California
Contra Dance Schedule
This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in California including dance camps and weekends along with other events in California which include contra dancing. Because most of the information is gathered from web sites and the listings are not updated as frequently as the web sites, dancers should visit the web sites for up-to-date information. If you are aware of any dances, dance series or other events that should be included on this list, please e-mail me.
Note: The California Traditional Music Society will not hold the annual Summer Solstice Festival in 2008, but plans to hold it in June 2009.
Agoura Hills: The annual one-day Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival is held in mid-May at the Paramount Ranch near Agoura Hills, California in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area. http://www.topangabanjofiddle.org/.
Anaheim: The Living Tradition hosts contra dances (plus potluck and music jam) are held on the 4th Saturday of most months at the Anaheim Downtown Community Center, 250 E. Center Street with special dances at other locations and times. Unless otherwise noted: $8 per person; $7 for Anaheim residents; $6 with Living Tradition membership. Children under 18 FREE with paid adult. For additional information, contact Rich at (714) 894-4113 or richdimarco@yahoo.com. Unless otherwise noted, the activities will observe the following schedule: 5:00 PM Jam - Bring your instruments & join in! 6:30 PM Potluck; 7:30 PM Contra dance introduction lesson; 8 to 11 PM Contra dance. Web site:http://www.thelivingtradition.org/tltbodydance.html.
Aptos: The Bay Area Country Dance Society sponsors the annual Monte Toyon Spring Weekend Dance Camp each year in mid-March. Pre-registration is required. Web site: http://www.bacds.org/camps.
Aptos: The San Francisco Bay Queer Contra Dance is hosting its dance camp where you'll be housed and fed and offered a weekend of gender-role-free dancing. "Gender-role-free" means you dance whichever role you want with whomever you want. Beginners are welcome, and if you don't know what contra dance is, it's an exuberant, friendly, easy-to-learn American barn dance with roots in English folk dancing. (Imagine a Jane Austen hoedown!) While many of our dancers are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans, we cheerfully welcome our straight friends, families, and supporters. Take a weekend away from the hustle-bustle and just dance, relax, make friends, and enjoy the lovely California redwoods! Pre-register in advance. Web site: http://www.lcfd.org/sf/DanceCamp/wcamp.html.
Arcata: The Humboldt Folklife Society sponsors old time barn dances featuring contras, squares, circles and more! The Barn Dances start at 8 pm, at the Arcata Veteran's Center on 14th and J. Regular admission is $7; HFS member admission is $6; and kids and seniors are admitted free of charge. For more information, please call Larry Levine at 822-7190. Web site: http://www.humboldtfolklife.org.
Arcata: The Folklife Festival is held annual in mid-July. Web site: http://www.humboldtfolklife.org.
Aromas: Contra Dances at Aromas Community Grange 361, Rose Avenue and Bardue Street, generally on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Start time is 7pm and first timers are welcome. For more information call (831) 726-7253 or email: gregmck@earthlink.net. Along with the following web site, some information is available at the Monterey Contra Dance site. Web site: http://www.aromasgrange.org.
Auburn: The Foothill Country Dancers sponsor traditional New England contra dancing in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills. Contra dancing is fun, inclusive, and friendly. No experience is necessary--all dances are taught and prompted, and no partner is required. The music is always live. Dances in Auburn are at the Masonic Temple, 956 1/2 Lincoln Way on 3rd Saturdays (with some exceptions; always check the schedule) from 8:00pm - 11:00pm with a beginner lessons at 7:40pm. All regular dances $7 for FCD and CDSS affiliate members, $8 for non-members. Kids and teens (under 18) $5, or FREE if accompanied by an adult. Web site: http://hometown.aol.com/foothilldancers/.
Berkeley: The Bay Area Country Dance Society sponsors dances at the Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. (near Oxford) on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays of the month, many times with an Open Band. Time: 8 p.m. Price: $9 non-members, $7 members, $5 students (must show ID). Information for newcomers. Web site: http://www.bacds.org/series/contra/berkeley_wed/.
Berkeley: The San Francisco Bay Area Queer Contra Dance hosts dances at Askhenaz at 1317 San Pablo Avenue on occasional dates. Admission is $10.00 (or pay what you can). Beginners always welcome! Contra basics are taught at the beginning of the dance. For more information or to be added to our e-mail list, contact Robert: 510.430.2833 or sfcontra [at] hotmail [dot] com. Web site: http://www.lcfd.org/sf/.
