
Contra dancing is a wonderful opportunity to socialize with others. It is easily accommodated for people with ASD or other social/sensory issues. So you can participate without needing to talk, touch or make eye contact, unless you want to. The dance is a repetition of various patterns that are walked. So no fancy Michael Jackson moves are required. You dance with a partner, but that can be anybody in the dance! Almost nobody attending knows how to do this, so no worries about looking silly. The Normal Public Library is sponsoring what we hope will be a monthly get-together for people on the autism spectrum, their family, mentors and friends a chance to have fun together in an Autism Friendly setting.

We are just getting started and everyone will have to learn what to do. Fortunately, we have a professional caller, Martha Tyner, who will help us.

Sponsored by the Normal Public Library Foundation.