This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Florida including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Florida 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.
Barberville - Spring Frolic: The Spring Frolic is an annual festival held in late April. Web site: http://folkfiddle.com/barber.htm.
Barberville - Jamboree: The Barberville Jamobree is an annual festival held in November. Web site: http://folkfiddle.com/barber.htm.
Casselberry: The Orlando Last Saturday Contra Dance is held (as you might guess) the last Saturday of each month at the Secret Lake Park Dance Hall in beautiful Casselberry, just north of Orlando. In May and October the date and location of the dance may change. Call the DanceLine at 407 263-8394 for the most current info. And in December the dance is held on December 31 at Secret Lake Park in Casselberry. We turn it into a New Year's Eve Dance and bring in the New Year by kicking up our heels. All dances start @ 7:30 pm with a half-hour of free instruction. Get shown the basics by the caller -- great for beginners. Then the dance runs from 8:00 to 11:00. Adults $8. Students $4. Family max $21, $1 off admission if you bring a snack to share. If the last Saturday is a 5th Saturday, we meet at 6:00 for a pot-luck supper before the dance. If you're coming to the Orlando area, please come and have a dance with us. Our dances are family-friendly events with no smoking or alcoholic beverages. The dances are done with a partner but it's not necessary to bring one with you. Wear comfortable clothing and soft-soled shoes. Web site: http://orlandocontradance.org/.
Casselberry - New Year's Eve: The Orlando Last Saturday Contra Dance is held (as you might guess) the last Saturday of each month at the Secret Lake Park Dance Hall in beautiful Casselberry, just north of Orlando. In May and October the date and location of the dance may change. Call the DanceLine at 407 263-8394 for the most current info. And in December the dance is held on December 31 at Secret Lake Park in Casselberry. We turn it into a New Year's Eve Dance and bring in the New Year by kicking up our heels. All dances start @ 7:30 pm with a half-hour of free instruction. Get shown the basics by the caller -- great for beginners. Then the dance runs from 8:00 to 11:00, admission $7.00. If the last Saturday is a 5th Saturday, we meet at 6:00 for a pot-luck supper before the dance. If you're coming to the Orlando area, please come and have a dance with us. Our dances are family-friendly events with no smoking or alcoholic beverages. The dances are done with a partner but it's not necessary to bring one with you. Wear comfortable clothing and soft-soled shoes. Web site: http://orlandocontradance.org/.
Cocoa Beach: We meet the 1st Saturday of the month at 8:00 pm at Cocoa Beach Recreation Center 321 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, FL. We are just five minutes South of 520 on A1A. Arrive at 7:30 for Contra lessons for beginners. Children $3, the rest of you grown-up Children $7. Rates are $4 and $9 for special dances. The last dance, a waltz, is usually around 11pm followed by a group clean up of the dance site. Web site: http://www.cocoabeachcontra.org
Coconut Grove: Old time dances at Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove from 6:30pm to 10:00pm (doors open at 6:00pm). Kick up your heels to traditional American music with calls to traditional American folk dance steps. Dances such as circles, squares, contras and waltzes were all the rage in the 1800s, so come dance like it's 1891! No pets or alcohol, please. Fees: $10.00 - 10 years and older. Contact: (305) 442-6866. Web site: http://www.floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle/Events.cfm.
Davie: Barn Dance. We dance on the Second Saturday of every month at the Davie Woman's Club, 6551 Orange Drive, Davie. Join us around 7:00 PM for a pot luck supper in the club house kitchen before the dance. Bring some food, bring some friends!!! Join us for the beginners session at 7:30 and dancing from 8:00 till 11:00 or later. Suggested donation: Adults $10, Pupils/paupers/pensioners $5, kids free!!! Bring a snack to share, Bring some Friends!! Singles and couples, beginners and veterans welcome. All dances taught and there is a special beginners session at 7:30. For more information, call Marty at 954-270-9764. Web site: http://www.fiddlers-grove.com/ftldance.htm.
