This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Maryland including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Maryland 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.

February 2012

Wednesday, February 1, 2012  Dance Series: Baltimore Location: Baltimore Caller(s): Greg Frock; Band(s)/Musician(s): Max Cohen and Donna Hébert; Note:

Friday, February 3, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Scott Higgs; Band(s)/Musician(s): Sugar Beat (Elke Baker, Susan Brandt, Marc Glickman); Note:

Saturday, February 4, 2012  Dance Series: Takoma Park - Mid-Winter Festival Location: Takoma Park Caller(s): Dave Colestock, Sargon de Jesus, Ann Fallon, Steve Gester, Perry Sharfan, Janine Smith, Susan Taylor; Band(s)/Musician(s): A. P and the Banty Roosters, Firefly, Glen Echo Open Band, MetroGnomes and Sligo Street Stompers; Note: One-day mini-festival featuring dance, music, storytelling, crafts and more

Sunday, February 5, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Ann Fallon; Band(s)/Musician(s): Sligo Creek Stompers (Adrian Erlinger, Sarah Foard, Jess Eliott Myhre, Chris Ousley); Note:

Sunday, February 5, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Wednesday, February 8, 2012  Dance Series: Baltimore Location: Baltimore Caller(s): Janine Smith; Band(s)/Musician(s): A. P. And The Banty Roosters (Art Abrams, Joe Langley, Mark Lynch, Andy Porter); Note:

Friday, February 10, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Frederick Park; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Saturday, February 11, 2012  Dance Series: Chaptico Location: Chaptico Caller(s): Greg Frock; Band(s)/Musician(s): Southern Maryland Open Band; Note: Location: St. Andrew's Church Parish Hall, St. Andrew's Church Road

Saturday, February 11, 2012  Dance Series: Pikesville - 2nd Saturday Location: Pikesville Caller(s): Ted Hodapp; Band(s)/Musician(s): Serpentine (Andrea Hoag, Will Morrison, Charlie Pilzer, Leigh Pilzer); Note: Dacing (hambo, couple dancing, contras) from 2pm to 11pm; check site for details

Sunday, February 12, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Family Dance Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Tom Hinds; Band(s)/Musician(s): Taylor Among the Devils; Note:

Sunday, February 12, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Tom Hinds; Band(s)/Musician(s): Taylor Among the Devils; Note:

Wednesday, February 15, 2012  Dance Series: Baltimore Location: Baltimore Caller(s): Andrea Nettleton; Band(s)/Musician(s): Waverly Station (Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon, David Knight); Note:

Friday, February 17, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Perry Shafran; Band(s)/Musician(s): Gypsie Meltdown (Keith Gillis, Kathy Kerr, Colleen Reed); Note:

Saturday, February 18, 2012  Dance Series: Annapolis Location: Annapolis Caller(s): David Giusti; Band(s)/Musician(s): Leah Weiss and Gary Wright; Note:

Sunday, February 19, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Andrea Nettleton; Band(s)/Musician(s): The Metrognomes; Note:

Sunday, February 19, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Taylor Among the Devils (Steve Hickman, Jonathan Jensen, Alexander Mitchell, Marty Taylor); Note:

Wednesday, February 22, 2012  Dance Series: Baltimore Location: Baltimore Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, February 24, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Kim Roberts; Band(s)/Musician(s): Waverly Station (Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon, David Knight); Note:

Saturday, February 25, 2012  Dance Series: Frederick Location: Frederick Caller(s): Janine Smith; Band(s)/Musician(s): Sugar Beat (Elke Baker, Susan Brandt, Marc Glickman); Note:

Sunday, February 26, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Perry Shafran; Band(s)/Musician(s): Gypsy Meltdown; Note:

Wednesday, February 29, 2012  Dance Series: Baltimore Location: Baltimore Caller(s): Perry Shafran; Band(s)/Musician(s): Baltimore Open Band; Note:

March 2012

Friday, March 2, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Nils Fredland; Band(s)/Musician(s): Dr. Twamley's Audio Snakes (Celia Millington-Wyckoff, Paul Oorts, Mike Rovine, Jill Smith); Note:

Sunday, March 4, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Nils Fredland; Band(s)/Musician(s): The Horse Flies; Note:

Sunday, March 4, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Waltz Irregulars; Note:

Friday, March 9, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Saturday, March 10, 2012  Dance Series: Chaptico Location: Chaptico Caller(s): Eva Murray; Band(s)/Musician(s): Southern Maryland Open Band; Note:

Sunday, March 11, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Family Dance Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Will Mentor; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, March 11, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Will Mentor; Band(s)/Musician(s): John Devine, Steve Hickman and Jim Morrison; Note:

Friday, March 16, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Eric Black; Band(s)/Musician(s): Orion (Joe Healey, Bill Hunt, Steve Suhring, Ken Veazey); Note:

Saturday, March 17, 2012  Dance Series: Annapolis Location: Annapolis Caller(s): Perry Shafran; Band(s)/Musician(s): Some Assembly (Donna Boylan, Mary Flora, Joe Klausner, Paul Miller); Note:

Sunday, March 18, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Eric Black; Band(s)/Musician(s): Waverly Station; Note:

Sunday, March 18, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Waverly Station (Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon, Barbara Heitz, David Knight); Note:

Tuesday, March 20, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Tuesday - Contra Sonic Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Eric Black; Band(s)/Musician(s): DJ Improper; Note:

Friday, March 23, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Ted Hodapp; Band(s)/Musician(s): Contratopia (John Goodin, Pat O'Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Erik Sessions); Note:

Saturday, March 24, 2012  Dance Series: Frederick Location: Frederick Caller(s): Ted Hodapp; Band(s)/Musician(s): Contratopia (John Goodin, Pat O'Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Erik Sessions); Note:

Sunday, March 25, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Ted Hodapp; Band(s)/Musician(s): Contratopia (John Goodin, Pat O'Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Erik Sessions); Note:

Friday, March 30, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Tom Calwell and Myra Hirschberg; Band(s)/Musician(s): Devine Comedy (John Devine, Steve Hickman, Marty Taylor); Note:

Saturday, March 31, 2012  Dance Series: Galesville - Squares and Contras Location: Galesville Caller(s): Janine Smith; Band(s)/Musician(s): Leah Weiss, Gary Wright and friends; Note:

April 2012

Sunday, April 1, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Tom Calwell and Myra Hirschberg; Band(s)/Musician(s): Atlantic Crossing; Note:

Sunday, April 1, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Destino da Rosa (Susan Brandt, Ralph Gordon, Paul Oorts, Alan Oresky); Note:

Friday, April 6, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Kathy Anderson; Band(s)/Musician(s): Fly By Night (Karen Gaughan, Laura Lengnick, Beth Magill, Julia Weatherford); Note:

Sunday, April 8, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Family Dance Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Fly By Night (Karen Gaughan, Laura Lengnick, Beth Magill, Julia Weatherford); Note:

Sunday, April 8, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Kathy Anderson; Band(s)/Musician(s): Fly By Night (Karen Gaughan, Laura Lengnick, Beth Magill, Julia Weatherford); Note:

Friday, April 13, 2012  Dance Series: Edgewater - Chesapeake Dance Weekend Location: Edgewater Caller(s): Cis Hinkle, Emily Oleson, Matthew Olwell and Joseph Pimental; Band(s)/Musician(s): Crowfoot, John Devine, Steve Hickman and The Tractor Family; Note: Dance weekend; register in advance; event ends on April 15, 2012

Friday, April 13, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): DeLaura Padovan; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Saturday, April 14, 2012  Dance Series: Chaptico Location: Chaptico Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Southern Maryland Open Band; Note:

Saturday, April 14, 2012  Dance Series: Edgewater - Chesapeake Dance Weekend Location: Edgewater Caller(s): Cis Hinkle, Emily Oleson, Matthew Olwell and Joseph Pimental; Band(s)/Musician(s): Crowfoot, John Devine, Steve Hickman and The Tractor Family; Note: Dance weekend; register in advance; event ends on April 15, 2012

Sunday, April 15, 2012  Dance Series: Edgewater - Chesapeake Dance Weekend Location: Edgewater Caller(s): Cis Hinkle, Emily Oleson, Matthew Olwell and Joseph Pimental; Band(s)/Musician(s): Crowfoot, John Devine, Steve Hickman and The Tractor Family; Note: Dance weekend; register in advance; event ends on April 15, 2012

Sunday, April 15, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Dave Eisenstadter; Band(s)/Musician(s): Crowfoot (Adam Broome, Jaige Trudel, Nicholas Williams); Note:

Sunday, April 15, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Over the Topp (Julia Borland-Ferneborg, Catherine Chapman, Marc Glickman, Ralph Gordon, Larry Robinson, Richard Siedel); Note:

Tuesday, April 17, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Tuesday - Contra Sonic Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Dave Eisenstadter; Band(s)/Musician(s): DJ Improper; Note:

Friday, April 20, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Dave Eisenstadter; Band(s)/Musician(s): Contranella (Charley Beller, Megan Wobus Beller, Beth Magill, John Wobus); Note:

Saturday, April 21, 2012  Dance Series: Annapolis Location: Annapolis Caller(s): Janine Smith; Band(s)/Musician(s): The Stray Birds (Oliver Craven, Maya de Vitry, Charles Joseph Muench); Note:

Sunday, April 22, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Steve Gester; Band(s)/Musician(s): Devine Comedy (John Devine, Steve Hickman, Marty Taylor); Note:

Friday, April 27, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): The Avant Gardeners (Jubal Creech, Laura Light, George Paul, Dave Wiesler); Note:

Saturday, April 28, 2012  Dance Series: Frederick Location: Frederick Caller(s): Kim Forry; Band(s)/Musician(s): The Avant Gardeners (Laura Light, George Paul) w/David DiGiuseppe; Note:

Saturday, April 28, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Old Vienna (Elke Baker, Ralph Gordon, Barbara Heitz, Alexander Mitchell, Dave Wiesler); Note: An Evening with Strauss; Saturday dance; 8pm-midnight; $20

Sunday, April 29, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Rickey Holt; Band(s)/Musician(s): The New Hip Trio (Joe DeZarn, Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon); Note:

May 2012

Friday, May 4, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Honeysuckle Rose (Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon, Andrea Hoag, Paul Oorts); Note:

Sunday, May 6, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Ken Gall; Band(s)/Musician(s): Dead Sea Squirrels; Note: Location; Bumper Car Pavilion

Sunday, May 6, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Honeysuckle Rose (Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon, Andrea Hoag, Paul Oorts); Note:

Friday, May 11, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note: Location: Bumper Car Pavilion

Saturday, May 12, 2012  Dance Series: Chaptico Location: Chaptico Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Southern Maryland Open Band; Note:

Saturday, May 12, 2012  Dance Series: Galesville - Squares and Contras Location: Galesville Caller(s): Janine Smith; Band(s)/Musician(s): Leah Weiss, Gary Wright and friends; Note:

Sunday, May 13, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Jesse Edgerton; Band(s)/Musician(s): Magic Foot; Note: Location; Bumper Car Pavilion

Sunday, May 13, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Family Dance Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Brendan Taaffe and friends; Note:

Tuesday, May 15, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Tuesday - Contra Sonic Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Ted Hodapp; Band(s)/Musician(s): DJ Improper; Note:

Friday, May 18, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): George Marshall and Tim Van Egmond; Band(s)/Musician(s): Swallowtail (David Cantieni, Ron Grosslein, George Marshall, Timm Triplett, Tim van Egmond); Note:

Saturday, May 19, 2012  Dance Series: Baltimore - Saturday - Challenging Location: Baltimore Caller(s): George Marshall and Tim Van Egmond; Band(s)/Musician(s): Swallowtail (David Cantieni, Ron Grosslein, George Marshall, Timm Triplett, Tim van Egmond); Note: Site: TBA; check web site for details

Sunday, May 20, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): George Marshall and Tim Van Egmond; Band(s)/Musician(s): Swallowtail (David Cantieni, Ron Grosslein, George Marshall, Timm Triplett, Tim van Egmond); Note:

Sunday, May 20, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Swallowtail (David Cantieni, Ron Grosslein, George Marshall, Timm Triplett, Tim van Egmond); Note:

Friday, May 25, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): A. P. And The Banty Roosters (Art Abrams, Joe Langley, Mark Lynch, Andy Porter); Note:

Sunday, May 27, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Jack Mitchell; Band(s)/Musician(s): Terpsichore (Elke Baker, Liz Donaldson, TBA); Note:

June 2012

Friday, June 1, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Nils Fredland; Band(s)/Musician(s): Elixir (Nils Fredland, Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, Jesse Hazzard-Watkins, Anna Patton, Owen Morrison); Note:

Saturday, June 2, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Washington Folk Festival Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Free music, dance, storytelling and craft festival; event ends on June 3, 2012

Sunday, June 3, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Washington Folk Festival Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Free music, dance, storytelling and craft festival; event ends on June 3, 2012

Sunday, June 3, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Nils Fredland; Band(s)/Musician(s): Elixir (Nils Fredland, Ethan Hazzard-Watkins, Jesse Hazzard-Watkins, Anna Patton, Owen Morrison); Note:

Sunday, June 3, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): No dance listed ; Band(s)/Musician(s): No dance listed; Note:

Friday, June 8, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Saturday, June 9, 2012  Dance Series: Chaptico Location: Chaptico Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Southern Maryland Open Band; Note:

Sunday, June 10, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Laura Brown; Band(s)/Musician(s): Dance du Jour (Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon, Alexander Mitchell); Note:

Sunday, June 10, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Family Dance Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Laura Brown; Band(s)/Musician(s): Dance du Jour (Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon, Alexander Mitchell); Note:

Friday, June 15, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Serpentine (Andrea Hoag, Will Morrison, Charlie Pilzer, Leigh Pilzer); Note:

Sunday, June 17, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Serpentine; Note:

Sunday, June 17, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Sugar Beat (Elke Baker, Susan Brandt, Marc Glickman); Note:

Friday, June 22, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Red Mountain White Trash (Jim Cauthen, Joyce Cauthen, Jamie Finley, Phil Foster, Nancy Jackson, Bill Martin); Note:

Sunday, June 24, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Sargon de Jesus; Band(s)/Musician(s): Sligo Creek Stompers (Adrian Erlinger, Sarah Foard, Jess Eliott Myhre, Chris Ousley); Note:

Friday, June 29, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

July 2012

Sunday, July 1, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Sugar Beat (Elke Baker, Susan Brandt, Marc Glickman); Note:

Sunday, July 1, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Waltz Magic (Liz Donaldson, Ralph Goron, Barbara Heitz, Alexander Mitchell); Note:

Sunday, July 1, 2012  Dance Series: Westminster - Common Ground Traditions Week 1 Location: Westminster Caller(s): Slim Harrison; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Week of workshops, events, dances, etc.; register in advance; event ends on July 6, 2012

Monday, July 2, 2012  Dance Series: Westminster - Common Ground Traditions Week 1 Location: Westminster Caller(s): Slim Harrison; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Week of workshops, events, dances, etc.; register in advance; event ends on July 6, 2012

Tuesday, July 3, 2012  Dance Series: Westminster - Common Ground Traditions Week 1 Location: Westminster Caller(s): Slim Harrison; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Week of workshops, events, dances, etc.; register in advance; event ends on July 6, 2012

Wednesday, July 4, 2012  Dance Series: Westminster - Common Ground Traditions Week 1 Location: Westminster Caller(s): Slim Harrison; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Week of workshops, events, dances, etc.; register in advance; event ends on July 6, 2012

Thursday, July 5, 2012  Dance Series: Westminster - Common Ground Traditions Week 1 Location: Westminster Caller(s): Slim Harrison; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Week of workshops, events, dances, etc.; register in advance; event ends on July 6, 2012

Friday, July 6, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, July 6, 2012  Dance Series: Westminster - Common Ground Traditions Week 1 Location: Westminster Caller(s): Slim Harrison; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Week of workshops, events, dances, etc.; register in advance; event ends on July 6, 2012

Saturday, July 7, 2012  Dance Series: Westminster - Common Ground on the Hill Festival Location: Westminster Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Weekend festival of music and dance; event ends on July 8, 2012

Sunday, July 8, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Contra Rebels; Note:

Sunday, July 8, 2012  Dance Series: Westminster - Common Ground on the Hill Festival Location: Westminster Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Weekend festival of music and dance; event ends on July 8, 2012

Friday, July 13, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Saturday, July 14, 2012  Dance Series: Chaptico Location: Chaptico Caller(s): No dance today; Band(s)/Musician(s): No dance today; Note: See you in September

Sunday, July 15, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, July 15, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Green Light Karma (David Knight, Andrew Marcus, Dave Wiesler); Note:

Sunday, July 15, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Family Dance Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): DeLaura Padovan; Band(s)/Musician(s): Gypsy Meltdown; Note:

Friday, July 20, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, July 22, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Robbin Marcus; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, July 27, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, July 29, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

August 2012

Friday, August 3, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, August 5, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): The Avant Gardeners; Note:

Sunday, August 5, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, August 10, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Saturday, August 11, 2012  Dance Series: Chaptico Location: Chaptico Caller(s): No dance today; Band(s)/Musician(s): No dance today; Note: See you in September

Sunday, August 12, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, August 17, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, August 19, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Addison Bleufonte; Note:

Sunday, August 19, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, August 24, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, August 26, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, August 31, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Location: Bumper Car Pavilion

September 2012

Sunday, September 2, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Waltz du Jour (Liz Donaldson, Ralph Gordon, Alexander Mitchell); Note: Bumper Car Pavilion

Sunday, September 2, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, September 7, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Location: Bumper Car Pavilion

Saturday, September 8, 2012  Dance Series: Chaptico Location: Chaptico Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, September 9, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Steve Gester; Band(s)/Musician(s): Atlantic Crossing; Note:

Sunday, September 9, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Family Dance Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, September 9, 2012  Dance Series: Takoma Park - Folk Festival Location: Takoma Park Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Multi-cultural music, dance and folk art festival

Friday, September 14, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Sunday, September 16, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Blue Bamboo (Elke Baker, Jonah Blaustein, Marc Glickman, Ralph Gordon, Barbara Heitz); Note:

Sunday, September 16, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, September 21, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): George Marshall; Band(s)/Musician(s): Wild Asparagus; Note:

Sunday, September 23, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Contrashock II

Friday, September 28, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, September 28, 2012  Dance Series: West River - FSGW Fall Getaway Location: West River Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Weekend music and dance camp; event ends on October 1, 2012

Saturday, September 29, 2012  Dance Series: West River - FSGW Fall Getaway Location: West River Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Weekend music and dance camp; event ends on October 1, 2012

Sunday, September 30, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): A. P. And The Banty Roosters; Note:

Sunday, September 30, 2012  Dance Series: West River - FSGW Fall Getaway Location: West River Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Weekend music and dance camp; event ends on October 1, 2012

October 2012

Monday, October 1, 2012  Dance Series: West River - FSGW Fall Getaway Location: West River Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note: Weekend music and dance camp; event ends on October 1, 2012

Friday, October 5, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Will Mentor; Band(s)/Musician(s): Stuart Kenney, Rodney Miller and Max Newman; Note:

Saturday, October 6, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): No dance listed ; Band(s)/Musician(s): No dance listed; Note: See October 13 entry

Sunday, October 7, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): Will Mentor; Band(s)/Musician(s): The Stringways (Stuart Kenney, Rodney Miller, Max Newman); Note:

Friday, October 12, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Saturday, October 13, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): The Gigmeisters (Ralph Goron, Alexander Mitchell, Paul Oorts, Dave Wiesler); Note: Dance is on a Saturday; location: Bumper Car Pavilion

Sunday, October 14, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, October 19, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, October 21, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Cabaret Sauvignon (Karen Ashbrook, Andrea Hoag, Paul Oorts, Dave Wiesler); Note:

Sunday, October 21, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, October 26, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Giant Robot Dance (Michael Ferguson, Aaron Marcus, Andrew Marcus, Andrew VanNorstrand, Noah VanNorstrand); Note:

Sunday, October 28, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

November 2012

Friday, November 2, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Gigmeisters (Ralph Gordon, Alexander Mitchell, Paul Oorts, Dave Wiesler); Note:

Sunday, November 4, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Rhapsody (Ralph Gordon, Alexander Mitchell, Marty Taylor, Dave Wiesler); Note:

Sunday, November 4, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, November 9, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Sunday, November 11, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): The Rhythm Method String Band; Note:

Friday, November 16, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, November 18, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Waltz Wizards; Note:

Sunday, November 18, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, November 23, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, November 25, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, November 30, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

December 2012

Sunday, December 2, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Some Assembly (Donna Boylan, Mary Flora, Joe Klausner, Paul Miller); Note:

Sunday, December 2, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, December 7, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, December 9, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Crowfoot (Adam Broome, Jaige Trudel, Nicholas Williams); Note:

Friday, December 14, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Glen Echo Open Band; Note:

Sunday, December 16, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Rose by the Door; Note:

Sunday, December 16, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, December 21, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, December 23, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Friday, December 28, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Friday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Sunday, December 30, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Waltz Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): Gigmeisters (Ralph Gordon, Alexander Mitchell, Paul Oorts, Dave Wiesler); Note:

Sunday, December 30, 2012  Dance Series: Glen Echo - Sunday Location: Glen Echo Caller(s): TBA ; Band(s)/Musician(s): TBA; Note:

Monday, December 31, 2012  Dance Series: Chevy Chase - FSGW New Year's Eve Ball Location: Chevy Chase Caller(s): Adina Gordon; Band(s)/Musician(s): Magic Foot; Note:

Venue and dance information

Adelphi - FSGW New Year's Eve Contra Ball: The Folklore Society of Greater Washington's New Year's Eve Ball is at the the Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church. Dust off the tiara and get the tux outta mothballs cause it's gonna be one swell affair. Dance contras, squares, and waltzesCome ring in the New Year with a lovely evening of dancing and revelry, complete with a toast at midnight. Pre-registration only, no tickets available at the door. Hurry, act now! Registration deadline is December 15th. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Annapolis: The Annapolis Traditional Dance Society sponsors dances at the Annapolis Friends Meeting House, 351 DuBois Rd, in Annapolis. Dances now run at the family-friendly time of 7 to 10 pm! In order to protect the floor, we are asking people to bring soft-soled shoes with a non-marking heel. We also request that you bring the shoes to the hall and change shoes inside. No high heels, please (they can damage the floor, and they're terrible for contra dancing anyway). Dances are on the third Saturday of the month. ATDS dances feature mainly contras. However, we encourage callers to mix in some square dances, circles, etc. at all of our contra dance events. Admission: Members, $8.00, Nonmembers, $10.00. (students & seniors, $6.00, members; $8.00 non-members;). Maximum family rates: $25 members, $30 non-members. Children, aged 6-12, $5. Little kids, under 6, free. Workshops start at 6:30pm with a half hour of contra basics. Newcomers are urged to arrive early even if you can't make the workshop. The program starts off with easier dances and more instruction. Web site: http://www.contradancers.com/atds/index.html.