Boulder Creek: The San Francisco Folk Music Club sponsors the annual Camp Harmony is a "home-mde" camp with volunteers who lead a workshop, begin a new instrument, join in a jam or sing along. Hike through the woods for meals. Eat some of the dinner you helped prepare. Make new friends over cider in the Reg Room. Make a box, paint a picture, read a book, and do it all surrounded by folks making music and having fun. It is held in late December and early January. http://www.sffmc.org/.
Boulder Creek: The Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School is a place where fiddlers of all ages and levels of musical experience choose from daily workshops on Scottish and related fiddle styles. Additional classes are offered in dancing and singing, as well as piano, guitar, cello and percussion accompaniment for fiddle tunes. Pre-registration required. http://www.valleyofthemoon.org/.
Brentwood: Dances at Brentwood Youth House, 731 South Bundy Drive on the 1st Saturday of the month. Fun & easy to learn. All dances are taught and prompted. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $10, students with ID, $6. Admission subject to change. Instruction at 7:30pm and dancing from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org.
Brentwood: Dances at Brentwood Youth House, 731 South Bundy Drive on the 4th Saturday of the month. Fun & easy to learn. All dances are taught and prompted. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $10, students with ID, $6. Admission subject to change. Instruction at 7:30pm and dancing from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org.
Calistoga: The Calistoga Department of Recreation and Community Services sponsors contra dancing on the 1st Saturday of each month at 7:00pm (lesson), 7:30pm-10:30pm (dance) in the Tucker Farm Center at 1201 Tucker Road. Some information is available at the North Bay Country Dance Society site. Web site: http://web.ci.calistoga.ca.us/rec/senioractivities.html.
Canyon: There are contra dances in Canyon on the 1st Saturday of each month with a potluck 6:30 and a beginner's session 7:30. The dance starts at 8pm and ends at 11pm. $5 admission (half goes to school). The dances are held at the Canyon Elementary School at 187 Pinehurst Roard. Call Ed at (510) 525-3030 or Tom at (925) 376-9626 for information or email rtnews1(deletethis) atsign ix.netcom.com to subscribe to email newsletter. Web site: http://www.canyoncontras.com.
Chico: The Chico Country Dance Society has been sponsoring dances since 1985 and they are now held on 2nd Saturdays at the Chico Grange. The Grange Hall is located at 2775 Nord Ave. at Rodeo Ave., near Henshaw. Note: This road is not on Hwy 32! Second Saturday each month from September to May. Dance from 7:00 to 10:00 P.M. with a free introduction at 6:30pm. Admission: $8 adults, $7 members, children free, teens half price. For more info call Mark or Grace (530) 877-2930. Possible web site: http://www.bfms.freeservers.com/features.htm.
Chico: The Butte Folk Music Society presents an all-day Homegrown Music Festival featuring an array of musicians during the day and an evening dance with one of Chico's most popular bands at the historic Chico Grange (2775 Nord Ave. -- old Nord Hwy/not Hwy 32, Chico). Food and beverage vendors as well as arts and crafts vendors will also be present. There will be some activities geared for children. Tickets are low cost at $5, children 12 and under are FREE, making it a family-friendly event. Tickets available NOW at The Music Connection and Lyon Books. Web site: http://www.bfms.freeservers.com/features.htm.
Claremont: The Claremont Folk Festival is an annual one-day (with a day before evening concert) event held in early May. Web site: http://www.folkmusiccenter.com/.
Cool: Pilot Hill Grange Hall, 1.6 miles west of Cool on Georgetown Road (Highway 193). Family friendly fun for all ages! Live music and free lessons. Come alone or bring a friend. Held October to May, except no dance in December. Beginner lesson 6:30 pm, dance 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Adults - $7, ages 12 to 18 - $5, under 12 - $1 with paid adult. Sponsored by Georgetown Divide Recreation District. Contact info@emistycreek.com. Web site: http://www.fussell.org/sacramento/#otherdancesnearsacramento.