Delray Beach: Dances are held at the City of Delray Beach-Parks and Recreation Department at Pompey Park Recreation Center, 1101 NW. 2nd St. The lesson is 2:00-2:30, with the dance 2:30-5:30ish. Directions: Exit I-95 or Florida's Turnpike at W. Atlantic Ave (Delray Beach); Go east, past I-95, to the second stop light. Turn left (north) at NW 10th Ave and go two blocks. This puts you right into the gymnasium parking lot. For information about Delray Beach (but not abut the dance) check the municipal web site.
Eustis: Dance is part of the First Friday Street Fest. Enjoy live entertainment on 3 stages, Artists' Row, Kid's Parade, kids' venues, food court, soft drinks, water, beer, wine and margaritas. Visit our local restaurants and shops. Come by boat or car. 6pm-10pm. Free. Web site: http://www.eustismainstreet.org/.
Fort Myers: Dance will be part of the formal opening day ceremonies for the new exhibit - "Music, Movies and Dance with Edison and Ford." So, it will not be a regular full length contra dance, rather two short sessions with lessons for beginners, and we expect lots of beginners as many of the estate members will be in attendance. The tentative format is: 2.00pm - 2.30pm Beginners lesson; 2.30 - 3.25 Dance; 3.25 - 3.35 Break; 3.35 - 4.00 Beginners lesson; 4.00 - 5.00 Dance. We will be dancing indoors, in an air conditioned room. However, we will also be dancing on carpet - it's not ideal, but it's better than not dancing. So, I leave the decision of sneakers versus dance shoes to you. Publicity and refreshments will be handled by the Estates, but please pass the word along to all of your friends, neighbours, co-workers etc ... There will be an admission charge, but that is still being discussed as general admission ($20 Adults, $10 children) will also give you entry to the estates and other exhibits for the day. I may be given a block of free tickets, although the exact quantity is being negotiated. So, if you know you will definitely attend let me know ASAP as I will distribute them on a first come first served basis. I hope you can join us on this first step to bringing contra dancing back to Ft. Myers. Best wishes, Gillian - fortmyersdancers@hotmail.com. Web site: None.
Ft. Myers - Shall We Dance?: weekend in November including English, ceili and contra. Register in advance. Web site: http://chagalo.org/ecd/FtMyersECD.shtml.
Gainesville: Contra dancing twice a month in Gainesville on first Sundays 4 p.m. 7 p.m. and third Saturdays 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Thelma Boltin Center, 516 NE 2nd Avenue. Beginners welcome; no partner necessary. Dances are walked through and prompted. Introductory lesson 30 minutes before start. Try it for the first time and your second time is free! Soft-soled shoes please! Admission $7; $5 under 21 Childcare is provided ($5 per child), but parents are responsible for their children at all GODS events. Web site: http://godsdance.org/.
Gainesville - Waltz: This is a casual dance group where we emphasize enjoyment and partnering in waltz and some other partner dances. We meet every month on the Sunday after Gainesville's Third Saturday Contra Dance from 10:30am to 1:30pm. We meet at Tango y Te location at 601 South Main Street. The cost is $5 per person, $7 if we have live music. 10:30 to 11:00 Brunch is available. Please bring something to share. 11:30 We have a 15 - 20 minute lesson for the newer dancers, then open dancing until about 12:00. 12:30 or so, we may do the Cross-Step Waltz Mixer, as an introduction to the cross-step waltzfigure which distinguishes our group, or we may do an intermediate lesson for about 15-20 minutes and continue open dancing. 1:00 or so, we review a choreographed dance, or have an advanced lesson, or we continue open dancing until about 1:30. Web site: http://members.cox.net/waltzgainesville/.
Gainesville - Winter Exuberance: Dance away the winter blues with Afternoon (4:00pm-7:00pm) & Evening Dances (8:00pm-11:00pm). Potluck in between the dances at 7pm. $7 for the whole event (adjustable for families). Location: 601 S. Main Street. The Winter Exuberance dance day is a fundraiser to help Deborah Thompson raise money for her contra dance month in New Zealand. For more info call 352 473-7761. Web site: http://hernesheir1.wordpress.com/.
