Country Dance & Song Society

Monday Cincinnati Contra Dance
2027-01-11 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.

Knoxville Monday Night Contra
2027-01-11 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.

Chicago Contra Dance
2027-01-11 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.

English Country Dance on Mondays in Gainesville
2027-01-11 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville,, FL, 32603
This is an open dance group. No experience, special dress or partner needed. Every Monday we dance the dances from Jane Austen period to those being written today.
We dance at the United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Avenue, Gainesville, FL.
Lesson at 6:00 pm. Dance from 6:30 – 8:30.
Live music by Hoggetowne Fancy.
Cost is $5 for the room and a similar amount for the band.
We have a very welcoming and helpful group.

Nashville Monday Night English Country Dance Class
2027-01-11 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Sevier Park Community Center, 3021 Lealand Lane, Nashville, TN, 37204, United States
Sevier Park Community Center. Parking and entrance to the building are at 3021 Lealand Lane.
Note: Sevier Park Community Center is closed on Government Holidays. If in doubt, call 615-862-8466 (Park Office) to check.
We welcome experienced and beginning dancers. This is an excellent opportunity for beginners.
Cost: free.
No registration is required. Please sign in at the front desk when you enter.

Joyfully Dancing (Ages 55+)
2027-01-11 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
Every Monday
Ed Stern Large Studio | 9:30-10:30 AM
Cost: $5
Note: NO CLASS on Monday, February 3 and Monday, March 31.

Robin Nelson strives to help build connections and create a joyful community wherever people gather on the dance floor! She has over 30 years of experience leading singing and traditional dance for people of all ages and abilities.

English Country Dance at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2027-01-10 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
Every Sunday
Small Studio
7:00 – 9:00 pm

2nd Sunday of the Month
Live Music with Anytime English Players | 6:30 – 9:00 pm
​Cost:
​Recorded Music: $12 General Admission | $9 Tapestry Member | $8 Young Adult (Ages 18-30) | $4 Youth (Ages 10-17) | Under 10 – Free
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) – Newcomers especially encouraged to attend!

English country dancing is an accessible social dance form with a history going back several centuries. This is the dancing of Queen Elizabeth I, of Jane Austen, and a living tradition that inspires musical compositions and choreographies today. The music can be stately or spritely, traditional or modern, recorded or live. It is danced with simple walking or skipping steps in time to the music. All dances are taught and are usually done in “long-ways sets” with partners facing in lines down the hall. After a walk-through, the easy-to-learn figures are called throughout the dance as you interact with other couples in your set and then move on to the next and repeat.
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You can come by yourself and be assured of dancing throughout the evening, since our tradition is to welcome and teach beginners and change partners for each dance. Anyone can invite anyone else to dance, regardless of gender or experience. English country dance will satisfy your wish for pleasurable exercise, a warm social community, mental stimulation, or even transcendent aesthetic experiences. We invite you to join us!

Nordic Social Dance
2027-01-10 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
Second Sunday of the Month
6:00–6:45 pm Instruction
7:00–8:00 pm Social Dance
8:00–8:10 pm Group Mixer
8:10–8:50 pm Social Dance
8:50–9:00 pm Group Långdans
Cost: $15 General | $12 Member | $8 Young Adult & Youth (Ages 10 -21)

In Nordic Social Dance, you will learn and review the dances of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Two hours of social dancing to live music! Also included is a 45-minute dance workshop with experienced instructors who are steeped in the culturally rich dances of the Nordic countries. No partner needed, you will find one here!
Musical Guests: ASI Spelmanslag and Lillalag, TC Nyckelharpalag, Hardingfelelag, Lauluaika, Skandibears, Button Boxers, Hutenanny, Renee Vaughan, Art Bjorngjeld, Kvinnekraft, Rachel Jensen Ulvin, and more.
Dance Instructors: Carol Sersland, Elise Peters, Kari Tauring, Martha Olsen, Jaana Tutilla.

