This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Virginia including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Virginia 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.
The Richmond dance on Saturday, August 27 has been canceled due to Hurricane Irene.
Ararat - Squares: Dances begin at 7:00pm. Admission is $5 with children under 12 free. Web site: http://ararat.ruritan.org/.
Arlington - Techno Contra: The Folklore Society of Greater Washington sponsors a Techno Contra night with recorded music and live calling at The Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Boulevard. Admission: $6.00 for Members; $6.00 for Student/Child; $8.00 for Non-Members. Time: 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Our dancers who are sensitive to fragrances will be grateful if you use them gently. Call: 703-875-1100 for more information. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.
Arlington - Wednesday: The Folklore Society of Greater Washington sponsors a Techno Contra night with recorded music and live calling at The Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Boulevard. Admission: $6.00 for Members; $6.00 for Student/Child; $8.00 for Non-Members. Time: 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Our dancers who are sensitive to fragrances will be grateful if you use them gently. Call: 703-875-1100 for more information. Web site: http://fsgw.org/index.php.
Blacksburg: Contra dances are on the third Saturday of every month.[ Beginning in February 2011, dances will be on the third Thursday of every month with a lesson at 7pm and the dance going from 7:30pm to 10:00pm] Dances start at 7:00pm with a beginner lesson at 6:30pm unless otherwise noted [and do check the web site and entry for possible different start times]. Admission for the dance is now $8.00; (after 9pm, admission is free). Children 10 and under get in for half price. We will be moving to the new YMCA Dance Room, 1000 North Main Street, starting in December 2008. Web site: http://www.twodogwaltz.com/index.html.
Blacksburg - Squares: Dances at the YMCA Center 1000 North Main Street, in the Community Dance Room. All proceeds from dances go to pay for the hall and janitor, the caller and the musicians, and to maintain and upgrade the sound system. Dances are held on the first Saturday of the month from Feb thru May and Oct thru Dec. Dance times are 8:00-11:00pm. Admission is $5.00. Children under age 12 free. Web site: http://nrot.org/nrot/pp/dance_schedule.php.
Blacksburg - Blacksburg United for Responsible Growth: There will be Barn Dance at the YMCA dance room from 7:00pm to 111:0pm. This dance is a fundraiser for BURG (Blacksburg United for Responsible Growth). This is not a contra dance - we'll be doing stuff like the Virginia Reel and circle dances. This is an opportunity to introduce new folks to dancing. The dancing will probably commence around 7:30, then there will be a break at 9pm for an auction - including lovely works of art and pottery, a beach house for a week, and lots of other good stuff. There will also be snacks and drinks. Admission $10. Web site: http://www.bburg.org/.
Blacksburg - Dance Leadership Conference: This is a three-day, two track event for organizers and callers from our region to come together and collaborate. Saturday sessions will focus the group's energy on constructive ways to build the dance community in our area. Saturday night we'll all dance together at the Blacksburg contra dance. Register in advance as space is limited. Web site: http://www.twodogwaltz.com/conference.html.
Blacksburg - Mountain Justice Blacksburg: Benefit dance for Mountain Justice Blacksburg, Concerned Citizens of Giles County and Energy Justice Network from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Admission $10. No Experience necessary, No Partner Necessary, All Dances taught! So come on down and kick up your heels! Web site: http://bethwellington.blogspot.com.
Blacksburg - Virginia Tech: The dance is from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at the Old Dominion Ballroom in Squires Student Center on the Virginia Tech campus. The square dancers, the cloggers, and contra dancers have come together to host this dance, and all three types of dancing will be featured at this event. This is a great dance to bring new people to. Spread the word, and try to think of anyone who might enjoy the music and dance we know and love, and bring them with you. Please come dance and welcome new folks to the community. The dance will be technically free, but donations for the band will be accepted and encouraged. Web site: http://www.twodogwaltz.com.
Buena Vista - Rockbridge Mountain Music and Dance Festival is held over two days in early September. Web site: http://www.rockbridgefestival.org/.
Capon Bridge - Almost Heaven Dance Weekend: held in late May. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/.
Capon Bridge - CDSS - Timber Ridge - English-American Week: Week-long dance and music camp. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/camp/index.html.
Charlottesville: Dances start at 8pm with a beginners workshop at 7:30 pm. Admission is $8, ($5 after 9:30, $5 for ages 12-18, children under 12 free). First Friday dances are at Greenwood Community Center in Greenwood. Third Friday dances are at Municipal Arts Center, Charlottesville. Please read our shoe policy. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/1.
