This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Missouri including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Missouri 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.
Ashland: Special dance from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the SBC Senior Center, 406 Douglas Drive. Beginners and experienced dancers of all ages welcome. We dance mostly contras and squares, with waltzes or other couple dances at the break. No costumes needed, but do please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the wooden dance floor. Contra dancing can be vigorous exercise. Wear light-weight, comfortable clothes. Admission $7.00 ($4.00 for ages 16-25; free for children 15 and under). Beginners and experienced dancers of all ages. Non-smoking, non-alcoholic event. Good exercise! Fun for the whole family. Web site: http://mmtd.missouri.org/.
Ashland - Legion Hall: Dance at the Legion Hall, 123 East Broadway. A family friendly event - no alcohol/smoking permitted. Bring a friend and a snack to share (not required, though). We dance mostly contras and squares, with waltzes or other couple dances at the break. No costumes needed, but do please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the wooden dance floor. Contra dancing can be vigorous exercise. Wear light-weight, comfortable clothes. Bring a friend and a snack to share (not required, though). Good exercise! Fun for the whole family. Questions? Contact Krishna, 573-67-2110. Web site: http://mmtd.missouri.org/.
Auxvasse - Squares: Square Dance at Terra Bella Farm. From 2pm-3pm there will be an old-time jam and farm tours. From 3pm-5pm there will be a Square Dance. A potluck will follow the dance around 5pm with brats and chips provided. Bring a side dish to share! Event is free. Directions: take I-70 E to Hatton exit (#144). Go left, North, 4 miles. Farm is on the left after a trailer park and over a small bridge. Note a white barn close to the road. Open to all- come and enjoy this afternoon dance in the country! Web site: None.
Ava: Contra and English Dances at Ava Victory Academy from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Admission...A Donation is Suggested. No Partner Needed..Come Join the fun! Directions: From S'field, Take Hwy. 60 to Hwy. 5 south to Ava. At first traffic light (Hwy. 14), make a left. Ava Victory Academy is on the right, next to McDonald's. For Info, call Tom Berthold: 417-683-9065 Web site: None.
Boonville - Big Muddy: Music festival with concerts and workshops and a dance on Saturday night held in the first half of April at the Thespian Hall, Main & Vine. Web site: http://bigmuddy.org.
Cape Girardeau: Dances (Traditional Old Time Contra and Square Dancing) are held at the Christ Episcopal Church, 101 North Fountain Street on various Saturday evenings from 7:00pm to 9:30pm with a free beginners' lesson from 6:45pm to 7:00pm. Some evenings, there is a potluck before the dance and/or other activities during the evening. All dances taught, no partner necessary. Requested Donation: $5.00; $1.00 for students. sCome in character and get $1 off admission (see web site for details). If you have questions, contact John or Kathy Coffman at (573) 334-4706, Judy Bradley at (573) 334-5289 or John Boyd at (573) 335-7315. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org/capegirardeau.html or http://sites.google.com/site/capecontradance/home.
Cape Girardeau - ChanceDance Weekend: This weekend is held in late February at the American Legion Hall, 2731 Thomas Drive and includes contras, blues and swing along with open calling. Some evenings, there is a potluck before the dance and/or other activities during the evening. All dances taught, no partner necessary. If you have questions, Contact John or Kathy Coffman at (573) 334-4706 or johndcoffman@yahoo.com. Web site: http://chance-dance.angelfire.com/.
Columbia: Dances are on the First, Third, and Fifth Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church, Tenth and Walnut. Beginners and experienced dancers of all ages welcome. If you are new to contra dancing, come to the beginners' workshop at 7:00 p.m. for an introduction to the basic figures. Also check out these articles on contra dancing. We dance mostly contras and squares, with waltzes or other couple dances at the break. No costumes needed, but do please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the wooden dance floor. Contra dancing can be vigorous exercise. Wear light-weight, comfortable clothes. Admission $7.00 ($4.00 for ages 16-25; free for children 15 and under). Beginners and experienced dancers of all ages. Non-smoking, non-alcoholic event. Good exercise! Fun for the whole family. Web site: http://mmtd.missouri.org/.
Columbia - Spring Breakdown: Dance weekend in March at the beautiful Kimball ballroom in Lela Raney Woods hall on Stephens College campus, near downtown Columbia, Missouri. The Kimball Ballroom has been renovated to its original 1930s splendor with fabulous hardwood floors and the original chandeliers. Web site: http://mmtd.missouri.org/.
