FAQ
1. What is contra dance?
2. Do I need a partner?
3. Is it a good place to meet singles?
4. What happens at a dance?
5. What should I bring?
6. How much does it cost?
7. Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
8. Is contra dancing hard to learn?
9. Are children welcome?
1. What is contra dance?
See here for a full description.
2. Do I need a partner?
No. You can absolutely show up by yourself. Contra dance tradition is to change partners every dance, so there will be lots of people for you to dance with.
3. Is it a good place to meet singles?
Our dances attract singles, couples, young people and old. So yes, you can meet somebody at a dance (and many people have). But it's not the main goal. What unites us is a love of dancing. We work hard to create a safe, comfortable, harassment-free space. If somebody asks you to dance, don't read anything into it. Just have fun, be respectful, and maybe strike up a conversation in the break.
4. What happens at a dance?
Each dance runs from 7:30 – 10:30 pm, with breaks in between to catch your breath and visit. There are also quick instructions for beginners from 7:05 – 7:30 pm. We have live music provided by various local bands throughout the year.
The caller will walk everyone through each dance without music, and then continue calling throughout the dance to remind everyone of the figures. We are a very forgiving group – we’ve all been through the process of learning too, and always welcome anyone who wants to dance and have fun with the rest of us. We’ve seldom seen anybody not grin from ear to ear moving through a set, regardless of how talented (or not) they are at this type of dancing!
Many of us bring a bit of finger food to share as a snack between sets, though that is not mandatory. Coffee (regular and decaf), regular black tea and herbal tea are always on the menu at breaks. We would appreciate it if you would bring your own mug and/or water bottle.
5. What should I bring?
6. How much does it cost?
We charge $15.00. This pays for the band and the rental of the hall.
7. Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
Contra dancing is very inclusive. We are here to dance, not to promote old gender stereotypes. While there are traditional "ladies" and "gents" roles in the dances, these terms are a historical artifact and anybody can dance either role, and it is common to see same sex couples dancing together.
8. Is Contra dancing hard to learn?
Contra dancing is very easy to learn. The moves don't require any complicated footwork, and the music is easy to follow. The caller's job is to make sure nobody gets lost. Many dancers find that they are having fun by the middle of the first dance of the evening.
9. Are children welcome?
Yes, older children are welcome. We suggest that you check out one of dances first so that you know what to expect.
2. Do I need a partner?
3. Is it a good place to meet singles?
4. What happens at a dance?
5. What should I bring?
6. How much does it cost?
7. Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
8. Is contra dancing hard to learn?
9. Are children welcome?
1. What is contra dance?
See here for a full description.
2. Do I need a partner?
No. You can absolutely show up by yourself. Contra dance tradition is to change partners every dance, so there will be lots of people for you to dance with.
3. Is it a good place to meet singles?
Our dances attract singles, couples, young people and old. So yes, you can meet somebody at a dance (and many people have). But it's not the main goal. What unites us is a love of dancing. We work hard to create a safe, comfortable, harassment-free space. If somebody asks you to dance, don't read anything into it. Just have fun, be respectful, and maybe strike up a conversation in the break.
4. What happens at a dance?
Each dance runs from 7:30 – 10:30 pm, with breaks in between to catch your breath and visit. There are also quick instructions for beginners from 7:05 – 7:30 pm. We have live music provided by various local bands throughout the year.
The caller will walk everyone through each dance without music, and then continue calling throughout the dance to remind everyone of the figures. We are a very forgiving group – we’ve all been through the process of learning too, and always welcome anyone who wants to dance and have fun with the rest of us. We’ve seldom seen anybody not grin from ear to ear moving through a set, regardless of how talented (or not) they are at this type of dancing!
Many of us bring a bit of finger food to share as a snack between sets, though that is not mandatory. Coffee (regular and decaf), regular black tea and herbal tea are always on the menu at breaks. We would appreciate it if you would bring your own mug and/or water bottle.
5. What should I bring?
- Soft, comfortable shoes – you will be doing a lot of walking! The best shoes are bit slidey so you can spin easily.
- Water bottle or mug
- Snack to share (optional)
- $15 for admission
- A smile
6. How much does it cost?
We charge $15.00. This pays for the band and the rental of the hall.
7. Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
Contra dancing is very inclusive. We are here to dance, not to promote old gender stereotypes. While there are traditional "ladies" and "gents" roles in the dances, these terms are a historical artifact and anybody can dance either role, and it is common to see same sex couples dancing together.
8. Is Contra dancing hard to learn?
Contra dancing is very easy to learn. The moves don't require any complicated footwork, and the music is easy to follow. The caller's job is to make sure nobody gets lost. Many dancers find that they are having fun by the middle of the first dance of the evening.
9. Are children welcome?
Yes, older children are welcome. We suggest that you check out one of dances first so that you know what to expect.