Charlottesville - Waltz: Waltzing With Gaye - Open waltz on second Wednesdays at Burnley Moran Gym from 7-9 pm. There is always live music, $7-10 donation. Dances are at the Oddfellows Hall on 4th St, NE, a half a block from Charlottesville's downtown mall. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/3.
Charlottesville - Callers' Workshop: Tom Hinds and Cville Contra are offering a 4-week Caller's Workshop beginning Tuesday, January 13th from 7:30-9:30pm. The workshop will be held each Tuesday evening through February 3rd. Workshop location is Bill Adams' house at 732 Elliot Avenue Charlottesville (in the Belmont district). Cost is $25. Workshop goals include learning the musical structure of contra dance tunes, dance choreography notation, fitting the dance to the music and working with the musicians, teaching the dance, the fundamentals of dance calling, and coordinating the end of the dance with dancers and musicians. We will follow-up the workshop with an Open Mic night at the Friday night dance to give those interested the chance to call a dance or two. For questions and more info on workshop content, please call Tom Hinds at 434.263.8070. To register, please contact Robert Bowman at 434.284.0407 or robert.r.bowman@gmail.com. No previous experience necessary. Feel free to join us even if you're only interested in broadening your understanding and enjoyment of contra dance. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/.
Charlottesville - Fall Dance Festival: Weekend dance festival in late October. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/cville_fall_festival.
Charlottesville - Waltz Class: At the Burnley Moran Elementary School Gym, 1300 Long Street. 6:00pm beginner session, 7:00pm intermediate session. Nine weeks beginning on Thursday, September 23, 2010. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/3.
Damascus: Appalachian Trail Days - a dance is one of many events during this celebration. Web site: http://www.traildays.us/.
Damascus - Terry and Warren's Housewarming Dance: Celebrating the Doyle's new home and 6th year anniversary. Dance is at the Rock School. Web site: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165733095960&mid=fbace5G2cd139e0G26baebeG7.
Dayton: From September to May, the dance begins with a beginners workshop from 7:15-8:00 PM. The dance runs from 8:00-11:00 PM. Help us to care for our floor; please wear soft-soled shoes. No heels unless they are dance shoes! We don't want you hurt! Thanks! The Dayton Learning Center is located in the middle of Dayton at 290 Mill Street. Web site: http://www.bearcademusic.com/dayton-contra-dance.html.
Falls Church - Watch Night New Year's Eve: The contra dance is part of the "Watch Night" New Year's Eve celebration cosponsored by the City of Falls Church and the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. Check the calendar or "special events" for more information. Web site: http://www.fallschurchva.gov.
Floyd: Contra dances are held at the Sun Theater, Winter Sun, 302 S. Locust Street. The dance starts at 8 p.m. but arrive early for a beginner lesson at 7:35. Come as you are, wear soft flexible shoes for dancing, and the caller will teach each dance. Come to dance or come to listen - no partner needed. Blue Ridge Country Dancers contra dances are held in Floyd on the second Saturday of each month, September through June. Admission is $8.00. Non-dancer audience admission $5. Snow emergency: call Katherine at 540 765-4990. Web site: http://www.floydcontradance.org/.
Floyd - Squares: Dances on Friday nights and some Saturdays at the Floyd Country Store, 206 South Locust Street. Web site: http://www.floydcountrystore.com.
Fork Union: This series has been discontinued. (March 31, 2010)
Greenwood - Sunday: Dances start at 6:30 pm with a beginners workshop at 6:00 pm at the Greenwood Community Center. Adults $10, Youth (12-18) $5, Children under 12 Free. Half-price after the break (about 8:00). Dances are at the Greenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Road (Crozet). Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/2.
Greenwood - Friday: Dances start at 8pm with a beginners workshop at 7:30 pm. Admission is $8, ($5 after 9:30, $5 for ages 12-18, children under 12 free). Dances are at the Greenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Road (Crozet). Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/1.
Greenwood - Waltz: Open Waltz at Greenwood. All times are 3:30pm - 5:30pm with a beginner's workshop starting at 3:00pm. (This is just before the Greenwood contradance, so stick around afterwards and dance some more!) Live music; Contact is Doug Carter at 434-953-7806 and the admission is $10.00. Also, there will be a potluck between the waltz and the contra. Dances are at the Greenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Road (Crozet). Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/3.