Davis: The Sacramento Country Dance Society hosts dances on 3rd Fridays. Dances are from 8 to 11 p.m., beginner's workshop 7:30, in the Davis High School, Dance Room, 315 West 14th Street. $10 donation ($5 students, $25 maximum for families). Beginners attending workshop get a half-off coupon for next dance. All dances are taught and prompted. Beginners are welcome. You don't need a partner, and there is always live music! For additional information on SCDS contra dances, call John or Laura at 916-739-6014 or Bill at 916-371-0739 or email SactoCDS AT yahoo.com. Web site: http://www.fussell.org/sacramento/.
Felton: The Santa Cruz dance sponsors dances at Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9. Everyone is welcome! Partners and dancing experience are not necessary. Wear comfortable, non-marking shoes to protect your feet and our floors - a seperate pair of dance shoes works best. You'll be more comfortable in loose-fitting light-weight clothing. Each of the dozen or so dance forms during the evening are taught and prompted, except for the waltz and hambo. There is a beginner's workshop that begins at 7:40 PM and the dances begin at 8:00pm on 1st Fridays. Regular dance admission is $10, $9 Members and $6 for full-time students with ID. Web site: http://santacruzdance.org/.
Fresno: The Fresno Folklore Society hosts contra dances on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the California Arts Academy (formerly Cynthia Merrill's) 4750 N Blackstone Avenue from 7pm to 9pm, with a beginners workshop at 6:30pm. General admission is $5 with a $15 maximum per family. All dances taught. Come alone or bring friends! Web site: http://home.pacbell.net/ckjohns/index.html - Look for the flyer and then Community Dance.
Goleta: The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise sponsors the Annual Old-Time Fiddlers' Convention in Foleta in mid-October. Web site: http://www.fiddlersconvention.org/dpage.php?page_id=1.
Grass Valley: The Foothill Country Dancers sponsor Fall Has Sprung, a noon to midnight contra dance festival in early November in historic dowtown Grass Valley, a Gold-Rush-era town in the Sierra Nevada foothills, with three top bands and three great callers at the Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Building 255 S. Auburn St. Web site: http://hometown.aol.com/foothilldancers/.
Grass Valley: California Bluegrass Association Music Camp is held in early June. It is for advanced-beginners and intermediate players (see the Instructors page for definitions) who want to improve their instrumental or vocal skills and work on jamming with others. There are classes throughout the day and evening activities include staff and student concerts, an old time dance, and lots of jamming. Pre-registration is required. Web site: http://www.cbamusiccamp.org/.
Guinda: The Hoes Down Harvest Festival is held each year in early October and includes a dance as part of its activities. Web site: http://www.hoesdown.org/harvest_festival.html.
Harbin Hot Springs: Dance Awakening is an annual dance weekend held at the end of March, full of wild contra dancing, great folk music, and fun workshops. Make new friends, soak in numerous hot pools, eat healthy gourmet cooking and have a wonderful time. The camp is located at Harbin Hot Springs, only 2 hours northeast of San Francisco. Advance registration required. Web site: http://www.danceawakening.com/.
Hayward: Dances at the Hill and Valley Club, 1808 B Street, off 1-880, I-92 and I-580 on the 4th Sunday of the month (unless noted). There is a music slow jam from 2:30pm to 3:30pm, a beginners workshop from 3:30pm to 3:55pm and the dance goes from 4:00pm to 7:00pm with dinner out from 7:15pm to 8:45pm. Admission is $10, students $5, kids under 12 years old are free (or pay what you can). Web site: http://www.haywardcontradance.org.
Julian: The California Dance Cooperative sponsors the annual Labor Day Dance Away each Labor Day (U.S.) weekend in early September. Pre-registration required. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org/ldda/.
La Crescenta: Swing Styling for Guitar and fiddle: Two 2.5 hour workshops beginning at 11:30 am one with Larry Unger on guitar and the other with Eden MacAdam-Somer on fiddle. Admission: $30 general $25 for students. The second workshop option begins at 2:30 and is titled Make the dancers go "Woo" (or How to play music that makes the dancers want to boogie down) -- this is a one hour workshop led by both fine musicians. RSVP to guarantee your spot. St. Luke's of the Mountains (2563 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, CA 91214), 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM, $30/$25 students and $15/$12 students. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org.
La Verne: Dances at Veteran's Hall, 1550 Bonita Avenue on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Fun & easy to learn. All dances are taught and prompted. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $8; students and children, $4. Admission subject to change. Jam at 2:00pm, instruction at 3:30pm and dancing from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org.