Hayward CA Contra
2027-01-10 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hill and Valley Club, 1808 B Street, Hayward, CA, 94541, United States
Hayward Contra presents contra dancing on 2nd & 4th Sunday afternoons, 4pm-7pm in Hayward (SF Bay Area). Check the website for details, including how to find carpools or arrange for a pickup from BART (advanced registration).

Asheville Sunday Afternoon English Country Dance
2027-01-10 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Asheville Jewish Community Center, 236 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC, United States
All are welcome to join us for another very fine afternoon of English Country Dance using mostly positional language. Spread the word and bring all your friends, family, and neighbors! 3:30 pm, Skills Session. Dance: 4:00 pm-6:00.

Louisville English Country Dance
2027-01-10 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Woodbourne Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40205, United States
Louisville English Country Dance meets on the 2nd and last Sundays of most months. Please check our website for details.

Culver City ECD
2027-01-10 14:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lindberg Park Stone House, 5041 Rhoda Way, Culver City, CA, 90230, United States
English Country Dance with live musicians in the afternoon on the Westside of Los Angeles. No partner required. Masks optional. Preregistration requested.
$20 (sliding scale)

North Jersey English Country Dancers, 2nd and 4th Sundays
2027-01-10 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450, United States
Our dances are on the second and fourth Sunday of every month, always with live music and friendly dancers. No partner needed – come alone or with a friend! Introduction for newcomers at 1:50 pm. In the summer, we enjoy ice cream during the break.
Our Fabulous Callers:
Alex Deis-Lauby
Dorothy Cummings
Daniel Popowich
Helen White
Judi Rivkin
Margaret Bary
Orly Krasner
Paul Ross
Our Tiny Orchestra:
Diane Fedora – bassoon
Dominik Landowne – violin, viola
Donn Williams – mandolin
Norma Castle – flute, percussion
Robin Russell – piano
Sometimes with:
Danny Elias – clarinet
Lisa Terry – viola da gamba
Marnen Laibow-Koser -​ various

Contra Dance at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2027-01-09 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

Princeton Country Dancers' English Country Dance
2027-01-09 19:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Dr, Princeton, NJ, 08502, United States
English Country Dance every 2nd Saturday (except November and December), 7:30-10:30.

CDK Contra & Square Dance
2027-01-09 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Oshtemo Grange, 3234 North 3rd St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, United States
Contra & Square Dance – Beginning Workshop 7pm, Dancing 7:30-10:30pm
Suggested donation $5-$20

Portland Country Dance Community 2nd Saturdays Contra Dance
2027-01-09 19:00 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Fulton Park (L’Etoile French Immersion School), 68 SW Miles St, Portland, OR, 97219, United States
7:00 pm newcomer/refresher lesson
7:30 pm dancing starts
10:30 dancing ends

Sliding scale $6-$20.
Some dancers head to a pub for “afters”—all are welcome!
For more current information and last-minute changes, see the PCDC calendar.

Second Saturday Contra
2027-01-09 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Phoenix) | St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Community Center, 2716 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler, AZ, 85224, United States
Join us for our Second Saturday contra dance! Doors open at 6:00 pm. Intro lesson at 6:30 pm. Dance from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Check our website for changes in dance schedule or location.
Pay what you can afford: $10 to $25 per person.

Syracuse Country Dancers ECD
2027-01-09 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Manlius Village Auditorium, #1 Arkie Albanese Avenue, Manlius, NY, 13104, United States
English country dance every 2nd and 4th Saturday.

Dover English Country Dancers - Monthly Dance
2027-01-09 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Ehinger Hall, 14 Kings Highway, Dover, DE, 19901, United States
Monthly English country dance with live music. Newcomers are always welcome, and each dance is taught with a walk-through before it is danced.
Dress is casual (“regular” clothes) except for special events (Spring and Holiday dances), when attendees may dress in formal/cocktail or 18th century attire.
Annual membership for the January – December season is $10. Membership admission for regular monthly dances is $7.
Regular monthly dance admission for non-members is $10.
Admission price may change for special dances.
Times and locations may be subject to change.
Location: Ehinger Hall, Dover DE
Ehinger Hall (#14 Kings Highway) is located directly at the intersection of Kent Avenue and Division Street / Route 8 For those using GPS, the intersection of Kent Avenue and Division Street works best. Best parking will likely be found on Kent Avenue.