Baltimore: The Baltimore Folk Music Society presents American Square and Contra Dancing at 8:00 p.m. every Wednesday at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church, 2200 St. Paul Street. Admission is $9 for members, $13 for nonmembers. Under 21 and full-time students with IDs: $4 members, $6 non-members. All dances are taught and walked through beforehand. Music and dance styles include New England, Southern Appalachian, and Celtic styles. Nationally-known musicians and callers appear regularly. These dances are sponsored in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. New Dancers' workshops: Free workshops introducing basic contra dance figures take place on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30p.m. Beginners are encouraged to attend. For more information call the BFMS hotline at 410-366-0808 or email amdance at bfms.org. Web site: http://www.bfms.org.

Baltimore - Saturday - Challenging: Special challenging contras from 8pm to 11pm at The Church of the Redeemer, 5603 North Charles Street, Baltimore. Admission: $12 members, $16 non-members. Web site: http://www.bfms.org.

Baltimore - Urban Agriculture Harvest Festival: Dance is part of a one-day event held in mid-October at 4500 Harford Road Market Connection (site of Hamilton/Lauraville Farmer's Market) from 2pm to 5pm with locally grown food, information booths, kid's activities, storytelling. Free but donations of $5-$10 accepted. Web site: http://www.baltimoreurbanag.org/.

Baltimore - Mid-Winter Ball: The Baltimore Folk Music Society presents a Mid-Winter Ball. Location: Ballroom of the Temple of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Of Freemasonry, 3800 North Charles Street. Reception at 7:00 p.m; Grand March at 7:30 p.m. Dancing from 7:40pm to 11:00pm. Check web site for admission costs. Contributions of finger foods for the reception encouraged. For Information E-mail: midwinterball at bfms.org or call (410) 433-4419 The Baltimore Folk Music Society is supported in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. Web site: http://www.bfms.org/.

Baltimore - Dickey Mill: Come Contra Dance in air conditioned comfort in Baltimore at a converted 19th century mill with a great wooden floor and air conditioning. Where: ChileSwing Studio www.chileswing.com, 4900 Wetheredsville Road, Baltimore, MD 21207. Cost: $10 per person ($20 max per family). From 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. This dance can be a challenging dance if experienced dancers come or a family friendly dance if families come. The caller is prepared for whatever the dancers desire. This dance is growing, so come and make it into the dance that you want. Pass this onto anyone that you think might want to promote it or attend. Thanks! For more information call Becca at 301-606-7115 or email Becca at satdance at bfms.org - We plan to dance every 3rd Sunday. Web site: http://www.bfms.org/dickeyMillContra.php.

Bendict: Dance at Serenity Farm to benefit St. Jude's Hospital from 1pm to 5pm. Musicians get in free, all others $5 at the door. For more info call: Allison (443) 532-0032. Web site: http://www.smtmd.org/.

Bethesda - FSGW New Year's Eve Contra Ball: The Folklore Society of Greater Washington's New Year's Eve Ball is at the the Woman's Club of Bethesda, 5500 Sonoma Rd. Dust off the tiara and get the tux outta mothballs cause it's gonna be one swell affair. Dance contras, squares, and waltzesCome ring in the New Year with a lovely evening of dancing and revelry, complete with a toast at midnight. Pre-registration only, no tickets available at the door. Hurry, act now! Registration deadline is December 15th. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

California: Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance sponsors dances with live music is provided by the Southern Maryland Open Band. This band is comprised of talented, local musicians. The band's repertoire for Contra Dances includes Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and 18th century waltzes. As it is an "Open" band, musicians interested in playing this type of music are welcome to join in. Dances are the 2nd Saturday of each month at the St. Andrews Parish Hall in California.. Any changes to the schedule or location will be posted on the web site. Admission: $7 non-members; $5 members; 12 and under free. Web site: http://www.smtmd.org/.

Cambridge: Dances are at Cambridge's Whatley Hall past Christ Church on Maryland Avenue. Cost is $10.00 for adults. $8.00 students. There is no membership fee. Dances run from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Wear comfortable clothing, tennies, short sleeves if you're new, you'll probably get warm! Snacks are allowed at the Church too, so bring some food or drinks (and cups!)There is no membership fee. Wear comfortable clothing, tennies, short sleeves if you're new, you'll probably get warm! Snacks are allowed at the Church too, so bring some food or drinks (and cups!) For directions: 410-603-7754. For more information, call: 410-673-9825 (Renee). Web site: http://www.dancetrad.org/dancep1.html.

Chaptico: Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance sponsors dances with live music is provided by the Southern Maryland Open Band. This band is comprised of talented, local musicians. The band's repertoire for Contra Dances includes Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and 18th century waltzes. As it is an "Open" band, musicians interested in playing this type of music are welcome to join in. Dances are the 2nd Saturday of each month at Christ Church Parish Hall on Zach Fowler Road. Any changes to the schedule or location will be posted on the web site. Admission: $8 non-members; $6 members; 12 and under free. Web site: http://www.smtmd.org/.