Lancaster: Dances are held on the 3rd or 4th Saturday of the month at the Lancaster United Methodist Church Hall, 918 W. Avenue J. $6.00 adults, $2.00 children 14 and under (children welcome to dance, but no child care is provided). You do not need to come with a partner. Good exercise! No experience necessary. There is an instruction session at 6:30pm and the dance is from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Community Event. Public is invited. Information: (661) 272-5648 or rm.trochim@verizon.net. Web site: http://www.desertsongfest.org/danance/danance.htm.
Los Altos: The annual Pourparler conference sponsored by the National Folk Organization will be held in Los Altos in 2008. It is a yearly gathering of people who are dedicated to teaching folk/ethnic/world/ traditional dance in schools and/or community events. Pre-registration required. Web site: http://www.nfo-usa.org/.
Malibu: The California Traditional Music Society sponsors a New Year's Camp from late December to early January with four days and three nights of intensive workshops, informal jams, dancing and just plain fun. Pre-register in advance. http://www.ctms-folkmusic.org. Menodcino Woods: Lark in the Morning is an annual music and dance celebration in early August. Pre-registration required. Web site: http://www.larkcamp.com/. Mendocino Woods: The Bay Area Country Dance Society sponsors the annual American Dance and Music Week in early July. Pre-registration required. Web site: http://www.bacds.org/camps/. Monterey: The Monterey Country Dance Community holds contra dances most first and third Saturdays at the YMCA, 600 Camino El Estero from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Come alone or bring a friend. Dances run from 7:30pm-10:30pm, with a beginner's lesson 20 minutes before the dance. Admission is $8 for sponsors, $10 general, $5 for full-time students. Please be aware that some of our dancers are sensitive to fragrances. Web site: http://www.geocities.com/montereycdc/. Monterey: The Monterey Country Dance Community sponsors the annual Spring Fling in April with English dances and contra dances at the YMCA, 600 Camino El Estero. There is an English Country dance workshop ($7) from 4:30pm to 6:00pm, a potluck supper from 6:00pm to 7:30pm and an evening contra dance ($12) from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Please be aware that some of our dancers are sensitive to fragrances. Web site: http://www.geocities.com/montereycdc/. Nevada City: The Foothill Country Dancers sponsor traditional New England contra dancing in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills. Contra dancing is fun, inclusive, and friendly. No experience is necessary--all dances are taught and prompted, and no partner is required. The music is always live. Dances in Nevada City are at the Nevada City Odd Fellows Hall, 212 Spring Street on 1st Saturdays (with some exceptions; always check the schedule) from 8:00pm - 11:00pm with a beginner lessons at 7:40pm. All regular dances $7 for FCD and CDSS affiliate members, $8 for non-members. Kids and teens (under 18) $5, or FREE if accompanied by an adult. Web site: http://hometown.aol.com/foothilldancers/. Oakland: The Bay Area Country Dance Society sponsors dances at Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, from 7:30pm-10pm, with a lesson for new contra dancers at 7:00. , on 2nd Fridays. Price is $9 non-members, $7 members, $5 students (must show ID). Information for newcomers. Web site: http://www.bacds.org. Oakland: The San Francisco Bay Area Queer Contra Dance hosts dances at the Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street on occasional dates. Admission is $10.00 (or pay what you can). Beginners always welcome! Contra basics are taught at the beginning of the dance. For more information or to be added to our e-mail list, contact Robert: 510.430.2833 or sfcontra [at] hotmail [dot] com. Web site: http://www.lcfd.org/sf/. Oakland: The San Francisco Bay Area Queer Contra Dance hosts dances at the Lake Merritt Dance Center, 200 Grand Avenue on occasional dates. Admission is $10.00 (or pay what you can). Beginners always welcome! Contra basics are taught at the beginning of the dance. For more information or to be added to our e-mail list, contact Robert: 510.430.2833 or sfcontra [at] hotmail [dot] com. Web site: http://www.lcfd.org/sf/. Oakland: The Bay Area Country Dance Society sponsors the annual