Columbia - Family Dances: Join the Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers and Lee Elementary School, 1208 Locust Street. in Columbia, Missouri, at monthly family dances for children, parents, and grandparents. Dances are fromm 2:00pm to 3:30pm with an admission charge of $5 per family. A caller will lead families through easy-to-learn traditional dances like the ones their great-grandparents did back on the farm in the old barn. Fun for all ages. Local musicians provided live music for these toe-tapping events. Web site: http://mmtd.missouri.org/.
Columbia - Squares: At various locations. A typical evening begins with an old-time jam at 6:00 p.m. and dance at 7:00 p.m. Open calling. Bring your own beverage and a snack to share. Depending on location, musicians may want to bring their own chair.Web site: http://mmtd.missouri.org.
Columbia - Squares - Bradford Farm: Benefit dance for forestry graduate school, from 7:00pm-10:00pm at the Bradford Farm. Web site: http://mmtdcolumbia.org/.
Creve Couer - Calling Party: Weekly calling party series at 33 Marford Drive starting at 7pm. Callers, new callers, dancers and new dancers are invited to show up on a Wednesday evening and dance at Martha and Bob's house. Bring a snack to share if you can, or just come and join the dancing. Free. Read more at Web site http://www.childgrove.org/callers-local-and-regional/calling-parties.htm.
Hallsville - Squares: Second Saturday of each month at the Hallsville Community Building. 4 p.m.: Instrumental jam sessions for any interested musicians; square dance instruction will be available; 6 p.m.: Potluck supper; 7:00pm-10:30pm (or until we've had enough): Dance. The Hallsville Community Building is located three or four blocks east of the four-way stop in Hallsville on highway OO, near the water tower. Very informal; All ages welcome; Square dance instruction available, live music. No admission charge planned at this time, but donations will be accepted to help cover costs. Carry-in food welcome for the potluck supper. No smoking in the building. No alcohol allowed. Questions: Contact John White (via the About page). http://fiddle.missouri.org/events/?type=recur.
Jefferson City - Snow Ball: Traditional English, Contra and American dances at Selinger Centre, 212 Broadway, Jefferson City, MO, across from the Capitol, next to St Peter's Church. Time: 2-5 pm. Donation: $4 per person or $12 per family. Please bring a snack to share. All ages welcome, no prior experience necessary. Period attire welcome. For more details, contact: jubalmusic@ktis.net - Web site: http://mmtdcolumbia.org.
Kansas City: Dances are held at the St. Paul's Episcopal Day School, 4041 Main Street on the 4th Saturday of every month. Beginner class: 7:00 PM; Dance: 7:30 - 10:30 PM. Dance FREE! Bring 2 beginners by 7:00 (in time for the lesson) and your admission is FREE! Admission - $8 adults, $6 students, $4 12 and under, includes lesson! All dances are taught and called. Non-smoking, alcohol-free event. For information, call Laura at 816-516-1876, Linda at 816-523-4865, or e-mail lbogue@kc.rr.com. Web site: http://www.crosscurrentsculture.org/Barn%20Dance/Barn%20Dance.htm.
Kansas City - New Year's Eve: Special New Year's Eve dance at the St. Paul's Episcopal Day School, 4041 Main Street. Check site for details. All dances are taught and called. Non-smoking, alcohol-free event. For information, call Laura at 816-516-1876, Linda at 816-523-4865, or e-mail lbogue@kc.rr.com. Web site: http://www.crosscurrentsculture.org/Barn%20Dance/Barn%20Dance.htm.
Maplewood: Occasional dances sponsored by the Folk School of St. Louis and held at the Focal Point, 2720 Sutton Boulevard from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Join us for a rousing, good old-fashioned barn dance! No dancing experience necessary. Great fun for all ages. Refreshments available next door at the Maya Cafe. $10 admission. All proceeds benefit the Folk School. Web site: http://folk-school.com/newfolkschool/default.php.
McKittrick: Enjoy some stomping good fun Contra Dancing at the historic, beautifully renovated, air conditioned McKittrick Farmers Mercantile dance hall, 500 Washington in downtown McKittrick, MO. All dances start at 7:00 pm, bring your own beverages and pot-luck snacks, $8/adults $5/students and seniors. Kids under 15 free. For more information call 314-698-9152. Everyone is welcome! Web site: http://mmtd.missouri.org or http://www.themerck.com/events.html.