Chevy Chase - Folklore Society of Greater Washington New Year's Eve Ball: The Folklore Society of Greater Washington's New Year's Eve Ball is at the the Woman's Club of Chevy Chase from 8:00pm to 1:00am. Dust off the tiara and get the tux outta mothballs cause it's gonna be one swell affair. Dance contras, squares, and waltzes. Come ring in the New Year with a lovely evening of dancing and revelry, complete with a toast at midnight. The following is from previous years, check site for details: Pre-registration only, no tickets available at the door. Hurry, act now! Registration deadline is December 15th. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

College Park - Squares: Join us for an evening of rocking traditional American square dancing and general all around merrymaking to smoking hot LIVE music by some of the DC area's most talented musicians. Dances are held from 8:30 - 11:00 p.m, except as noted, $9.00 admission. Cherry Hill RV Park Conference Center, 9800 Cherry Hill Road. Please drive very slowly in the park. Please bring a snack to share. Web site: http://home.comcast.net/~hotsquares/.

Edgewater - Chesapeake Dance Weekend: The dance and music weekend takes place at at YMCA Camp Letts in Edgewater in early April. Register in advance. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Frederick: The Mid-Maryland Folk Arts Council and the Frederick City Department of Recreation host contra and square dances on the 4th Saturday of each month. The dances are from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. A free beginners' workshop starts at 7 p.m. Beginners are welcome at the dances and it is not necessary to bring a partner. Location is Trinity Episcopal School (the former Adventist School) in Frederick. Admission is $10 general, $5 students, $5 age 12 and under. To ask questions in real time, talking to a real person, call Boe Walker at 301-694-6794 or dancefred at gmail dot com Web site: http://www.contradancers.com/mmfac/index.htm.

Galesville - Squares and Contras: Community square dances on various Saturday nights. 5:30 p.m. Doors open; 6:00 p.m. Potluck dinner; 7:00 p.m. Family-friendly dancing; 8:30-10 p.m. More challenging dancing. Live traditional Appalachian dance music. No partner, experience, or lessons necessary. Yes, YOU can do it! Sit ins welcome on fiddle, guitar, and clawhammer banjo. Square dances, Circle dances, Contra dances - Come join the fun! $10 adults, $5 ages 5-17, under 5 free. Galesville Memorial Hall, 952 Main Street. Sponsored by the West River Improvement Association. Web site: http://communitysquaredance.wordpress.com/.

Glen Echo - Sunday: The Folklore Society of Greater Washington's Sunday Night Contra and Square Dance is held in The Spanish Ballroom, restored to all its 1933 splendor, or in the adjacent wonderful, covered, radiant-heated Bumper Car Pavilion. The Ballroom and the Bumper Car Pavilion are not thoroughly climate controlled, so please dress accordingly. Our dances welcome both experienced and new dancers and feature a variety of traditional American contras, squares, waltzes, and mixers performed to wonderful live music. You do not need to bring a partner. FREE Welcome/Orientation to Traditional American Dance session at 7:00 pm. Come early to get the inside scoop on all this stuff, personalized to suit your needs! Regular dances are $9.00 for members of FSGW and affiliated groups (BFMS, CDSS, ATDS) and $12.00 for all others. Children ages 7 to 17 $5.00. Special prices may apply, see event details. Our dancers who are sensitive to fragrances will be grateful if you use them gently. If Glen Echo Park is closed due to severe WEATHER or other circumstances, the dance is cancelled. Call the Park at (301) 634-2222 (and press option 9) or at (301) 320-2330 after 3pm the day of the dance for more information. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Glen Echo - Family Dance: The Family Dance, welcoming all ages, takes place the second Sunday of each month beginning at 3:00pm. It offers a rare opportunity to experience the joy of dance with your children and with your community. Bring the entire family, neighbors, church or synagogue group, birthday party, girl or boy scout troop. No experience is necessary, just come on out and dance. An experienced family dance leader shows you everything you need to know right then and there, with a focus on HAVING FUN! The dance takes place at the Glen Echo Park Bumper Car Pavilion from May through October. It moves to Glen Echo Town Hall from November through April. The Family Dance is a unique opportunity for the very young and their parents, to experience the joyful community event of a contra and square dance. The target age children are 4-12, though many babies have started their dancing by bouncing along in a parent's baby backpack. Kids and adults learn together through movement and music, experiencing the best in live music and enjoying the spirit of this folk tradition. It provides an opportunity to encourage an appreciation of folk culture, further inspiring future generations to get involved and make their own fun. Admission is $5 for ages 4 and older. The Family Dance has been an ongoing event for the past 12 years. Please note that we may stray from the Second Sunday on rare occasions, due to availability of our dance spaces. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Glen Echo - Inaugural Ball: To the inauguration of the 44th President, there will be a great dance celebration held at the Glen Echo Park Ballroom! 7:30 pm: contra/square dance; 8:30 pm: waltz and couple dances; 9:30-11 pm: swing dance. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Glen Echo - Tuesday: The Folklore Society of Greater Washington sponsors the Techno Contra series with recorded music and live calling on the 3rd Tuesday night of each month at the The Spanish Ballroom, so bring all your friends! Admission: $5 for members, students, $7 non-members. 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Our dancers who are sensitive to fragrances will be grateful if you use them gently. If Glen Echo Park is closed due to severe WEATHER or other circumstances, the dance is cancelled. Call the Park at (301) 634-2222 (and press option 9) or at (301) 320-2330 after 3pm the day of the dance for more information. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Glen Echo - Contra Sonic: It's high energy, it's loud, and it's glow stick fueled! FSGW now offers traditional called contra dancing with live mixed DJ music on the third Tuesday of the month. Could be techno, trance, electro pop, but whatever it is, it's fun to dance to. It's on 3rd Tuesdays, general at the Spanish Ballroom (check site for details). Lesson at 7:30pm; dancing from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. Admission: $8, $6 for youth and students. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Glen Echo - Waltz: Waltz Time is an all-volunteer group of dancers who have produced the twice-monthly waltzes at Glen Echo Park since 1995. The group has donated all net proceeds to the renovation of the Spanish Ballroom and the Bumper Car Pavilion, and to help continue Park programs. All of the Sunday afternoon waltz dances are held at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., in the Spanish Ballroom or occasionally in the Bumper Car Pavilion. The Sunday afternoon waltz program follows a similar format at each event. A lesson is offered from 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm and starts with basic concepts for those not familiar with the folk style of waltz. At 3:15 pm, we teach an "advanced" step for returning dancers looking for a little something extra to add to their repertoire. The lesson is followed by dancing to live music from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. Cost is $10, including the lesson from 2:45 - 3:30 pm. Dress is casual. You do not need a partner. You do not need prior dance experience. Tickets are sold at the door - there are no advance ticket sales. Please visit our FAQ page for more answers to your questions. You can also email us at info AT waltztimedances DOT org. We invite you to join the lively community of waltzers and enjoy the afternoon dances at Glen Echo Park. We know that you will have a great time! Web site: http://www.waltztimedances.org.

