In my experience here in the USA - Contra is very popular particularly with the young, and English dance is more like Playford and more sedate. Some English dancers don't even like to Rant when it is required - and even at Pinewoods camp (summer home of CDSS) they state before any dance with Ranting that is is going to happen, so dancers can sit out.
Ceilidh dance here is not liked by many, as they seem to think that the dances are too simple, and dancing friends of mine who have been to a Barn Dance or ceilidh in the UK hate that most of the dancers have no idea how to dance!
Ceilidhs have worked at Pinewoods with a loud band in Ampleforth and a singing session in the Camphouse (with a bar!) at the same time - but then some dancer even complain (after dancing English 3 sessions per day) that it has been just set up for the Singers & the Drinkers!

Tim Radford