Neosho: Dances on various Saturdays from 7 pm to 10 pm at Crowder College in the Longwell Museum of the Elsie Plaster Bldg. Dances are held on the 4th Saturday of each month so mark your calendars! $5 donations requested to cover expenses. No prior experience necessary. Web site: http://webbcityfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.
Rutledge - Contra Culture Weekend: Dance weekend with Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, Sandhill Farm and Red Earth Farms to create a contra dance weekend. As intentional communities focused on sustainable living, we believe that an important part of a sustainable human culture is to have fun Ð and dance is a big part of that! Web site: http://dancerabbitdance.com/contra-culture/.
Shawnee: Crazy Little Contra Advanced Dance. Location: Good Shepherd Catholic Church Community Center, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee, Kansas. Time: 7:30pm-10:30pm. Web site: http://www.crosscurrentsculture.org/Barn%20Dance/Barn%20Dance.htm.
Springfield: Dances are held at Northview Center, Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage St., Springfield, MO. Dances run from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. New dancers are asked to come at 7pm for a brief "everything you need to know" lesson. Admission: Adults $6 Students $4. Everyone is welcome: singles, couples, young and old. If you enjoy music and are enthusiastic, you can be a contra dancer. Wear comfortable clothes (layers are good-you can get very warm) and soft-soled shoes. For more information call 417-864-6238, or email springfieldcontra@hotmail.com. Web site: http://www.springfieldcontra.org/.
Springfield - Solefest: Dance weekend held in October. Web site: http://www.springfieldcontra.org/.
Springfield - Ozarks Celebration Festival: is an entertaining and educational look at the region's culture and heritage. The festival includes a range of traditional artists and craftspeople with three entertainment stages featuring music (which will include traditional, bluegrass, and gospel music), storytelling, traditional dance (including square, jig, contra and clogging), films, historical characters, exhibits, and much more. The festival is held on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Look for the festivities in front of Carrington Hall. Web site: http://ocf.missouristate.edu.
Springfield - Calling Workshop: The Traditional Dance and Music Society of the Ozarks is hosting a one day contra calling workshop, specifically designed for young people who would like to learn how to call for contra dancers. The workshop is for beginners, so you do not have to know anything about calling. Contra dance experience is helpful, but not required. The workshop will feature a professional caller to teach the workshop and a live string band to provide music. The workshop will be followed by an evening contra dance where the new callers will be given a chance to call for a live dance. the workshop will be held at the Franciscan Villa, 620 W Scott from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Cost: TBA per student (includes admission to the evening contra dance). For additional details: Lydia Lapierre (417) 529-4526 or ivyandroses@juno.com. Web site: http://www.springfieldcontra.org/.
St. Louis - Grand Oak Hill Community Center - Squares: Location: Grand Oak Hill Community Center, 4168 Juniata. Sponsored by the Folk School of St Louis. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Troy - Kimmswick Dance Weekend: The Childgrove Country Dancers sponsor the annual Kimmswick Dance Weekend in the spring (usually on or near Memorial Day Weekend in May) at Cuivre River State Park. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Webb City - Arts in the Park: One-day event feautring Music, Dance, Drama, the Visual Arts, workshops for kids & adults - under the market pavilions. Sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department of Webb City, the Friends of the Webb City Parks, and the Webb City Farmers Market. Events goes from 9am-7pm. Web site: http://www.webbcityfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/.
Webb City: Dance from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at The Clubhouse, 115 N. Madison. Web site: None.
