The Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers (MMTD) is a not-for-profit organization, affiliated with the Country Dance and Song Society. The purpose of the association is to enhance the experience of, the understanding of, and participation in traditional dance.
A Bit of History
According to legend, the first contra dance in Columbia took place in someone’s kitchen in the late 1970s. Several of the people who attended contra and Irish dances in the early days are still involved in MMTD.
Contra dance is a two-hundred-year-old dance style still relevant in today’s world, with much that appeals to modern tastes. Check out this article from the New York Times.
One great thing about living in a town with a journalism school is that we often get young journalists and photographers at our dances, who help us spread the word about what great fun we’re having.
- Contra dance incorporates community, comfort, country by Jade Earle, The Maneater, November 9, 2010
- Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers Teach Contra Dance, Vox Magazine, November 3, 2010
- Katie Currid’s photo blog, October 31, 2010
- Dancing for a Festival by Jessica Holdman, The Missourian, October 6, 2010
- Contradancers welcome all comers in a community of real movers and shakers by Aarik Danielsen, Columbia Tribune, March 21, 2010
- What’s not to like? Yelp, October 12, 2009 (review)
- Dancing the Night Away: Contra Dancing in Mid-Missouri by Erin Schwartz (multimedia presentation)
- Fiddle Players of All Ages Carry on Missouri Tradition by Paige Pritchard, Missourian, July 23, 2009
- The Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers invite everyone to Spring Breakdown 2009 by Marcie McGuire, My Missourian, March 25, 2009
- Hallsville square dancers cross the generation gap by Aaron Rosenblatt, Missourian, July 23, 2007
- Hallsville Square Dance (slide show) by Aaron Rosenblatt, Missourian, July 23, 2007
- Contra fever by Debrin Foxcroft, Missourian, April 3, 2006
Now that you have a taste of what we’re about, come dance with us and experience the fun of contra dancing for yourself.
Board Members
Members of the dance community are encouraged to get involved in MMTD. Contact current board members to find out how you can help. Board elections are held each July. More information about the organization can be found in the bylaws.
MMTD would like to thank the following individuals for their past service on the board — Debbie Newkirk and Cliff White — and welcome new board members Odell Newkirk, Shelley Botts and Rebecca Palmer.
MMTD Board Members 2010–2011
2011–2012 Board
- Claire Baffaut
- Cherri Baysinger
- Shelley Botts (Secretary)
- Betsy Collins (Spring Breakdown Chair 2012)
- Linda Karns
- Krishna Fogle
- Rhett Hartman
- Odell Newkirk (Treasurer)
- Margaret Waddell (President)
- Dave Wallen
- Peter Yronwode (Vice President)
