Dudley Laufman, a farmer, poet, and musician, became a central figure in reviving New England folk dancing in the 1960s and 1970s. He passed away on July 13 at the age of 95 in the cabin he built in Canterbury, N.H. His daughter, Heidi Eide, confirmed his death.
Laufman was renowned for his role in calling contra dances. This dance style is akin to square dancing, where partners line up opposite each other. The caller leads the dancers’ movements, accompanied by instruments like fiddles and accordions.
Contra dancing has European roots and became popular in American farming communities by the late 18th century. By the 1950s, it was nearly obsolete, until Laufman’s influence brought it back to life.
Laufman injected energy and inclusivity into contra dancing. His style attracted the counterculture movements of the 1950s, paving the way for the hippie era of the 1960s. With a rugged appearance, he resonated with his audience, similar to the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who was his inspiration.
His major breakthrough came in 1965 when he introduced contra dancing to a wider audience at the Newport Folk Festival. This was the same year that Bob Dylan introduced electric music to the festival, causing a stir. Laufman captivated around 16,000 attendees, sparking renewed interest in traditional dance.
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