—Emilie Carroll (Mentor: Rose Pruiksma)
It is common knowledge that traditional music and dance are integral to many cultures, but we may not think of the traditions that shape our local community, such as the New England contra dance tradition. Contra dance is a form of folk dance brought by European settlers during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and like all living traditions, contra dance continues to change, yet its historical roots remain significant. In my research project, funded by a Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program grant from the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, I studied a subset of older tunes called “chestnuts” which are tied to specific dance calls but have become less common in contemporary contra dances due to cultural shifts in the tradition. However, many musicians and dancers still cherish them, preserving chestnuts’ role in the community.
Through my ethnographic exploration, I examined the ongoing influence of chestnuts and how they reflect broader changes in contra dance culture. My findings highlight the balance between tradition and innovation in folk music and dance, and establish a need for knowledge and awareness of the history of the traditions we exist in. In today’s increasingly disconnected world, social dance remains a powerful way to build community, foster human connection, and celebrate local culture.