Glen Echo - Washington Folk Festival: The Washington Folk Festival is held in late May. The festival runs from noon to 7:00pm on Saturday and Sunday at Glen Echo Park. The festival is FREE to the public. The festival features music, dance, storytelling, and crafts from artists in the Washington, DC area. With performances representing cultures from around the world as well as around the country, it is your chance to find out what is going on in the folk communities of the area. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Glen Echo - Friday: Dances in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park start promptly at 8:30 pm and end at 11:30 pm. Admission is $9. A contra dance lesson for beginners is given every Friday starting at 7:30 pm and is included in the price of admission. The Friday night dances are brought to you by the Friday Night Dancers, Inc (a nonprofit, community-based organization) in cooperation with the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, the National Park Service, and Montgomery County, MD. Dances are held every Friday evening from 8:30 to 11:30. You do not need to bring a partner. Dance all evening to top quality live music in a smoke- and alcohol-free environment. The Spanish Ballroom is neither heated nor air-conditioned, so be prepared. Fans relieve the heat in summer. Dress casually and in layers. Soft-soled, low-heeled shoes are recommended. We also recommend that you bring a bottle of water with you. Music may be traditional or modern inspired by folk tunes. Web site: http://www.fridaynightdance.org/index.html.

Glen Echo - Black Friday Bash: Dances from 3pm to 2am on the Friday after Thanksgiving (U.S.) with an afternoon contra dance in the Spanish Ballroom 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Potluck 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Please sign up and bring a dish. Waltzing to CDs in the Spanish Ballroom 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Evening contra lesson - 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Evening contra dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. and a Techno contra dance from midnight to 2:00 a.m. Admission $10 for either the afternoon or evening dances ($18 for both). Techno contra separate admission of $5. The Spanish Ballroom is neither heated nor air-conditioned, so be prepared. Fans relieve the heat in summer. Dress casually and in layers. Soft-soled, low-heeled shoes are recommended. We also recommend that you bring a bottle of water with you. Music may be traditional or modern inspired by folk tunes. Web site: http://fridaynightdance.org.

La Plata: Christ Church of La Plata, in association with KOProductionsUSA, announces a new American contra dance series this fall in Southern Maryland. On 3rd Saturdays, there will be a free half-hour contra dance lesson at 7 p.m. with dancing beginning at 7:30. "Christ Church Contras" will be offered at Christ Church at 112 E. Charles St. in La Plata. An $8 donation will be taken. Contact KOProductionsUSA@gmail.com or 301-535-8231 for more information. Web site: None.

Leonardtown - St. Mary's Hoedown Fundraiser: Dance is a fundraiser for St. Mary's County Community Mediation Center, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at St. Mary's County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 42455 Fairgrounds Road. Square dancing, line dancing, two-step, waltz, any-old-step - we'll show you how if you don't already know OR just sit back, listen to the music and enjoy a beer or glass of wine, sodas or fruit punch, and lite snacks. A family event - ALL AGES. Tickets: $7 in advance or $10 at the door. [Children under 12 free]. Recommend that you purchase tickets on-line as attendance is limited to 200. Web site: http://www.hoedownatfairgrounds.com/.

Lexington Park - Chesapeake Public Charter School: Plan to join us in this special event to be held at the Chesapeake Public Charter School, 20945 Great Mills Road. The dance begins at 6:00 pm. which is a special starting time for our dances. The dance will go until 8:00, or later. The purpose for the event is to support "Relay for Life" a cancer awareness / support org. Two people at the charter school were recently diagnosed with the disease, and we would like to support a team from the school to attend "Relay for Life" events. The cost is $5 for individuals, $15 for a family of 4 - what a great deal. call the Charter School at (301) 863-9585 for more information. Web site: http://www.smtmd.org/.

Pikesville - Thanksgiving: The Baltimore Folk Music Society hosts a Thanksgiving Day/Burn-Off-the-Calories Dance at St. Mark's-on-the-Hill Parish Hall, 2620 Reisterstown Road from 8:00pm-10:30pm. There will be easier, kid- and beginner-friendly dances from 8:00pm-8:30pm. Bring your leftover desserts to share (they lose calories in transit). Bring your dinner guests or hosts and come on over. This is an all-volunteer evening featuring an open band and open mic for callers (English, contras, squares). Web site: http://www.bfms.org/.

Pikesville - 2nd Saturday: The Baltimore Folk Music Society presents American Square and Contra Dancing on the 2nd Saturday of the month running from 8:00 'till 11:00 pm, with a short break in the middle. Admission is: $8 BFMS Members and Affiliates, $12 non-members. Under 21 and full-time students with ID: $5 members, $6 non-members. Beginners, singles, couples, and families are welcome. No Experience necessary; you don't need to bring a partner. For more information call the BFMS hotline at 888-646-BFMS or call Becca at 301-606-7115 or email Becca at nutritionexpeditions at yahoo.com. The dance is held at St. Marks on the Hill, 1620 Reisterstown Road. Introduction to Contra Dance: 7:30-8 pm; Contra Dance: 8-11 pm. Web site: http://www.bfms.org/.