Greenwood - Dance Practice: Beginning on Monday, January 17, waltz practices on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at Greenwood. This will include some other form of couple dancing towards the end of the evening based upon request--7:30-9:00 or later: Dance & practice to recorded music, no partner necessary, help available. For info. call Rick Martin at 434-823-6999 or Carol Bradford (540) 942-3914. Cost: $7-$10 donation. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/3.
Greenwood - Club Contra: Dances mostly on 1st Sundays with an introductory lesson at 6:30pm, dance 7:00-10:00pm. Admission: Adults $9, Students $6, 12 and under Free. This high-energy community dancing with a cool dance club atmosphere and a DJ playing music that goes well beyond the traditional jigs and reels. Electronic, techno, house, electro-trad, disco, retro and classic rock ... all are possible. We have awesome club lighting including black lights and a powerful sound system with extra bass. We even provide glow sticks. The dances are easy to learn and loads of fun. We offer a brief orientation for first-time dancers a half hour before each event. Check out this site frequently for the latest info, or better yet, find "Club Contras" on Facebook for updates and community discussion. No experience or partner is needed. Dress comfortably for some HOT, aerobic dancing! Blacklight-reactive clothing (especially white) is encouraged. Club Contras is an independent dance series produced in cooperation with Contra Corners. Brian Hamshar is ASCAP/BMI licensed to utilize copyrighted music for dances. For information/feedback or Lost and Found, contact Brian (see the contact link below).. This is a contra dance with recorded music and live calling. Location: Greenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Road. Web site: http://contracorners.com/dances/6.
Greenwood - Waltz - Wednesday: Open waltz on second Wednesdays at Oddfellows Hall, 4th St, NE, a half a block from Charlottesville's downtown mall from 7-9 pm. There is always live music, $10 donation. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/3.
Greenwood - Waltz - Lessons: Waltz lessons on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays (September-November 2011) at Oddfellows Hall, 4th St, NE, a half a block from Charlottesville's downtown mall. Classes from 7 to 8:30. $50.00 for the session. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/3.
Greenwood - Community Square Dance: Dance is from 7:30pm to 10:30pm at the Greenwood Community Center and your donation at the door will be a contribution to the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad, Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, Earlysville Fire Company or Crozet PARC. Ann Mallek is sponsoring the da. Come by yourself, as a couple of dance together as a family. All dances will be taught - no experience necessary. Square dances, contra dances and circle dances. Web site: None.
Harrisonburg: Dance at the Downtown Music Store, 34 Main St. in HarrisonburgÕs Court Square. Admission $8, $6 (student), folks under 14 free. Contra Dance from 7:00pm -9:30pm Dance Lesson (from 7:00-7:30) included in the price of admission!Note this venue has a tile floor, bring comfy shoes. Web site: None.
Hillsboro: Dances will be held the third Saturday of the month, December through May. All dances begin at 8 pm, with a beginners workshop at 7:30 pm at the Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132. Admission: $10 per person; $7 for seniors, students, and Bluemont members. Web site: http://www.bluemont.org/Dances/dances_intro.html.
Lexington: Dances at R E Lee Memorial Episcopal Church, 123 W Washington Street from 7:30 PM to 10 PM. For more information call the Coop at 540.463.6954 or email healthyfoods@embarqmail.com. Web site: http://www.healthyfoodscoop.org/.
Lexington - Rockbridge County Fair: One dance on one night as part of this multi-day fair and horse show in July. Web site: http://www.horsecenter.org/view.asp?id=home.
Lexington - Mike Seeger Afternoon: The Theater at Lime Kiln, located on Borden Road is honoring Mike with festivities starting at 3 pm, to include the following: Concert by the Carolina Chocolate Drops; Time for visiting & picnicking; **Old-time dancing. Web site: http://www.theateratlimekiln.com.
Luray: Contra dance in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Advanced Contra Dance 3-5:30 p.m.; Potluck 5:30-6:45 p.m.; 6:45-7:00 p.m. Cleanup! Evening Contra Dance 7:00-11:00 p.m. Location: Luray Art Warehouse, The Warehouse Art Gallery, 15 Campbell St. Luray, VA 22835. Please don't forget to bring a dish and/or beverage to share with your fellow dancers as dancing makes you hungry!! Registration in advance recommended. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197796626934297.
Lynchburg: Fundraising dance at and for the Riverviews Artspace, 901 Jefferson Street at 9th. Dance is from 7:30pm to 11:00pm. $8 in advance/$10 at the door. Web site: http://www.riverviews.net/contradance.htm.