Webster Groves - 1st Saturday: The Childgrove Country Dancers sponsor these dances and the dances are part of the Hatchling Dance series. At a Hatchling Dance, you get the best of what has been practiced at the Calling Parties, and you get to dance to live music from Reel Women and the Jigelos. Some of the members of Reel Women and the Jigelos also play together in the English Country Dance band The Tu'Penny Uprights. The dances will be the ones called at the Calling Parties: Contra Dances, Square Dances, English Country Dances (ECD) and Dances in Unusual Formations. The English Country Dances will have Contra Dance subtitles, and Contra Dance moves will also be given their ECD equivalents for people more familiar with English. Short demonstrations will be interspersed throughout the dance for unfamiliar moves. The dances are on First Saturdays. Free basics workshop at 7:30pm. Dance runs from 8-11pm. $7, Under 30 $5 at the Monday Club, 37 S. Maple Avenue, Webster Groves, MO. Starting in January of 2011, the Saturday dances will be on first and third Saturdays (instead of first and second). The Waltz Party will also move to the "Sunday after the Third Saturday". Therefore the Sunday contras will usually be first, second and fourth Sundays. Always check the schedule to be sure!Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Webster Groves - 2nd Saturday: The Childgrove Country Dancers sponsor dances at the Monday Club, 37 S. Maple, Webster Groves. Free workshop at 7:30. Dance runs from 8-11pm. $6. Starting in January of 2011, the Saturday dances will be on first and third Saturdays (instead of first and second). The Waltz Party will also move to the "Sunday after the Third Saturday". Therefore the Sunday contras will usually be first, second and fourth Sundays. Always check the schedule to be sure! Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Webster Groves - 3rd Saturday: The Childgrove Country Dancers sponsor dances at the Monday Club, 37 S. Maple, Webster Groves. Free workshop at 7:30. Dance runs from 8-11pm. $7. Always check the schedule to be sure! Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Webster Groves - Sundays: The Childgrove Country Dancers generally (check web site for official schedule and exceptions) have contra dances on the 1st, 3rd & 4th Sundays of the month. Check the schedule for the dates. Free workshop at 6:30pm, dance from 7-10pm. $5. If you come on a 2nd Sunday, you'll *generally find a Waltz Party (see Waltzes below), an entire evening of waltzes and other social dances. Workshop 6-7pm. Dancing to live music from 7-9pm. $10. Occasionally we have a special dance on the 5th Sunday. Check the schedule for times, places and fees. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Webster Groves - Waltz: The Childgrove Country Dancers sponsor an evening of waltzes and other social dances in a beautiful setting once a month. Each evening consists of a one-hour workshop followed by two hours of dancing to live music. About 2/3 of the dances are waltzes, with the others being a mix of polka, tango, schottisch, hambo or ragtime. For $10, you can enjoy a workshop, two hours of live music, and refreshments. No partner or experience is necessary. Please wear or bring soft soled shoes. The dances are held at the Monday Club, 37 S. Maple, in Webster Groves. Workshop from 6pm to 7pm; dance from 7pm to 9pm with live music. Starting in January of 2011, the Saturday dances will be on first and third Saturdays (instead of first and second). The Waltz Party will also move to the "Sunday after the Third Saturday". Therefore the Sunday contras will usually be first, second and fourth Sundays. Always check the schedule to be sure! Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Webster Groves - High Tea & Whiskey: A mixed dance weekend with English and contra held at The Monday Club, 37 South Maple Avenue. Early registration is strongly recommended as space is limited for some events. Web site: http://high-tea-and-whiskey.org/.
Webster Groves - High Tea & Sarsaparilla: A mixed dance weekend with English and contra held at The Monday Club, 37 South Maple Avenue. Early registration is strongly recommended as space is limited for some events. Web site: http://high-tea-and-whiskey.org/.
Webster Groves - Youth Contra is a monthly folk dance geared for teens and twenties. But everyone is welcome in our family-friendly environment. We present a variety of fun dance traditions, including American Contra, English, Swing, and Waltz. Beginners welcome - No partner necessary! Dances are from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Admission: $3 for students; $5 for everyone else. To get reminders about each upcoming dance just email: stlouisyouthcontra@sbcglobal.net Questions? Call Billy (314) 277-7843. Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/youthcontra/.
Webster Groves - Flash Dance: These are spontaneous gatherings that bring people together on short notice for a brief period of time . Well, here's your chance to join dancers and musicians for a "flash dance" - an opportunity to waltz or contra in a public place. Dates, times and locations (not just in Webster Groves) to be announced. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Webster Groves - Special: The Childgrove Country Dancers host a special dance on a special night Check the schedule for the dates. Free workshop at 6:30pm, dance from 7-10pm. Check for sites and admission charges on web site. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Webster Groves - New Year's Eve: The Childgrove Country Dancers host a New Year's Eve dance from 9:00pm to 1:00am. Admission: $9 (2009). Check for sites on web site. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
Webster Groves - Presidents' Ball: Dress-up Ball featuring dances of the Civil War period from 8:00pm to 10:30pm at the Monday Club, 37 S. Maple Street. Web site: http://www.childgrove.org.
West Plains - Old Time Music Ozark Heritage Festival: Weekend music and folk arts festival in June including square dancing. Web site: http://www.oldtimemusic.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.