Gulfport - Florida Snow Ball: Florida Snow Ball is held once a year in Gulfport in late January. It is held at the Gulfport Casino, a beautiful beach-front ballroom with a large white maple floor. Pre-registration required. Presented by Tampa Friends of Old-Time Dance. Web site: http://www.floridasnowball.com/.
High Springs: The Flying Turtle String Band hosts a series of contra dances at O'Leno State Park. Come out and join the fun!Learn the steps to Circles, Squares and Contra dances that were all a rage in the mid 1800's when the town of Leno thrived! Dance to live music by the Flying Turtles String Band in the 1930's recreation hall on the banks of the Santa Fe River in O'Leno State Park. Located 6 miles north of High Springs on Hwy. 441. Dance is from 2pm to 5pm (with some exceptions). Fees: Regular park admission plus Tickets: $5.00/adults, $3.00/child. Contact: For more information call 386-454-1853. Web site: http://www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/Events.cfm.
High Springs - O'Leno State Park - Special Dance: You, as a member of the Flying Turtles yahoo group have first shot at tickets to the April 18th Dance at O'Leno State Park. This dance will be limited to the first 100 to send in a reservation. Here's how : Send a check of $10 per ticket to: Tom Hogan, 459 SE 57th Court Road, Trenton, FL 32693. Please also send a self addressed, stamped envelope for us to mail you your ticket or an extra $1.00 to cover postage and handling. Make sure you specify the name/names to be on the ticket/tickets. You have until March 19th to get your order for tickets in the mail. On March 20th I will start selling tickets to the rest of the world. Orders received after we reach 100 will be returned and no tickets will be sold the day of the dance. The Dance: 2 to 3:30 PM - The Flying Turtles with Eric Harris calling. 4 to 7 PM - Wild Asparagus with George Marshall; You must pay, in addition to your tickets, the park fee of $5 per car or $4 for a single person. This allows you access to the park for the whole day. If you are planning on coming from out of the area and going to the GODS Dance on Saturday you can camp at O'Leno if there are campsites. Call 386-454-1853 or go to their web site to make camping reservations: http://www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/. Web site: None.
High Springs - Fall Festival: The Festival is held in late October each year and includes dancing amongst a wide array of craft, entertainment, food, and other activities. Web site: http://www.highsprings.com.
High Springs - Vernal's Dance and Music Weekend: Vernal's is the annual All Night Equinox Dance and Music Weekend, at O'Leno State Park in late March. Pre-register. Web site: http://p2c2e.net/vernals/.
High Springs - English Infusion: Dance weekend with contras, English country dancing and waltzes at O'Leno State Park (on US 441, six miles north of High Springs) with bunkhouses, camps and RV spaces available. Web site: http://www.tarabolker.com/infusion/.
Jacksonville: The Jacksonville Country Dance and Song Society sponsors one contra dance a month, usually on the the third Friday. See the Dance Calendar for the next dance. Beginners welcome. Always live music. Come with or without a partner. Dances are held at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 849 Park St. 8 PM to 11 PM; dance basics are taught at 7:45 PM. Cost is a donation of $7; $2.00 for youngsters; bring a food or beverage item to share and take a dollar off. Contact Carole Wetzel at 904-396-1997 or email Carole Wetzel. Web site: http://www.danceflorida.com/jaxcdss.html.
Melbourne: There are dances in Melbourne on the 3rd Friday of each month at Trailer Heaven, on Eddie Allen Road, near the Melbourne Airport. Arrive at 7:30 for Contra lessons for beginners. Youngsters (17 and under) $4; Adults $8; Family (2 adults and 2 or more kids) $20; ($5 and $10 and $25 for special dances). The last dance, a waltz, is usually around 11pm followed by a group clean up of the dance site. Contact Anne Carlson at (321) 536-8808 or adavies2@cfl.rr.com or Jan Harazda at 321-917-4529 or Jan@harazda.com. Web site: http://www.cocoabeachcontra.org/index.htm.