Pikesville - Family: The Baltimore Folk Music Society presents a Family on the 2nd Saturday of the month running from 5:00 'till 6:30 pm, often followed by a potluck. Admission is: $5 members; $20 member family; $7 non-members; $28 non-member family. No Experience necessary; you don't need to bring a partner. For more information call the BFMS hotline at 888-646-BFMS or 410-321-8419. The dance is held at St. Marks on the Hill, 1620 Reisterstown Road. BFMS is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts. Web site: http://www.bfms.org/.

St. Michaels: Dances (circles, squares, lines and contras) on 4th Saturdays at Christ Church Parish Hall, 103 Willow Street, starting at 7:00pm. Presented by Carpe Diem Arts, in partnership with St. Michaels Community Center and St. Michaels Studio. Contact Busy Graham at 410-745-5654 or busygraham@gmail.com for more information. All ages are welcome. Admission: $7 adults, $3 students (includes refreshments). Please pay what you can - less or more. No need to bring a partner. Arrive anytime and stay as long as you like. No experience necessary. A professional dance caller will lead the way. Those who want to watch from the sidelines and enjoy the music are also welcome. The last part of the evening (8:30-9:15) will feature more advanced dances for the pleasure of our more experienced dancers. For local musicians (teens and adults) - there will be an open band session 7-7:30 pm (and again at the end of the dance) -- for anyone who plays an instrument and would enjoy the opportunity to play some tunes in an ensemble setting. (Arrive 6:30 for warm-up before dancing starts at 7pm). Visit http://www.CarpeDiemArts.org to download tunes and practice in advance. Please encourage your musician friends to give it a try. The tunes are great fun to learn and sound even better with a band! Web site: http://www.carpediemarts.org.

Takoma Park - Mid-Winter Festival: The Folklore Society of Greater Washington's Midwinter Festival is a family-friendly extravaganza of music, dance, stories, workshops, and crafts. Held around the first weekend in February. The Mini-Fest provides all comers with a wonderful opportunity to beat the winter blues, visit with friends and neighbors, and be part of some of the finest music that the Washington area has to offer! It is held at the Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Want to get in free? Scroll down for information on volunteer opportunities. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Takoma Park - Folk Festival: in mid-September, 11 am to 6:30 pm at the Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd. (near Rt. 410). Music, crafts, food and a variety of dancing. Web site: http://www.tpff.org/.

Thurmont - Catoctin Spring Weekend: The Baltimore Folk Music Society sponsors the Catoctin Mountain Music and Dance Spring Weekend featuring traditional music, dancing, and crafts with programs run by volunteers. The spring weekend is held in mid-June. The camp runs from about 6 p.m. on Friday to about noon on Sunday. The camp is held at Camp Misty Mount in Catoctin Mountain National Park. Web site: http://www.bfms.org/.

Thurmont - Catoctin Fall Weekend: The Baltimore Folk Music Society sponsors the Catoctin Mountain Music and Dance Spring Weekend featuring traditional music, dancing, and crafts with programs run by volunteers. The fall weekend is held in mid-late October. The camp runs from about 6 p.m. on Friday to about noon on Sunday. The camp is held at Camp Misty Mount in Catoctin Mountain National Park. Web site: http://www.bfms.org/.

Upper Marlboro - Fairhaven School: Fundraising dance at the Fairhaven School, 17900 Queen Anne Road. Telephone: 301 249-8060. There will be a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and refreshments. 7 PM. Open to all (admission by donation). Proceeds benefit Fairhaven's tuition assistance fund. Web site: http://www.contradancers.com/atds/index.html.

West River - FSGW Fall Getaway: Get away from it all, at the height of the autumn color season, and make music together with your neighbors and musicians from all over the world at the West River Conference Center. It has heated facilities and flat terrain, and is on the shores of an inlet of the Chesapeake Bay. West River is a lovely spot with lots of inviting places to jam or sing, from first light to the wee hours. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.

Westminster - Common Ground Traditions Week 1: A July week of workshops, classes, events and a limited amount of contra dancing. Web site: http://www.commongroundonthehill.org

Westminster - Common Ground Traditions Week 2: A July week of workshops, classes, events and a limited amount of contra dancing. Web site: http://www.commongroundonthehill.org

Westminster - Common Ground Traditions Festival: Two-day festival in July of music, dance and other folk arts, sometimes including contras, squares and other participatory dancing. Web site: http://www.commongroundonthehill.org

Westminster - Common Ground Evenings: Evening programs during the Common Ground weeks (in July) are open to the public by paid admission and may or may not include dancing (and may or may not include contras, squares, etc.). Web site: http://www.commongroundonthehill.org

This page is part of the Contrdancelinks.com web site. For more information about contra dancing, visit these other site pages:

*The Colorado link will bring you to Dancing on the Web. The Iowa link will bring you to the Central Iowa Barn Dance Association. The Maine link will bring you to the Downeast Friends of the Folk Arts. The New Mexico link will bring you to the New Mexico Folk Music and Dance Society. The Utah link will bring you to Utah Contradance Information. These fine organizations and individuals already have complete listings for these states and there is no reason for me to duplicate their efforts.

**As far as I know, there are no regular dances or events in Louisiana, Mississippi, South Dakota or Wyoming, but I have created pages if something changes in the future.

http://www.contradancelinks.com/schedule_md.html
Produced by Charlie Seelig
Last updated on January 31, 2012