Skirts swirled, heels stomped and dancers rejoiced to the live music last weekend during the Wintergreen Contra Dance Weekend.

Put on by the Bozeman Folklore Society (BFS), 84 participants, some traveling from as far as Hawaii, took part in Bozeman’s well-known, annual weekend of Contra.

“It was an idea at a party one time, a long time ago,” said Peter Husby, member of the Wintergreen Planning Committee. “So we said let’s try it, let’s try putting on a Contra dance weekend here. It’s been happening ever since.”

Husby describes Contra, a form of folk dancing with Old English Country and Apalachian folk dance influence, as “not only fun, but also vigorous exercise.”

“We also do some square dancing,” Husby said, “but you have couples in long lines, and each couple progresses from one end of the line to the other throughout the dance.”

Along with the dances themselves, lasting until midnight both Friday and Saturday, participants were able to attend a number of workshops such as “Tricky Contras” “Waltzing and gentle dances” and “New Callers.”

“Calling is an art form,” said Husby. “Each dance has a caller that teaches the dance at the beginning, and continues to call out the moves throughout the song.”

Although the Wintergreen weekend covered a large range of Contra interests, many claimed that the music was the greatest aspect of the event.

“This band that came, Notorious, is the most amazing band,” said BFS member Michelle Kozlow. “The woman has the most beautiful voice, and their skill on the instruments is just incredible. We’re very lucky to have them.”

Along with the world-renowned Notorious, who has taught workshops in the UK, Afghanistan and played at the Kennedy Center of the Arts, Wintergreen featured singer Kathy Anderson and folk group Bébé LeBoeuf.

“Having live music there is my favorite part,” said Husby. “I would encourage the younger generation to pick up Contra dancing mainly because of the music. It’s fantastic.”

For those with more interest, the BFS holds twice-monthly Contra dances at the Eagles Lodge on Main St. as well as a variety of other local dances and concerts. Check out their website at www.bozemanfolklore.org.