No-Snow Ball so-named because of the dearth of the white powder in coastal northern California, is a holiday contradance party (modeled after the Concord, MA, Christmas Cotillion) that takes place on the first Saturday evening in December, at Oakland's Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Avenue (next to the Mormon Temple, off Highway 13). Dances are called by Santa Claus and one of his assistants, with music provided by several of Santa's favorite helpers. Festive dress is encouraged for the event. Generally it runs 7:30-11:30 pm, with delicious potluck fare awaiting the dancers at break. There's a newcomer's welcome at 7:00 pm. Web site: http://www.bacds.org/events/index.html#nsb. Ojai: The Ojai Center for the Arts presents dances on an occasional basis at the Art Cetner, 113 South Montgomery Street. For more information, call (805) 646-0117 or e-mail info@ojaiartcenter.org or Karin at Karin at karincontra@juno.com. Web site: http://www.ojaiartcenter.org/dance.htm. Palo Alto: The Bay Area Country Dance Society sponsors dances at the First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Avenue (at Webster Street) on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Saturdays of the month. Time: 8 p.m. with a free half-hour lesson beginnning at 7:30pm. Price: $10 non-members, $8 members, $5 students (must show ID). Information for newcomers. Web site: http://www.bacds.org/series/contra/palo_alto/. Pasadena: Dances at the Throop Memorial Church, 300 S. Los Robles Avenue. Fun & easy to learn. All dances are taught and prompted. However, 5th Saturday dances do not include pre-dance instruction and are zesty dances for experienced dancers. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $12. Admission subject to change. Dance begins at 7:00pm and ends as 11:00pm. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org. Pasadena: After the Frog is a special dance at the Pasadena Masonic Temple, 200 South Euclid Street held after the official end of the Fiddling Frog dance weekend. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $15. Admission subject to change. Dance begins at 7:00pm and ends as 10:00pm. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org. Pasadena: The Fiddling Frog Dance Festival is an annual dance weekend which brings together great bands, callers, and dancers. We can't guarantee the weather, but we're also known for reuniting dancers from colder climates with their summer clothing. The event is held at the Pasadena Masonic Temple in late February/early March. Preregistration is required. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org/cgi/frogdriver.cgi/. Petaluma: The North Bay Country Dance Society sponsors dances on the 1st Friday of the month at the Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue from 8:00pm to 11:00pm except as noted, with a 7:30pm lesson for newcomers. Regular admission: $10 adults, $8 members, $2 children ages 6Ð17, under 6 free, FT students with ID $5. Our Contra Dances are easy, fun, friendly and inclusive. All dances are taught and prompted, with live music. No experience is necessary; if you can walk, you can dance! Come alone or bring a friend: No partner is required, no costumes, no classes; just wear comfortable clothes and dancing shoes which are low, smooth-soled, comfortable and that do not mar or scratch or damage. No running shoes or shoes with tread are allowed. First-timers are encouraged to come early for an orientation, and for simpler dances early in the evening. Web site: http://www.nbcds.org.
Petaluma: The North Bay Country Dance Society sponsors dances on the 1st Sunday of the month at the Petaluma Women's Club, 518 B Street from 6:30pm to 9:30pm except as noted, with a 6:00pm lesson for newcomers. Regular admission: $10 adults, $8 members, $2 children ages 6Ð17, under 6 free, FT students with ID $5. Our Contra Dances are easy, fun, friendly and inclusive. All dances are taught and prompted, with live music. No experience is necessary; if you can walk, you can dance! Come alone or bring a friend: No partner is required, no costumes, no classes; just wear comfortable clothes and dancing shoes which are low, smooth-soled, comfortable and that do not mar or scratch or damage. No running shoes or shoes with tread are allowed. First-timers are encouraged to come early for an orientation, and for simpler dances early in the evening. Web site: http://www.nbcds.org.
