Country Dance & Song Society

Buena Vista Community Contra Dance
2026-02-07 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver) | Buena Vista Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Crossman Ave, Buena Vista, 81211, United States
Come contra dance with us! First Saturdays, September thru May.
We will have live music to dance to, starting at 7 PM.
And for our September, December and May dances, we start at 6 PM with Potluck Dinner.
Each dance will be taught before it is danced.
Partners are not required, nor is previous dance experience.
Donations will be accepted at the door.
Are you a musician? Join our Band Jam each First Saturday starting at 5:30pm!
If you have questions, feel free to call Lee Dodge at 210-275-3355.
or
Email us at: ArkValleyMusicAndDance@Gmail.com
Sponsored by Arkansas Valley Music and Dance.

Wooster Contra Dance
2026-02-07 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Valley College Grange, 2411 Shreve Road, Wooster, OH, 44691, United States
A lively and friendly contra dance with dancers of all ages. Longways sets called by Susan English plus circle mixers and an old-time square. Beautiful Celtic music by Pocketful o’ Gimmick. Starts at 7 pm prompt with beginner instruction downstairs and advanced contras upstairs. Then all come together upstairs and dance until 9:30 pm.

Circle Left
2026-02-07 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lake Merritt Dance Center, 200 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
Circle Left is a gender-neutral contra dance in Oakland on the first Saturday of the month.

Scissortail Contra Dance in Tulsa, OK
2026-02-07 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Strictly Ballroom Dance Studio and Event Center, 6926 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK, 74136, United States
Scissortail Contra Dance in Tulsa, first Saturdays. Check our Facebook or our website for more details!

Syracuse Country Dancers Contra Dance
2026-02-07 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | United Church of Fayetteville, 310 East Genesee St, Fayetteville, NY, 13066, United States
Contra dancing every 1st and 3rd Saturday.

Santa Fe Contra Dance
2026-02-07 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Denver) | Odd Fellows Hall, Santa Fe, 1125 Cerrillios Rd, Santa Fe, NM, 87505, United States
Instruction at 6:30 and dancing starts at 7:00PM. Everyone is welcome at contra dancing, no partner required. For more details about contra or the FolkMADS organization, see our website.

Swingin' Tern Contra Dance
2026-02-07 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Chatham, NJ, 200 Main St., Chatham, NJ, 07928, United States
Our contra dances are held every first and third Saturday evening year-round from 7:30pm–10:30pm with a beginners’ workshop at 7pm. We have occasional double dances along with a New Year’s Eve dance.
Our full calendar
Useful Information:

Newcomers are welcome to come at 7pm for an introductory lesson on the basics of contra dancing. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught with a “walk-through” by the caller.
We no longer require vaccination. Masks are optional.
All dances at Swingin’ Tern are called to the gender-neutral terms Larks & Robins. Dance whatever role you’re comfortable in.
We are air-conditioned. We have windows on three sides when we want to let the breeze come in.
Our dance is two blocks from the Chatham station on the Morris/Essex line out of Penn Station, NYC.
We welcome contributions of home-baked [or not] goodies to share at the break.
Please bring your own water bottle. Water bottles may be filled at the kitchen sink.
Wear comfortable clothing. Contra dancing is aerobic. We prefer you carry in your shoes.
We are a friendly, inclusive group. Pack plenty of smiles!

$15 adults/$5 students

Carrboro First Saturday Contra Dance
2026-02-07 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Carrboro Century Center, 100 N Greensboro St, Carrboro, NC, 27510, United States
Every first Saturday at the Carrboro Century Center. Gender-neutral calling.
Check our website for details—it’s occasionally a Rushfest!

Groton Grange Contra Dance!
2026-02-07 19:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Groton Grange #7, 80 Champney Street, Groton, MA, 01450, United States
Groton Grange #7 invites you to join the fun at our traditional New England Contra Dances on Saturdays in 2026 from 7:30 – 10 PM at Historic Groton Grange Hall.

Caller: Dudley Laufman, 2009 National Heritage Fellow
Suggested donation: $5 per person / $20 max per couple or family / children under 3 free. Refreshments will be provided.
This dance is made possible by a grant from the Town of Groton’s Trust Fund Lecture Series.
Groton’s own Contra Banditos will be playing their traditional old-time fiddle and americana music. Callers will teach New England style contra, square and line dances. No experience necessary!
Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.
PLEASE NOTE: PARK ONLY ON THE GRANGE SIDE OF CHAMPNEY STREET!

Big Scioty - Trillium with caller Dan Kappus
2026-02-07 19:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | First Congregational Church of Columbus Ohio, 444 East Broad St., Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Be sure to come for the beginner’s lesson from 7:30–8:00, followed by dancing 8:00–10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner.
Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot.
Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Birdsboro Contra Dance
2026-02-07 19:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Birdsboro Community Memorial Center, 201 East Main St, Birdsboro, PA, 19540, United States
Contra Dance on first Saturday of the month (Except July & August).
The Birdsboro Contra Dance – Brought to you by the Conestoga Dance Association
Position terms: Larks & Robins. Beginners and all are welcome.

