U.P. dance studio gives locals the chance to learn a style of folk dancing

MARQUETTE — The Northern Center for Lifelong Learning held a special dance class today, allowing members to explore a unique dancing style while having fun at the same time.

Contra dancing was taught at Dance Zone in Marquette. This style of dancing has origins in English, Irish, and French countries but since coming to America, has evolved into folk dancing. Each dancer is partnered up with another dancer and then stands in parallel lines; this dance is fairly similar to square dancing.

When dancing Contra, anyone of all ages is invited to join in on the fun.

“You don’t need any experience, everything is taught. The kids have an awful lot of fun with it and when we have our monthly dances, we have a live band which makes it even better,” said Dance Zone Owner, Marge Skalar.

The Northern Center for Lifelong Learning is an organization that plans and offers informal educational programs around the area. A Contra is held on the first Sunday of every month, anyone is invited to attend regardless of experience. Dance Zone also offers square dancing classes every Monday evening.