Pomona: The Mt. Baldy Dance Weekend is sponsored by The Living Tradition and is held in mid-April at the Harwood Lodge in the San Gabriel Mountains. Dances, dance workshops, mountain sports, music jams and quiet time are part of the schedule. Pre-register in advance. Web site: http://www.thelivingtradition.org/MtBaldyDance.html. Riverside: Dances at All Saints Episcopal Church, 3847 Terracina Drive on the 1st Sunday of the month. Fun & easy to learn. All dances are taught and prompted. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $9, students with ID, $7. Admission subject to change. Instruction at 3:30pm and dancing from 4:00pm to 7:00pm with a potluck to follow the dance. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org. Sacramento: The Sacramento Country Dance Society hosts dances on 1st Fridays. Dances are from 8 to 11 p.m., beginner's workshop 7:30, in the Clunie Clubhouse, 601 Alhambra Blvd. (McKinley Park--Alhambra Boulevard and F Street). $10 donation ($5 students, $25 maximum for families). Beginners attending workshop get a half-off coupon for next dance. All dances are taught and prompted. Beginners are welcome. You don't need a partner, and there is always live music! For additional information on SCDS contra dances, call John or Laura at 916-739-6014 or Bill at 916-371-0739 or email SactoCDS AT yahoo.com. Web site: http://www.fussell.org/sacramento/. Sacramento: The Sacramento Country Dance Society hosts dances on 2nd Saturdays. Dances are from 8 to 11 p.m., beginner's workshop 7:30, in the Coloma Community Center, 4623 T. Street. $10 donation ($5 students, $25 maximum for families). Beginners attending workshop get a half-off coupon for next dance. All dances are taught and prompted. Beginners are welcome. You don't need a partner, and there is always live music! For additional information on SCDS contra dances, call John or Laura at 916-739-6014 or Bill at 916-371-0739 or email SactoCDS AT yahoo.com. Web site: http://www.fussell.org/sacramento/. Sacramento: The Sacramento Country Dance Society hosts dances on 4th Saturdays. Dances are from 8 to 11 p.m., beginner's workshop 7:30, in the Coloma Community Center, 4623 T. Street. $10 donation ($5 students, $25 maximum for families). Beginners attending workshop get a half-off coupon for next dance. All dances are taught and prompted. Beginners are welcome. You don't need a partner, and there is always live music! For additional information on SCDS contra dances, call John or Laura at 916-739-6014 or Bill at 916-371-0739 or email SactoCDS AT yahoo.com. Web site: http://www.fussell.org/sacramento/. Sacramento: The Sacramento Country Dance Society hosts zesty contra dances on 5th Saturdays. Dances are from 8 to 11 p.m., No beginner's workshop. Faster pace for experienced dancers who really want to move! Dances are in the Clunie Clubhouse, 601 Alhambra Blvd. (McKinley Park--Alhambra Boulevard and F Street). $10 donation ($5 students, $25 maximum for families). All dances are taught and prompted. Beginners are welcome. You don't need a partner, and there is always live music! For additional information on SCDS contra dances, call John or Laura at 916-739-6014 or Bill at 916-371-0739 or email SactoCDS AT yahoo.com. Web site: http://www.fussell.org/sacramento/. Sacramento: The annual New Year's Eve dance is held at the Clunie Clubhouse, 601 Alhambra Blvd. (McKinley Park--Alhambra Boulevard and F Street) from 8:00pm to midnight. Admission is $12. Please bring dessert or appetizer to share and join us for the fun. Web site: http://www.fussell.org/sacramento/index.htm. San Diego: San Diego Folk Heritage sponsors dances at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 3030 Thorn Street on 1st and 3rd Fridays and 2nd and 4th Saturdays. There are free music jams from 6:00pm to 7:00pm on 2nd Saturday dances. Some Saturday dances have an optional potluck beginning at 6:30pm. All dances are taught and called to live music 8:00-11:00 pm. All dances have a free dance workshop from 7:30-8:00 PM. For additional information, call (619) 283-8550. $7.00 Admission (more for special events). Wear cool, comfortable clothes (shorts and skirts). This is an aerobic activity! Web site: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~sbarlow/schedule.html. San Diego: The Sam Hinton Folk Festival is sponsored by San Diego Folk Heritage and is held every May featuring concerts, Contra Dances, storytelling, and educational workshops. Web site: http://www.sdfolkheritage.org. San Diego: San Diego Folk Heritage sponsors an annual New Year's Eve dance at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 3030 Thorn Street. