New dancers
New to contra dancing?
Never contra danced before? You're in the right place.
You don't need any experience, and you don't need a partner. Come by yourself or bring friends. People change partners throughout the night, so you'll meet lots of folks.
- Come for the beginner lesson. It's the easiest way to start. Experienced dancers are encouraged to come to the lesson too, to help newcomers.
- Every dance is walked through by the caller before the music starts, and the caller keeps prompting the moves while you dance.
- Waltzes follow the contra dancing and end the night.
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes you can turn in (dance shoes if you have them)
- A water bottle
- Cash or Venmo for admission, and a tip for the band if you can
Please be scent free
This is a scent-free dance: no perfumes, colognes, essential oils, strong detergents, and so on. Please be mindful of those with allergies and chemical sensitivities.
What is contra dancing?
Contra is a social folk dance done in long lines of couples to live music, usually fiddle tunes. A caller teaches each dance and calls out the figures as you go. It's friendly, energetic, and easy to learn.