Parent organizes tween-only contra dance for ages 9-13 in Boston
20 kids, a 7x21 foot dance floor, and a call for harder dances...
Jeff Kaufman, a parent and contra dance enthusiast, organized a tween-only contra dance for ages 9-13 to address his children's (12y, 10y) dissatisfaction with existing options: family dances were "too boring" and BIDA had "not enough kids my age." About 20 kids attended, mostly children of contra dancers plus friends. The space was a 7x21 foot area (tighter than adult dances) but worked due to smaller kid dimensions.
Caller Andrew skillfully managed a paradox: the kids were dance snobs wanting difficult "real contras" (e.g., Moneymusk, dolphin hey) yet couldn't reliably remember roles or left from right without adult help. An acoustic open band started with two people and grew to five, including two kids, with Kaufman on fiddle. A snack break mid-dance helped keep energy up. Parents could drop off or hang out in another room. Kaufman plans more events if there's interest.
- 20 kids ages 9-13 attended, all but one had contra danced before
- Dance floor was 7x21 ft, narrower than adult minimum but suitable for smaller dancers
- Kids demanded harder dances like Moneymusk but struggled with roles and left/right without adult guidance
Why It Matters
Shows how niche community events can be tailored to specific age groups for better social experiences.