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Free dance instruction at 7:30pm with dancing starting at 8:00pm. Web site: http://www.sdfolkheritage.org/. San Francisco: The Bay Area Country Dance Society sponsors dances at St. Paul's Church, 43rd Avenue at Judah Street, at 8pm with a free half-hour lesson at 7:30pm, on 1st and 3rd Saturdays and 4th Fridays. Price is $10 non-members, $8 members, $5 students (must show ID). Information for newcomers. Web site: http://www.bacds.org/series/contra/san_francisco/. San Francisco Free Folk Festival is held at City College of San Francisco in mid-June and includes songwriters, music workshops, dance workshops and evening dances. Web site: http://www.sffolkfest.org. San Francisco: The San Francisco Bay Area Queer Contra Dance hosts dances at the Women's Building, 3543 18th Street on occasional dates. Admission is $10.00 (or pay what you can). Beginners always welcome! Contra basics are taught at the beginning of the dance. For more information or to be added to our e-mail list, contact Robert: 510.430.2833 or sfcontra [at] hotmail [dot] com. Web site: http://www.lcfd.org/sf/. San Francisco: The Bay Area Country Dance Society's San Francisco Contra Weekend is a contra-focused dance and music weekend held at the Armenian Cultural Center on Brotherhood Way in San Francisco. Its program features high energy contra dancing; workshops in couple dancing, waltz, singing, music, calling; plenty of social and mingle time with friends, all with an emphasis on American Music and Dance folk traditions. It is held in early-mid May. Web site: http://www.bacds.org/camps/. San Luis Obispo: The Central Coast Country Dance Society sponsors the annual dance weekend, Contra Carnivale in mid-January, which includes jam sessions and couple dances. Pre-registration is required. Web site: http://www.cccds.org/carnivale.htm. San Luis Obispo: The Central Coast Country Dance Society holds dances on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana Street. There is an introduction session at 7:00pm and the dance goes from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Admission is $9, members $8, ages 16 and under free. Web site: http://www.cccds.org/. San Rafael: The North Bay Country Dance Society sponsors dances on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Marin Masonic Lodge, Lootens Place @ Fourth from 8:00pm to 11:00pm except as noted, with a 7:30pm lesson for newcomers. Regular admission: $10 adults, $8 members, $2 children ages 6Ð17, under 6 free, FT students with ID $5. Our Contra Dances are easy, fun, friendly and inclusive. All dances are taught and prompted, with live music. No experience is necessary; if you can walk, you can dance! Come alone or bring a friend: No partner is required, no costumes, no classes; just wear comfortable clothes and dancing shoes which are low, smooth-soled, comfortable and that do not mar or scratch or damage. No running shoes or shoes with tread are allowed. First-timers are encouraged to come early for an orientation, and for simpler dances early in the evening. Web site: http://www.nbcds.org.
San Rafael: The North Bay Country Dance Society hosts an annual New Year's Eve dance at the Masonic Hall, 1010 Lootens Place, between 4th and 5th Streets from 7:30pm to midnight with instruction during the first half-hour. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Web site: http://www.nbcds.org/. Santa Barbara: The Sprung Floor Dance Festival is held on Memorial Day weekend in May at the Carrillo Ballroom, 100 East Carrillo Street. Pre-registration is not required. Web site: http://www.sbcds.org/sf/index.html. Santa Barbara: Harvest Moon is a dance weekend held in September at the Carrillo Ballroom, 100 East Carrillo Street. Pre-registration. Web site: http://www.sbcds.org/hm/. Santa Cruz: The San Francisco Bay Area Queer Contra Dance hosts dances at the Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front Street on occasional dates. Admission is $10.00 (or pay what you can). Beginners always welcome! Contra basics are taught at the beginning of the dance. For more information or to be added to our e-mail list, contact Robert: 510.430.2833 or sfcontra [at] hotmail [dot] com. Web site: http://www.lcfd.org/sf/. Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz dance sponsors dances at Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front Street. Everyone is welcome! Partners and dancing experience are not necessary. Wear comfortable, non-marking shoes to protect your feet and our floors - a seperate pair of dance shoes works best. You'll be more comfortable in loose-fitting light-weight clothing. Each of the dozen or so dance forms during the evening are taught and prompted, except for the waltz and hambo. There is a beginner's workshop that begins at 6:40 PM and the dances begin at 7:00pm on 3rd Sundays. Regular dance admission is $10, $9 Members and $6 for full-time students with ID. Web site: http://santacruzdance.org/. Santa Rosa: The North Bay Country Dance Society sponsors dances on the 3rd Friday and 5th Saturday of the month at Monroe Hall, 1400 West College Avenue from 8:00pm to 11:00pm except as noted, with a 7:30pm lesson for newcomers. Regular admission: $10 adults, $8 members, $2 children ages 6Ð17, under 6 free, FT students with ID $5. Our Contra Dances are easy, fun, friendly and inclusive. All dances are taught and prompted, with live music. No experience is necessary; if you can walk, you can dance! Come alone or bring a friend: No partner is required, no