Jim Thaxter, Columbia, Missouri

Where did you first learn of contra dancing?

In the Washington, DC area from friends who played music and suggested I check out the local contra dance. If you brought an instrument and played part of the night you could get in free.

How long have you been contra dancing?

About 31 years.

As a beginner, what was your first impression of contra dancing?

I thought that contra dancing was just about the most fun I had ever had. I loved the coordination between dancers and the connection to the music, and the connection to the other dancers and the coordination with the music. I loved the flow and the set of the figures, each figure having its own defined moves, yet allowing for some individual interpretation within the limits of the timing and space.

How long have you been calling? How many dances have you written?

I've been calling for about 16 years, and I've written about 10 dances.

Do you have a favorite dance to call, and why?

The favorite dance changes with the situation. I have some that I really like to call for beginners. The dancers usually "get" the dance and I can see the understanding in their faces as they realize how the dance fits together and fits with the music. For groups that dance regularly I like to call a few dances that challenge them. The dancers may start off hesitantly into the dance, but find the key to making it work for them. Then they take off and dance.

Do you have a favorite dance to dance and why?

One of my favorites has been Gene Hubert's "The Reunion." It's got a lot of variety going in it, plus tight timing. There's not much time to mess around. I generally like dances that have unusual transitions in them and working those transitions to smoothness.

What one thing do you think that most contra dancers can do to improve their dance?

Pay a lot of attention to the dancers around them. The dance is a community activity. The dances work so well when everyone is working together to make the dances flow smoothly.

What one piece of advice would you give beginner dancers so they can enjoy the dance more?

Dance as much as you can and pay attention to what other dancers are doing to learn from them.

From your perspective of the dance floor on the caller's stand, what movements do you most like to view during a dance?

Movements that are being done together by all the dancers at the same time. It's like watching a flock of birds that suddenly all change direction at the same time as they wheel around in the sky. The dancers become connected by the music and by the community of being together and the joy of momentarily creating beautiful patterns on the dance floor. It's wonderful to watch everyone move together.

If you had one wish related to contra dancing, what would it be?

That I had started much earlier in my life, dancing, playing, calling, and teaching others.

If you have written dances, would you contribute to putting them online?

Yes.

What is your contact information, and how would you prefer to be contacted?

Please send email to: Jim Thaxter