Palm Springs: Dances at the Village of Palm Springs Leisure Activities Building, 226 Cypress Lane. Dancing goes from 7:30pm to 11:00pm with a half-hour beginners' lesson at the beginning. Admission: $10 for ages 19 and up; $4 for ages 6 to 18. This is a BASTS** dance, so... if you would like to have a snack at the break time, please bring one to share. Directions: South on Congress from Forest Hill to Dolan; Right (West) on Dolan about a half-mile; Turn south on Cypress Lane. At the Police Department, turn left, and drive .2 miles through the parking lot, veering or turning left (not right or straight) whenever there is an option. The Leisure Activities Building (LAB) is at the end, on the left, just beyond the 2 basketball courts. municipal web site. Palmetto Bay: Dances at the Perrine Peters Methodist Church, 18301 South Dixie Highway. Beginners orientation at 7:30pm and the dance goes from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. Requested contribution is $10 (or $5 for students). Bring finger food or drink to share Web site: http://dancefl.us/contra/MiamiContra.shtml.
Pinellas Park - Friday: Contra Dances are held at Pinellas Park Auditorium: 7690 59 St. N., Pinellas Park, generally but not always on the 1st Friday of each month. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). Our dances are 7:30-11:00pm, with a beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $7; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Pinellas Park - Saturday: Contra Dances are held at Pinellas Park Auditorium: 7690 59 St. N., Pinellas Park, generally but not always on the 2nd Saturday of each month. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). Our dances are 7:30-11:00pm, with a beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $7; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Pinellas Park - Sunday: Contra Dances are held at Pinellas Park Auditorium: 7690 59 St. N., Pinellas Park on special Sundays. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). Our dances are 7:30-11:00pm, with a beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $7; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
St. Petersburg - Creative Clay Folkfest: The Creative Clay Folkfest is an annual arts festival weekend in late September. Web site: http://creativeclay.org/.
Tallahassee: Contra Dances are held on the 2nd and sometimes the 4th or 5th Saturday of each month at several different veues. including the Tallahassee Senior Center (1400 North Monroe Street). Admission cost for regular dances: $7 for Adults, $5 for Students, $3 for Kids (higher prices may be charged for special dances). Web site: http://www.tallydancer.com/.
Tampa - Friday: A Contra Dance held at Rhapsody Ballroom: 12101 N 56 St, Tampa on a Friday night. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). Our dances are 7:30-11:00pm, with a beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $8; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Tampa - Saturday: Contra Dances are held at Rhapsody Ballroom: 12101 N 56 St, Tampa generally but not always on the 4th Saturday of each month. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). Our dances are 7:30-11:00pm, with a beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $8; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Tampa - Special: Contra Dances are held at Rhapsody Ballroom: 12101 N 56 St, Tampa on a special day at a special time. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $8; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Trenton: As part of the monthly Farmers' Market Block Party, there is dancing, sometimes contra, sometimes something else. The Party (and the dance) are generally held on the 4th Saturday of the month, but it can vary. The Market goes from noon to 5pm with the dance generally starting at 2pm. Historic Trenton Train Depot, Nature Coast Train and Main Street. Web site: http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M17375.
Trenton - Florida Fiddlers Convention: The Florida Fiddlers Convention is held annually in Otter Springs Campground in mid-October and features some of Florida's finest callers, bands and fiddlers, concerts, dances, jams, workshops, and a String-Band Contest (home-baked pie required for entry). Phone: 850-342-3536. Web site: http://www.nettally.com/fiddler/annualconvention.htm.
White Springs - Florida Folk Festival: The Florida Folk Festival is an annual three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes and kumquat pie, to the wide varieties of music brought by immigrants, the state's cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities. The event is held in the first half of November at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.Web site: http://www.floridastateparks.org/folkfest/default.cfm.
White Springs - Music and Dance Fest is held in early November and includes music, dance, crafts, etc. at the Stephen Foster State Park. Web site: http://www.floridastateparks.org/StephenFoster/festival.cfm.
This page is part of the Contrdancelinks.com web site. For more information about contra dancing, visit these other site pages:
