A couple breaks at the end of the line of dancers, waiting to get back into the dance on Nov. 1, 2013 in Columbia, Mo. When there is an odd number of couples, the rotational movement of the dance allows for each couple to take a break for one run through the dance and then come back in, the next couple taking their place. Photo by Emerald O'Brien.

MMTD Board member Claire Baffaut swings with her partner on Nov. 15, 2013. Some dancers have been dancing for years, while other dancers are just beginning, but dancers of all skill levels partner up. Photo by Emerald O'Brien.

A dancer joins a figure eight walking formation with the other dancers on Nov. 11, 2013 in Columbia, Mo. Dancers wear tennis or soft-soled shoes for these types of dances both for comfort and to protect the dance floor. Photo by Emerald O'Brien.

Traditional English dancing pairs men and women, giving each a different role. Instructor Bridget Whitehead uses red and blue sashes to indicate who will take what role since there is not an even number of men and women at her lesson on Nov. 11, 2013 in Columbia, Mo. Photo by Emerald O'Brien.

Dancer Mark Coe swings with his partner during a dance on Nov. 1, 2013 in Columbia, Mo. The swing is the basic move of traditional dances and Contra dancers utilize in in almost every dance. Photo by Emerald O'Brien.

Dancers move to the instructions of the caller on Nov. 15, 2013 in Columbia, Mo. Photo by Emerald O'Brien.

Dancer James Gebhart grasps his partner's hand during a dance on Nov. 15, 2013 in Columbia, Mo. Photo by Emerald O'Brien.

MMTD Board Member Peter Yronwode joins in the dancing on Nov. 15, 2013 in Columbia, Mo. Photo by Emerald O'Brien.

Dancers' skirts flow as they are twirled by their partners during a dance on Nov. 15, 2013 in Columbia, Mo. Photo by Emerald O'Brien.