Montpelier Contra Dance
2026-02-07 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Capital City Grange Hall, 6612 Vermont Rt. 12, Berlin, VT, 05602, United States
Montpelier Contra Dance with callers and bands that perform regionally and nationally—see website or Facebook events
Beginners, singles, and all ages are welcome; all dances are taught.
Gender-neutral role terms (Larks and Robins)
Newcomers lesson 7:40 pm. Dancing 8-11pm.
Please bring clean soft-soled shoes.
Masks optional / Excellent ventilation with open windows and ceiling exhaust fan (bring a sweater in cooler months)
More info at our website.
$12 adults, $5 kids/low-income, $20 dance supporters.
Questions? 802-225-8921 or cdu.tim@gmail.com
Dancing 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays year round

Contra Dance at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2026-02-07 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
Every Saturday
LARGE STUDIO

7:30 – 8:00 pm Lesson
8:00 – 11:00 pm Dance

Cost:
Live Music: $15 General Admission | $12 Tapestry Member | $8 Young Adult (Ages 18-30) | $4 Youth (Ages 10-17) | Under 10 – Free
“Pay What You Choose” first seven days of every month (1st through the 7th)
Recorded Music: $12 General | $10 Members | $7 Young Adult & Youth (Ages 10 -21)
What is Contra Dance?
In a Contra dance, a leader, known as a caller, teaches basic dance steps during an introductory “walk-through” of the dance. Dancers learn by walking through the steps and formations, following the caller’s instructions. The dance figures are similar to those of old-time square dancing except the figures are usually danced in a line, with leaders and followers facing each other.
​These dances are lively, social, easy to learn, and aerobic. Although you will dance with a partner, it isn’t necessary to come with one. All dances are taught and are usually done in “long-ways sets” (partners facing in long lines down the hall). Many of the regular Tapestry Folkdance Center Contra bands play old-time music (similar to bluegrass), but the music at any given Saturday night Contra may reflect a range of music traditions, such as New England, French Canadian, Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton and modern compositions.
How does Contra Dance Work?
“A contra dance can be thought of as a triangle of energy with the three vertices being the musicians, the dancers and the caller. Magical evenings occur when all three come together, feeding off of each others’ energy to raise and sustain an atmosphere of fun and joy. The caller’s role in this is paramount. Good music and dancers without a good caller may not be magical. Poor teaching, lack of rapport or inappropriately selected dances can lead to frustration. But a good caller can make even new dancers feel like they are good, and by working with the musicians to match music to dances, set the right tempo, and feed off the energy of everyone in the hall, the caller can help make magic.”
by Beau Farmer, Tapestry Folkdance Center Contra Caller

Contra Dance in St Louis
2026-02-08 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | The Monday Club of Webster Groves, 37 S. Maple Ave., Webster Groves, MO, 63119, United States
Weekly contra dance in St Louis area (actually Webster Groves MO). Always great live music. First dance each month features open calling.

Common Floor Contra Dance
2026-02-08 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Temple Beth El, Deering Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103, United States
Contra dancing in Portland, ME every second Sunday. For details, visit our website.
$15 suggested donation.

Verona, VA Monday Night Contra Dance
2026-02-09 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Verona Community Center, Lee Highway, Verona, VA, 24482, United States
Join Shenandoah Valley Contra Dance at the Verona Community Center for our monthly Monday Night Contra. No experience necessary – we’ll teach you everything you need to know – and you don’t need to bring a partner (but if you want to bring a crew of people – the more the merrier!).
A brief beginner workshop will be held at 6:45 pm and then we’ll dance from 7 pm to 9 pm. Please check our website and/or Facebook for more details about each month’s dance.
To protect the floor at VCC, please wear soft-soled, clean, and comfortable shoes.
Admission: Pay-what-you-will (we recommend ~$10 to help pay for the room rental and to compensate our band and caller for their time and skill)
This is a mask-optional event. There are no vaccination requirements. As always, for the health and safety of the community, please stay home if you are displaying any symptoms of illness or have been recently exposed to someone who tested positive for an infectious disease.

Chicago Contra Dance
2026-02-09 19:00 - 21:40 (America/Chicago) | Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL, 60630, United States
The Chicago Barn Dance Company sponsors and supports contra dance, traditional square dance, and old-time music in the Chicago area. Our dances are held every Monday night, except holidays, in the beautiful fourth-floor Erin Ballroom at Chicago’s Irish American Heritage Center. The dance venue is near the Montrose Blue Line stop, or you can park in the large FREE parking lot on site.
Admission is $7-$10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. Come at 6:30pm if you would like a beginner/refresher lesson.

The Asheville Monday Night Contra Dance
2026-02-09 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | The Ivy Building at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, 9 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, 28801, United States
New Location, Times, & Admission
The Ivy Building at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
9 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801
(On GPS, type the address, not the building name! The building looks like an old church and is across from the Ferguson Medical Building at 10 Genevieve Circle.)

