contrapàs
/kun.tɾəˈpas/
CA
A traditional Catalan couple dance with alternating quick and slow steps, typically performed during folk festivals and celebrations.
El contrapàs és un ball popular tradicional de Catalunya que es balla en parelles.
The contrapàs is a traditional popular dance from Catalonia that is danced in pairs.
Etymology
The word comes from the Catalan 'contra' (opposite) plus 'pas' (step), referring to the alternating direction of steps in the dance. It has been documented in Catalan folk culture since the 18th century.
Memory Aid
Break it into 'contra' (opposite) and 'pas' (step) — it is a dance with opposite-facing steps, hence contrapàs.
Collocations
ball contrapàscontrapàs tradicionalcontrapàs català
Synonyms
ball de contrapàs