costumes, no classes; just wear comfortable clothes and dancing shoes which are low, smooth-soled, comfortable and that do not mar or scratch or damage. No running shoes or shoes with tread are allowed. First-timers are encouraged to come early for an orientation, and for simpler dances early in the evening. Web site: http://www.nbcds.org. Santa Rosa: Faultline Frolic is an annual dance and music weekend in mid-June sponsored by the North Bay Country Dance Society. Pre-registration required. Web site: http://www.nbcds.org. Sebastopol: The North Bay Country Dance Society sponsors dances on the 4th Saturday of the month at Wischemann Hall, 460 Eddie Lane from 8:00pm to 11:00pm except as noted, with a 7:30pm lesson for newcomers. Regular admission: $10 adults, $8 members, $2 children ages 6Ð17, under 6 free, FT students with ID $5. Our Contra Dances are easy, fun, friendly and inclusive. All dances are taught and prompted, with live music. No experience is necessary; if you can walk, you can dance! Come alone or bring a friend: No partner is required, no costumes, no classes; just wear comfortable clothes and dancing shoes which are low, smooth-soled, comfortable and that do not mar or scratch or damage. No running shoes or shoes with tread are allowed. First-timers are encouraged to come early for an orientation, and for simpler dances early in the evening. Web site: http://www.nbcds.org.
Sierra Madre: Dances at the Sierra Madre Masonic Temple, 33 East Sierra Madre Boulevard on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Fun & easy to learn. All dances are taught and prompted. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $10, students with ID, $7. Admission subject to change. Instruction at 7:30pm and dancing from 8:00pm to 11:00pm with a potluck to follow the dance. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org. Sonora: The Tuolumne County Community Dances (contra, ceili, English) are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, with the dances beginning at 7:30pm (many times, there will be a potluck at 6:30pm) at The Aronos Club, 37 East Elkin Street. Admission is $7. Web site: http://geocities.com/tcdancing/. Sonora: The Bay Area Country Dance Society sponsors an annual Family Week dance camp in July with a fun-filled week of dance, song, crafts, and activities for families of all sizes and ages. Its program includes both age-specific and age-neutral activites, and is the ideal activity for families of all sizes (including families of one). Pre-registration is required. Web site: http://www.bacds.org/camps/. South Pasadena: Dances at the War Memorial Building, 435 Fair Oaks Avenue on the 1st Friday of the month. Fun & easy to learn. All dances are taught and prompted. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $9. Admission subject to change. Social at 7:30pm, instruction at 8:00pm and dancing from 8:30pm to 11:30pm. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org. South Pasadena: Dances at the War Memorial Building, 435 Fair Oaks Avenue on the 3rd Friday of the month. Fun & easy to learn. All dances are taught and prompted. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $9. Admission subject to change. Social at 7:30pm, instruction at 8:00pm and dancing from 8:30pm to 11:30pm. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org. South Pasadena: Dances at the Women's Club of South Pasadena, 1424 Fremont Avenue on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Fun & easy to learn. All dances are taught and prompted. No partner is necessary and you are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The California Dance Co-operative promotes an alcohol-, scent- and smoke-free dance environment. Admission is $10, students with ID $7. Admission subject to change. Instruction at 7:30pm and dancing from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. For more information, call the Dance Hotline at 626-205-2044. Web site: http://www.caldancecoop.org. Tehachapi: The California State Old Time Fiddle Association District 3 Old Time Fiddle Contest is held each year in mid-September at the West Park Activity Center, 410 West D Street. Web site: http://www.tehachapi.com/fiddlecontest/. Twin Bridges: The Sacramento Country Dance Society sponsors the Echo Summit Dance Camp Weekend in mid-September. http://www.fussell.org/sacramento. Ukiah: There are dances on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Ukiah Methodist Church, 270 North Pine Street in the social hall (back entrance). Cost is $7. I have listed the North Bay Country Dance Society as the web site, but this is not an NBCDS dance, just one that they list. Web site: http://www.nbcds.org.
Woodland Hills: The California Traditional Music Society sponsors the Summer Solstice Folk Music, Dance & Storytelling Festival in late June. Web site: http://www.ctms-folkmusic.org/. This page is part of the Contrdancelinks.com web site. For more information about contra dancing, visit these other site pages:
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Produced by Charlie Seelig
Last updated on May 7, 2008