Lesson: 7:00pm – 7:30pm
Dance: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
$0 – $50 Sliding Scale; $12 Suggested
Check our Facebook page for caller and musician info

The Asheville Monday Night Contra Dance, every Monday. Dancing to a live band and caller! Contra dancing is fun and energetic. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect evening for beginners as well as seasoned contra dancers.
Beginners are welcome, lesson 7:00pm–7:30pm. Contra dancing from 7:30pm–10:00pm. A waltz ends the night!
Safe dance for all! Families welcome. All ages, races & ethnicities, LGBTQIA+ welcome. No discrimination or bullying of any kind will be tolerated. Volunteers earn a free dance.
Bring a water bottle. Bring comfortable, smooth soled shoes to dance in. No partner required. No experience needed for the beginners’ lesson.

Knoxville Monday Night Contra
2026-02-09 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37916, United States
Contra dancing to live music every Monday evening in Knoxville, TN. The dance begins at 7:30 with a lesson for new folks starting at 7:00. Everyone welcome.

Monday Cincinnati Contra Dance
2026-02-09 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Wyoming Fine Arts Center, 322 Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, OH, 45215, United States
Weekly Contra Dance at Wyoming Fine Arts Center, including waltz and maybe squares. Live music from many rotating bands. Many rotating callers using gendered or gender-free prompts. Teaching at 7 pm. Dance from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Monday Contra Dance in Nelson, NH
2026-02-09 19:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Nelson Town Hall, 5 Nelson Common Rd, Nelson, NH, 03457, United States
What better way to start the week? Only $5! It’s Monday, and we (almost) always dance on Monday.

Louisville Contra Dance
2026-02-09 20:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Highlands Community Campus, 1228 E. Breckinridge Street, Louisville, KY, 40204, United States
Louisville, Kentucky’s weekly Monday night contra dance, always featuring live music from the Monday Night All Stars open band! Dancing is 8:00-10:30pm with a beginner’s lesson at 7:30pm. Waltzing and snacks available at the break. Check out our website for details on the caller and special performances. Open calling on 5th Mondays!

Saint Louis Queer Contra
2026-02-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Focal Point, Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood, MO, 63143, United States
Come on out to Saint Louis Queer Contra
Second Tuesdays 7-9 pm (Lesson 6:45) at Focal Point – 2720 Sutton, Maplewood, MO
One of the most wholesome, friendly, and affirming things to do in St. Louis!
All dances taught, non-gendered calling, live music – no partner or experience needed.

Park Avenue Contra (Swarthmore PA)
2026-02-10 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Park Avenue Community Center, 1229 Park Ave, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Joyful community contra dancing on 2nd & 4th Tuesdays. Sit-in musicians welcome on 2nd Tuesdays for our By-Ear Open Band (tunes + other details on our website).

Bloomington Contra Dance
2026-02-11 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Harmony School, 909 East 2nd Street, Bloomington, IN, 47401, United States
Please see our home page for the latest information.
Entrance fee: by sliding scale donation, with a suggested range from $3 to $20.
Striving Toward Safe Space Policy: We hope to create a dance in which everyone feels safe and welcome. Please take a moment to review our policy on respect and consent.
Membership: Membership is optional. Both members and non-members pay a sliding scale entrance fee; see above.
Volunteers are always welcome! Sign up with a dance coordinator for set-up or clean-up if you’d like! Many of us also go out for drinks and munchies after each Wednesday night dance.

Weekly Austin Contra Dance
2026-02-11 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Hancock Recreation Center, 811 East 41st St., Austin, TX, 78751, United States
A free weekly dance at Hancock Recreation Center, with music by the jam/pickup band, Local On-Call Orchestra (LOCO). We dance every week that Hancock Recreation Center is open. A brief beginners session is taught at 7:30, before the dance program begins. Dance ends about 9:30. Free parking lot.

We welcome beginners. If you can walk to a beat, you can contra dance! All dances are taught and called. No partner necessary. Dance either role – or both. Everyone is welcome.

Sober event. Family-friendly. LGBTQ+

Berkeley Contra or English Dance
2026-02-11 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Christ Church Berkeley, 2138 Cedar St., Berkeley, CA, 94709, United States
BACDS presents a dance every Wednesday (contra on 1st/3rd/5th Wed 8pm-10:30pm; English on 2nd/4th Wed 7:45pm-10pm) at Christ Church East Bay, 2138 Cedar St. (near Oxford), Berkeley. Both series include an introductory lesson about 15-20 minutes before the dance start time.

San Francisco Contra Dance
2026-02-11 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Polish Club of San Francisco, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
2nd & 4th Wednesday in San Francisco!
Role names: The role names usually used at this series are “Larks” and “Robins.”
Beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00-10:30
Check our website for details.
$25 supporters; $20 non-members; $15 members; $6 students or low-income; or pay what you can.

Princeton Country Dancers’ Contra Dance
2026-02-11 20:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Dr, Princeton, NJ, 08502, United States
Weekly contra dance on Wednesday nights, 8:00-10:30.

Chattanooga Contra Dance
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church, 1607 W 43rd St, Chattanooga, TN, 37409, United States
Come on out to the dance floor! Bring your soft-soled shoes and water bottle! We host callers and bands from across the East Coast! The beginner lesson is at 7 pm, and the dance goes from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
