Contra Dance at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2026-11-14 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

Junction Song Circle
2026-11-15 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Community Room, Greater Hartford UCC, 1721 Maple St., White River Junction, VT, 05001, United States
Come sing: Bring a ballad or traditional song to share!
On the third Sunday of every month, we meet up in the community room of the Greater Hartford UCC in White River Junction to share ballads and other unaccompanied songs. Traditional British and North American ballads are our specialties: stark, spellbinding story-songs handed down orally as homespun entertainment among regular people. But traditional songs from any tradition, in any language, are welcome!
Bring your favorite ballad or folk song, memorized or not, and share it with our friendly circle—all unaccompanied voices: no instruments. Or just come to listen and immerse yourself in the world of these tales and their tunes. If a song has a chorus to join in on, we’ll learn it together by ear, and solo songs are welcome, too. It’s a participatory event, and everyone is welcome, regardless of ability, expertise, or confidence.

LITMA Contradance
2026-11-15 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Brush Barn, 211 E Main St, Smithtown, NY, 11787, United States
LITMA Contradances are usually held on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 2:00-5:00PM from September through June at the Brush Barn, 211 E Main St, Smithtown, Long Island.
Basic instruction at 1:45 PM
$15 General admission
$10 LITMA Members
Students Half Price
Children under 16 FREE with paid Adult

Mostly Waltz at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2026-11-15 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
3rd Sunday of the Month

Large Studio
2:30 – 5:00 pm
Cost: Recorded Music: $12 General Admission | $9 Tapestry Member | $8 Young Adult (Ages 18-30) | $4 Youth (Ages 10-17) | Under 10 – Free
Instructor: Gerhardt Quast

Want to have fun on the dance floor? Mostly Waltz invites and encourages anyone and everyone to learn and enjoy the waltz as a group of social ballroom dancers! This dance is for anyone who loves waltzing, is curious about waltzing, or just likes listening to music in 3/4 time. ​
The program offers 30-45 minutes of basic waltz instruction at the start of every session, then recorded music and a DJ to practice waltzing. The instruction will include Turning Waltz, Linear Waltz, and Cross-step Waltz (not all during one session). These are some of the waltz variations not taught by Ballroom Dance instructors.
The waltz is one of the world’s most popular couple dance. It is both easily accessible for beginners and endlessly challenging for experienced dancers and it can serve as a gateway to other dance forms. The extensive canon of waltz music is both extraordinarily beautiful and wildly varied. ​

Richmond Sunday Afternoon Contra Dance, Sponsored by TADAMS
2026-11-15 14:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Lewis Ginter Recreation Association, 3421 Hawthorne Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23222, United States
Join us in Richmond, VA for a Sunday afternoon contra dance, hosted by TADAMS, at the beautiful historic Ginter Hall. Beginner lesson at 1:45pm, dance from 2:30-5:30pm. Please see our full website calendar for band and caller details. Admission is $15 non-members, $10 members & students, children under 13 are free.

Third Sunday English Regency Dancing & Tea in Van Nuys, CA
2026-11-15 14:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | First Lutheran Church of Van Nuys, 6592 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA, 91405, United States
Get whisked away to the year 1815 and dance in Jane Austen’s footsteps.
Caller: Laura Beraha
Music: Recorded Music of Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Purcell, Handel & Traditional Tunes
Food: SEATED TEA provided from 3:30 to 4:30pm: Homemade Scones, Cucumber Sandwiches, quinoa-broccoli-cheddar bites, & other nibbles provided. Donations of snacks gratefully appreciated. Fancy place settings admired.
Water: Please bring your own water
Partner: Don’t need one – you’ll always get one in these social mixer dances
Costumes: Admired but never required.
Cost: $20 Prepaid on PayPal [Friend] or Zelle to (818) 970-5118 or email us for an address to send a check. Will also accept payment at the door.
Parking: Plenty in lot and street. Dance entrance = PARKING LOT IN REAR
Covid Protocol: No Boosters or tests required: masks optional
Contact: Laura Beraha at KFreasStudio@earthlink.net or (818) 970-5118
Let’s all party like it’s 1799!!

Ballroom Variety Dance
2026-11-15 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, United States
1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday of the Month
Ed Stern Large Studio
6:00 – 7:00 pm Lesson | 7:00 – 9:30 pm Dance
Live Music: $20 General | $17 Member | $8 Young Adult (18-30) | $4 Youth (Ages 17-10)
Recorded Music: $15 General | $12 Member | $8 Young Adult (18-30) | $4 Youth (Ages 17-10)
“Pay What You Choose” first seven days of every month (1st through the 7th) – Newcomers and beginners especially welcome!

Invited to a wedding and want to make a good impression? Remembering the fun of swing dancing or Tango? Tapestry Folkdance Center is the place to experience the joy of social dances so often seen in movies. No partner needed, you can find one here!
You can learn a different Ballroom dance style each month. We offer high-quality instruction from professional dance instructors who provide progressive lessons in 18 different dance styles that rotate monthly.
Beginning with a basic lesson on the 1st Sunday and building on those skills each remaining Sunday of the month. Ballroom dances include foxtrot, cha-cha, salsa, waltz, American tango, west coast swing, east coast swing, bachata, lindy hop, quickstep, rumba, and more. After the lesson, the lights go down and you can practice what you’ve learned or strut your stuff! Fancy dress is certainly welcome, but feel free to come as you are.