International Folkdance at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2027-01-08 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
Every Friday

Ed Stern Large Studio
7:30 – 8:30 pm Lesson
8:30-10:30 pm Request Dance – recorded music
​Cost: $12 General Admission | $9 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)

Discover heritage and dance roots! International features dances from many regions of the world including Europe, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Brittany, the Middle East, South and North America. All International Fridays are a mix of international styles and dances unless noted otherwise. No partner is needed, and most dances are done by the group in a semi-circular line formation following a leader.
Dance instruction takes place for the first hour, with teachers covering 4-6 dances of varying degrees of difficulty, and typically from different regions. Instruction on the first Friday of the month is geared toward newcomers. After the hour of instruction, it’s time for request dancing from our large collection of recorded music. Everyone is welcome to stay. The programmer (DJ) creates a set from a list of requests generated by attendees. The programmer chooses a range of dances, from basic patterns to tricky sequences.
​​What is International Request Dance?
Dancers can request dances taught recently or old favorites – so what gets programmed is a mix of old and new. There are dances from every continent, and the most-requested dances are from eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Greece. We also do Israeli dances, and couple dances from (western) Europe and the Americas – but you don’t need to bring a partner.

Portland Country Dance Community Friday Night English Dance
2027-01-08 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall, 8936 SW 17th Ave, Portland, OR, 97219, United States
For details about venue, callers, or musicians, please go to our website, or email ecd-chair@portlandcountrydance.org
Sliding scale: $7 – $20.

Lewiston Contra Dance
2027-01-08 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Trinity Commons, 247 Bates Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
We dance in the beautiful Trinity Commons at 247 Bates Street, Lewiston, ME. Sliding Scale $15-25, teens $5, kids under 12 free. Pay what you can! We’d love to dance with you! Beginners’ lesson at 7, dancing from 7:30-10. For more information, see our website or find us on Facebook!

Contra Caller Workshop
2027-01-08 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | St. John’s Lutheran Church, Nashville, 3259 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN, 37214, United States
Come try your hand at calling contra dances or support those who want to learn to call at this free workshop.

Symmetry ECD First Thursday Dance
2027-01-07 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | ONLINE
Symmetry began with a group of friends offering online ECD during the pandemic, and we see no reason to stop now! In addition to weekly Sunday dances with caller Sharon Spangler, and Tuesday dances with a variety of U.K. and U.S. callers, Symmetry also offers a monthly evening dance on the first Thursday. Current caller is Dan Gillespie from the D.C. area, but other guest callers are possible. Dances are slightly adapted for online presentation. More info and the link to join the dances are available on the Symmetry ECD website.

Gentle English (Swarthmore PA)
2027-01-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Park Avenue Community Center, 1229 Park Ave, Swarthmore, PA, United States
English Country Dancing for those who enjoy relaxed tempos and familiar figures. Jenny Beer leading, music by laptop.

Princeton Country Dancers’ Contra Dance
2027-01-06 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.

Berkeley Contra or English Dance
2027-01-06 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.

Richmond, VA English Country Dance
2027-01-06 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Belmont Recreation Center, 1600 Hilliard Road, Henrico, VA, 23228, United States
Please join us for our weekly English Country Dancing Wednesday night social at 7:30 p.m. All dances are taught, walked through, and called. No experience or partner are required, just a pair of comfortable shoes. New dancers are asked to please come at at least 10 minutes before the start of the session. The first night is free; after that $2 per evening.

Weekly Austin Contra Dance
2027-01-06 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+