Newport News: Second Friday of the Month Contra Dance from September through May sponsored by CDVA (Community Dance of VA) CDVA is under the auspices of Tidewater Community Dance Council, Inc. Dances are held at Janna's International Dance Studio, 755 Thimble Shoals, Suite C. Dance from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Admission: $5. Non members: $8.00, Max Family rate $22.00, Students and Military $6.00. Members $1.00 off. Info: (757) 595-5996, 596-3480, 229-4082, 930-4253. Web site: http://www.norfolk.folkdancer.com/.
Newport News - Transportation Masonic Lodge: There is a "special" contra dance at the Transportation Masonic Lodge, 128 Deep Creek Rd in Newport News. Starts at 7:30 and the cost is $5. Call 247-1338 for info. Web site: http://www.norfolk.folkdancer.com/.
Norfolk: Third Saturdays Contra Dance from September through June, sponsored by TRADiN (TRAditional Dance in Norfolk). TRADiN is under the auspices of Tidewater Community Dance Council, Inc. Dances are held at First Lutheran Church, 1301 Colley Avenue with a teaching session at 7:00pm and the dance from 8:00pm - 11:00pm. Fee at the door: $6 for TCDC Members; $8 for Non-Members; Military & Student Members $6; Military/Student Non-Members $5. Note: Please bring a separate pair of soft soled "non-street" shoes to dance in. We need to take extra care not to scratch or damage the surface. Entry will be at the back of the church, accessed from the parking lot. Info: (757) 930-4253 890-1190 596-3480. Web site: http://www.norfolk.folkdancer.com/.
Norge: Dances are held on the first Saturday of the Month except in August and sponsored by FOAM (Friends of Appalachian Music) at Norge Hall, 7402 Richmond Road (Route 60) from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Admission is $5.00. Info: (757) 566-1110, 229-4082. The November dance location varies; call for details. Web site: http://www.norfolk.folkdancer.com/.
Pembroke: Dance at the Church of the Latter Day Saints, Highway 460, next to the Post Office. Free admission. Beginners' workshop at 7:30pm and dancing at 8:00pm. Web site: None.
Purcellville: 3rd Saturday of the month at the Emerick Elementary School, 440 South Nursery Avenue. Dances begin at 8:00 pm with a beginners' workshop at 7:30 pm. Bring something special for the potluck refreshments (homemade cakes, brownies or other goodies) to share at intermission. All are welcome! $10 per person, $7 for Bluemont friends, students, and seniors (65+) Web site: http://www.bluemont.org/Dances/dances_intro.html.
Reston: Second Saturdays in November through March at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston VA 20191. 8-10:45, $8. Free workshop 7:15-8. The Reston contra dance started in 1983. The house band since the beginning has been the June Apple Band, consisting of a lively mix of fiddle, clarinet, mandolin-banjo-guitar, and piano. Top-notch callers from the Washington area lead the dances. Our dance provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the cold winter months for new and experienced dancers alike. Potluck goodies are enjoyed during the break. Contact: Alice Markham at anote at gmail.com. Web site: http://www.contradancers.com/reston.html.
Richmond: Contra dances are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at the Lewis Ginter Recreation Center, 3421 Hawthorne Ave. Beginners are welcome and no partner is required. A free beginners workshop is held at 7:00pm. Dance from 8:00 to 11:00pm $6 members/students $9 non members; unless noted otherwise. Help us to care for our floor; please wear soft-soled shoes. Web site: http://richmond.contracorners.com/.
Richmond - Springforth Ball and Dance Weekend: a high energy weekend of food, dance, music, and workshops held in late March at the beautiful Lewis Ginter Recreation Center, 3421 Hawthorne Ave. Register in advance. Web site: http://richmond.contracorners.com/weekend.htm.
Richmond - Waltz - Capital Ale: Join us at the Capital Ale Restaurant, 623 E. Main St, from 12 noon to 3pm for the Open Waltz. Dance to pre-recorded folk-style waltz music, enjoy the Capital Ale fare, and socialize with like-minded dancers. No charge. Web site: None.
Richmond - Waltz - Emmanuel Episcopal: Join us at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1214 Wilmer Avenue, from 6:45pm to 8:00pm for the Open Waltz. Dance to pre-recorded folk-style waltz music and socialize with like-minded dancers. No charge. Web site: None.