English Country Dance at Tapestry Folkdance Center
2026-11-15 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!

Joyfully Dancing (Ages 55+)
2026-11-16 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
2026-11-16 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
2026-11-16 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.

Chicago Contra Dance
2026-11-16 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.

Knoxville Monday Night Contra
2026-11-16 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
2026-11-16 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
2026-11-16 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).

Louisville Contra Dance
2026-11-16 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!

Symmetry ECD Tuesdays
2026-11-17 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.

Asheville English Country Dance for All
2026-11-18 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Stephen-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC, United States
English Country Dance. All levels welcome, newcomers through advanced dancers. Skills session at 6:15 pm. Occasional live music. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes and a sunny disposition.

Wednesday English Country Dance at Guiding Star Grange
2026-11-18 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Guiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MA, 01301, United States
Join us in Greenfield for an evening of English Country Dancing. Lively, elegant, and fun: English country dances from 1650 to today, with a rotating cast of stellar musicians and callers.
Cost: $10-$20, sliding scale.
See venue website for this month’s details and Covid policy.

Weekly Austin Contra Dance
2026-11-18 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+

Richmond, VA English Country Dance
2026-11-18 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.

Berkeley Contra or English Dance
2026-11-18 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.

Princeton Country Dancers’ Contra Dance
2026-11-18 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.

Gentle English (Swarthmore PA)
2026-11-19 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.

Third Thursday English Regency Dancing in Simi Valley
2026-11-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rancho Santa Susana Community Center, 5005-C East Los Angeles Avenue,, Simi Valley, CA, 93063, United States
English Regency Dancing and Bridgerton™-era dance lessons for moderns (1795-1825). Be whisked through time as you learn smooth, elegant English Country Dance as Jane Austen might have danced herself. Light refreshments served; bring your own water. No costumes, partner, or experience required. Please, no high heels.
Let’s all party like it’s 1799!
Preregistration is mandatory
Each participant must pre-register either in person at the community center or online.
For more information and registration, please contact the Rancho Santa Susana Community Center office staff at (805) 584-4456.

Old Tyme Contra & Community Dance of Macon County, NC
2026-11-19 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Macon County Library, 149 Siler Farm Rd, Franklin, NC, 28734, United States
We dance from March to November:

Third Thursday evening of the month at the Macon County Public Library: lesson at 6:30, dance 7-9pm.
Third Sunday afternoon of the month at Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center: lesson at 2:30, dance 3-5pm.

Live band and dance caller for contras, squares, round, and fun crazy family dances, too.
Beginners are welcome! No need to bring a partner, but you are welcome to do so.
Children over age 8 who are game to participate may also attend.
Bring a closed water container and a snack if you choose.
Smooth-soled shoes work best on the Library’s wonderful wood floor.
Please do not wear perfume or scents to the dances.

Suggested donation: $10 adults; kids under 14 free.
* Note: Our venue changes often. Please check our Facebook page for updates.

English Country Dancing
2026-11-20 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Luray United Methodist Church, 1 West Main St., Luray, VA, 22835, United States
We invite you to dance with us on the third Friday of every month at Luray United Methodist Church. Parking behind the adjacent bank building. It’s free and open to the public; most appropriate for people 10 years old and up; no experience needed; no partner needed. Wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes.
Tom Mack is the caller and we dance to recorded music enjoying dances from the 1700’s and 1800’s: lines, circles and squares.
Health issues: If you feel sick, stay home.

Rivanna Contra Dance
2026-11-20 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Greenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Rd, Crozet, VA, 22932, United States
Third Friday contra dances in Charlottesville, VA. A few miles off I-64. Mask optional. Larks & Robins. Intro lesson 7:00 PM. Dance starts 7:30 PM.
Sliding scale admission: recommend $20

Contra Dance with Alice Raibourn & The Mystic Gorillas
2026-11-20 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville,, FL, 32603
The Mystic Gorillas are:

Roger Eudy on guitar
Buz Sibley on fiddle
Lloyd Baldwin on banjo and fiddle

Schedule:

6:00pm – 7:00 – Setup
7:00pm – 9:45pm – Introductory workshop & Contra Dance
9:45 – 10:15pm — Cleanup

Suggested Donation:

$10 (ages 26+)
$5 (ages 16-25)
Dancers ages 15 & under get in FREE when accompanied by an adult.

Please bring your own non-alcoholic beverage.
This is a friendly welcoming recreational activity and all are welcome.
No partner or experience is necessary.
Contra dancing is fun and we’ll teach you how.
No special dress is required.
Wear comfortable, casual attire & soft-soled non-marking shoes.
Smoking and/or alcoholic beverages are not allowed at our dances.

Orlando Contra Dance
2026-11-20 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Winter Park Ballroom Dance Co., 6904 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL, 32792-7003, United States
Welcome to the Orlando Contra Dance! We feature high-tempo, gender-neutral dancing. We are Florida’s only gender-neutral contra series. Dancing is open to everyone and free for students and returning beginners (2nd dance is free)!
We usually dance on the first and third Friday of the month. Holidays, semester breaks, and regional events happen, so check the schedule before going!
