Country Dance & Song Society

Valley Contra Dance
2026-04-25 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | West Side Moravian Church, 402 Third Ave, Bethlehem, PA, 18018, United States
We dance twice a month, 2nd and 4th Saturdays.
Dance instruction at 7:00 PM
No partner or experience needed!
The moves in the dances are called by a caller, and the music is always live.
Parking is available right next to the church or on the street. Please enter on Prospect St.
Please carry in clean soft-soled shoes for dancing, to protect the floor (and our reputation). Sneakers are usually fine. FREE large socks with treads are provided to cover your street shoes if necessary.
Sliding scale—pay what you wish. Suggested: $8 (student), $15 (friend of VCDS), $20+ (supporter). Children 12 and under accompanied by a paying adult FREE.
Special Pricing for Double Dances

Toronto Contra Dance
2026-04-25 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | St. Barnabas Hall, 175 Hampton Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4K 2Z3, Canada
Shake off the week and hit the floor for an unforgettable night of music, movement, and community joy.
Caller and band change with every dance.
Dances are either mask optional or mask mandatory. Full details and schedule are at the Toronto Contra Dance website.
New to Contra? No problem!
No partner needed, and beginners are always welcome—we’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Schedule:
7:00 PM – Beginner Lesson
7:30 PM – Dance the night away!
Bring a refillable water bottle – hydration stations available
Full details at the Toronto Contra Dance website
Tag your dance crew, grab your shoes, and get ready for a night of pure Contra joy on the Danforth!

Contra Dancing in Houston, TX
2026-04-25 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | Dauntless Dance Studio, 3300 Jensen Dr, Suite B, Houston, TX, 77026, United States
HATDS hosts contra dances on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of most months. We dance to live music. All skill levels are welcome and all dances are called. Bring water and clean shoes!
The admission price for contra dances is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Cash, checks, credit cards, and digital wallets are currently accepted at the door. If paying cash, please bring correct change. No large bills accepted.

Princeton Country Dancers' Combination Contra and English Country Dance
2026-04-25 19:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Dr, Princeton, NJ, 08502, United States
Combination Contra and English Country Dance every 4th Saturday, 7:30-10:30 (except February)

Contra Dance at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2026-04-25 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

Brownsville English Country Dance
2026-04-26 13:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Brownsville Town Hall, 22 Brownsville-Hartland Rd, West Windsor, VT, 05037, United States
The winter 2025 series of ECD runs on the fourth Sunday of the month from September to April. This dance welcomes all levels of dancers, from first-time dancers to experienced dancers. An introduction or review will be held if needed at 1:15.

Caller: Jill Delaney
Musicians: Carol Compton, piano; Thal Aylward, violin
Cost $15, sliding scale $12 to $20
Mask optional
Potluck table at the break – feel free to bring something!
As always, if you are not feeling well, regardless of the reason, please stay home. We’ll be happy to see you next time!
Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Also bring a water bottle.
Singles welcome!
Location is the Town Hall, 22 Hartland-Brownsville Rd., West Windsor, VT (some GPS want the town to be Brownsville, VT).
There is a great little store/cafe across the street if anyone wants lunch or dinner.

This dance is supported in part by a grant through the Country Dance & Song Society (CDSS).

English Country Dance
2026-04-26 13:45 - 15:45 (America/Denver) | First Evangelical Free Church, 820 North 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80904, United States
Twice-monthly English Country Dance session in Colorado Springs, CO. Each dance will be taught and then practiced. Great social atmosphere and fun!

North Jersey English Country Dancers, 2nd and 4th Sundays
2026-04-26 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

4th Sunday Monthly Albuquerque, NM Contra Dance
2026-04-26 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins St. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109, United States
Everyone is welcome at contra dancing, no partner required. For more details about contra or FolkMADS organization, see our website at folkmads.org
All dances are Pay What You Want – suggested $10/person, $10-20/family.

Louisville English Country Dance
2026-04-26 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.

English Country Dance Atlanta
2026-04-26 15:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | First Existentialist Congregation, 470 Candler Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, United States
2nd, 4th, and 5th Sunday afternoons
$9, cash or check

English Country Dance at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2026-04-26 19:00 - 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.
​
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!

Contra Dance in St Louis
2026-04-26 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.

Joyfully Dancing (Ages 55+)
2026-04-27 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.

Nashville Monday Night English Country Dance Class
2026-04-27 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.

English Country Dance on Mondays in Gainesville
2026-04-27 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.

Ashland Country Dancers - English Country Dance
2026-04-27 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | The DanceSpace, 280 East Hersey St, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
The Ashland Branch of the Heather and the Rose Country Dancers hosts a weekly English dance (with some Scottish). Since formation in 1980, all dances are taught with positional/global language. We use recorded music most evenings.

Chicago Contra Dance
2026-04-27 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
2026-04-27 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
2026-04-27 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
2026-04-27 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.

Austin English Country Dance
2026-04-27 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Hancock Recreation Center, 811 East 41st St., Austin, TX, 78751, United States
Join us for our weekly Monday English country dance. All levels welcome on regular Mondays, but first-time dancers should arrive at 7:15pm for an intro session. We dance more challenging dances in the second half of the evening. Check our calendar for special events (live music!) or facility closures. Please sign in upon arrival; entry is $5 (cash, exact change appreciated).

Monday Contra Dance in Nelson, NH
2026-04-27 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.

Monday Evening English Country Dance in Baltimore
2026-04-27 20:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Church of the Nativity and Holy Comforter, 6112 York Rd, Baltimore, MD, 21212, United States
All are welcome to join us for an evening of English country dance with live music. All dances talked and walked through. Easy parking, air conditioning, and fans. Snacks are encouraged for the break! Please register online at our website.

Louisville Contra Dance
2026-04-27 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!

Techno Contra Dance at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2026-04-27 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
Last Monday of the Month 8-10:30pm
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).

Symmetry ECD Tuesdays
2026-04-28 14:00 - 15:00 (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, Symmetry’s Tuesday dances feature a variety of callers, a mix of faces from the U.K. and the U.S. The dances are slightly adapted for online presentation. Symmetry enjoys live music at least twice a month from the versatile U.K. duo Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer. More info and the link to join the dances are available on the Symmetry ECD website.

English Country Dance Classes in Pasadena
2026-04-28 19:15 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Skandia Lodge & Hall, 2031 E Villa St., Pasadena, CA, 91107, United States
Whether you are brand new or LOVE this style of dancing, Tuesday nights in Pasadena is where you learn the skills to dance with elegance and ease! It’s a great mid-week pick-me-up with dance friends old and new. We dance on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Tuesday of the month.
Pay $10 at the door, and pre-register on our website to receive all of the pertinent details!
Plan on sticking around for after-hours socializing and getting the latest details on a favorite dance, the next ball, or that costume question you always wanted to ask.

Park Avenue Contra (Swarthmore PA)
2026-04-28 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
2026-04-29 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.