Richmond - Waltz - Emmanuel Episcopal: Join us at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1214 Wilmer Avenue, from 7:30pm to 10:00pm for Waltz Melange. Review from 7:30pm to 8:30pm and open waltz from 8:30pm to 10:00pm with 50% or more waltzing with other couple dances, swing, blues, zydeco, salsa, hambo, etc. Dance to pre-recorded folk-style waltz music and socialize with like-minded dancers. Cost is $5. Nights with review and new material are $8. Web site: None.
Richmond - New Year's Eve: Special dance on New Year's Eve. Celebrate the New Year with refreshments at the break and sparkling cider at midnight to toast the new year. Waltzing after the midnight toast. $10 members & students, $13 non-members. Location: Lewis Ginter Recreation Center, 3421 Hawthorne Ave. Beginners are welcome and no partner is required. A free beginners workshop is held at 7:00pm. Help us to care for our floor; please wear soft-soled shoes. Web site: http://richmond.contracorners.com/.
Riner - Dare to Be Square Weekend: A weekend of traditional square dancing, calling workshops, and late night music and merriment, at Homestead Farm in southwest Virginia in late April. Web site: http://www.daretobesquare.org/.
Roanoke: Dances at the Kirk Family YMCA, 520 Church Avenue. Beginner's Lesson 7:00 p.m. Dance from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. Suggested Donation-$8.00. Live Info: 540-793-1574. Recorded Info: 540-314-5306. Co-sponsored by the Kirk Family YMCA. Web site: http://www.roanokecontra.org/.
Roanoke - Contra Dance Festival: Outdoor dance session in Market Square in downtown Roanoke 11:00am to 2:30pm. Free Admission. Contra and Country Waltz lessons for beginning dancers. Web site: http://www.roanokecontra.org/.
Roanoke - Hollins University: Dance on the Hollins University Main Quad (Rain Location: Hollins University Tayloe Gym) from approximately 6:00pm to 8:30pm. No Partner necessary. No experience necessary. All dances taught. Free Admission Free Refreshments (desserts and beverages). For more info, email Mike Smith - msmith5@hollins.edu - Web site: None.
Sperryville - Rappahannock Nonprofit Center: Annual Snow Ball from 7:30pm to 11:00pm: 7:30 pm- Beginner lesson/orientation; 8:00 pm - 10:30/11:00 - Dance. Rates: $10/adult (children 12 and under, free). Location: The Link, 12018 Lee Highway (PO Box 21). For more information, please call Sylvie Rowand at 540-987-9750 or e-mail. info@rnpc.org. Web site: http://www.rnpc.org/.
Staunton: September thru April, third Saturdays (mostly) - Workshop 7:30; Dance 8:00-11:00 Admission: Adults $8.00; Teens 12-18 & students with ID $4.00; Children $3.00; Mary Baldwin students with ID $1.00. Place: Mary Baldwin Physical Activities Center. Call 540-280-2330 [cell] or 540-280-2335 [cell] or 540-350-4344 [home] with questions). Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/4.
Triangle - Prince William Forest Park Heritage Festival: A bit of contra and square dancing is one of the activities of this one-day festival held at the Park in mid-October. Also included are heritage crafts, CCC crafts, children's crafts and games, antique cars and more. Web site: http://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm.
Virginia Beach - Calling Workshop: Contra Dance Caller's Introductory Workshop from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Invite your friends to come dance for us from 1:00-3:00) at the Lynnhaven Colony Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 2217 West Great Neck Road. $10.00 donation requested to cover the cost of the hall and the printing. Please register at 757-380-6979 or <>allbrandt@cox.net so I know how many to expect. Web site: None.
Warm Springs: Free Contra Dance in Bath County at the Old Dairy Barn at the Homestead Preserve in Warm Springs. Dance is from 8:00 pm-11:00 pm (beginners walk-through at 7:30). Beverages and light fare will be provided free of charge by the Bath County Historical Society. The Old Dairy Barn is located 1/8 mi. south of the junction of Rts. 220 and 39 on the west side of Rt. 220 in Warm Springs. More directions: www.homesteadpreserve.com or call (540) 474-3245. or http://www.bathcountyhistory.org (but nothing about the dance there). Web site: None.
Williamsburg - First Night: Dance as part of Williamsburg First Night hosted by Friends of Appalachian Music (FOAM). Web site: http://www.firstnightwilliamsburg.org.
Williamsburg - William and Mary: Contra dance at William and Mary's Sadler Center (formerly the University Center), Tidewater Room, 2nd floor at 8 PM. The regular November FOAM Contra Dance has been canceled because both Norge Hall and the Walsingham Academy gym have been scheduled for other uses. Web site: None.
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.