This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Vermont including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Vermont 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.
Brattleboro: The dance takes place in the Stone Church at the corner of Main and Grove Streets, just north of the post office in downtown Brattleboro on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. The dance starts at 7:15 with a workshop for beginners, and continues with dancing for all from 7:30 to 10:30 PM. Admission is $10 ($7 students/seniors/low income). Beginners are welcome; all the dances will be taught. You don't need to come with a partner, other friendly dancers will dance with you. For more info email ethan@ethanhw.com or call 802-257-9234. The Brattleboro Dance welcomes musicians to a slow jam session before every dance. All instruments and skill levels are welcome to come and play tunes starting at 5:30 PM and going until around 6:30. Web site: http://www.ethanhw.com/brattdance/index.html.
Brattleboro - Dawn Dance - Memorial Day Weekend: The Dawn Dance takes place at the Gibson-Aiken Center, 207 Main Street (Rt. 5), in Brattleboro on Memorial Day Weekend (U.S.). It starts off with an English Country dance segment in the middle of the afternoon and then there are three contra dance segments with the last ending the following morning. Web site: http://www.dawndance.org/.
Brattleboro - Dawn Dance - Labor Day Weekend: The Dawn Dance takes place at the Gibson-Aiken Center, 207 Main Street (Rt. 5), in Brattleboro on Labor Day Weekend (U.S.). It starts off with an English Country dance segment in the middle of the afternoon and then there are three contra dance segments with the last ending the following morning. Web site: http://www.dawndance.org/.
Brattleboro - Northern Roots Traditional Music Festival: A day-long, mostly music event in late January, bringing together local and regional musicians representing the best of various northern musical traditions including Irish, Scottish, English, Swedish and French Canadian. Web site: http://www.bmcvt.org/northernroots.
Brattleboro - Strolling of the Heifers: Enjoy three days in early June filled with great events to entertain and educate the whole family, highlighted, of course, by the world-famous Strolling of the Heifers Parade on Saturday on Brattleboro's historic Main Street, followed by the Dairy Festival and Green Expo. Contra dance on Saturday night. Web site: http://www.strollingoftheheifers.com.
Brattleboro - Northern Roots Traditional Arts Camp for Kids: Day camp held in late June/early July at the Hilltop Montessori School. Features traditional New England dancing and singing as well as dance band classes for beginners (on tin whistle) and more experienced players. The camp day, from 8:30 am to 3 pm, will also include other forms of traditional English dance as well as storytelling, crafts and games. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.bmcvt.org/summer/traditional-arts-camp.Bristol: Dances on the 4th Saturday of the mont at Holley Hall, Main Street (look for the clock tower) at 8:00pm. Information: 802 453 4613. Wear soft soled shoes. Admission $6. Web site: http://www.bristolrec.org/.
Brookfield - Vermont Old Time Music Gathering: Old Time Music and Dance Party weekend with music jams, square dancing, chili and cornbread dinner on Saturday night, swimming, etc. Camping is encouraged! Bring everything you need for camping out the whole weekend. Facilites include bathrooms, outdoor showers, and an outdoor kitchen. New this year an outdoor pavilion for jams and dancing! Sliding Scale Donation. Kick Off Party in Montpelier on Thursday, August 12th - Concert and Square Dance. For more information call Jennifer at 802-276-3839 or contact us with questions. Web site: http://www.twinpondretreat.com.
Burlington: Dances on 2nd Fridays at various locations. Dances go from 8pm to 11pm with a new dance orientation from 7:45pm to 8:00pm. We are a friendly bunch and are happy to introduce you to the fun that is a contra dance. Admission is $8. Children 12 and under dance for free. Web site: http://www.queencitycontras.org/Home.html.
Burlington - Champlain Valley Folk Festival: Music and dance festival held in late July/early August at Waterfront Park in downtown Burlington. Web site: http://www.cvfest.org/.
Burlington - University of Vermont: Contra and Square Dance starting at 7:00 PM at the Billings North Lounge at the University of Vermont, 48 University Place. Part of the UVM Old Time Music Festival. Web site: http://www.youngtraditionvermont.org/.
.Burlington - Young Tradition Weekend: Dance as part of Young Tradition Weekend in mid-May. Location: Edmunds School. Family dance at 6:45pm. Regualr dance begins at 8pm. Web site: http://www.youngtraditionvermont.org.
Burlington - Mad Robin Callers Collective: Dance series at various locations in and around Burlington on the 4th Friday of the month. Dances usually run from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. Newcomers are invited to come for an orientation at 7:45pm, and the dance begins at 8. No partner is necessary, and all dances are taught as we go. Admission is $8. Please bring a water bottle, and clean, soft-soled shoes. There will be a dessert potluck at the break, so feel free to bring something sweet to contribute! Web site: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mad-Robin-Callers-Collective/158898843438 or http://madrobincallers.blogspot.com/.
Chester - Journey School: Benefit Contra Dance to raise money for the Journey School of Chester, VT, an arts and nature based resource center and homeschool co-op. Family dance from 6:30-8 p.m., followed by beginner dances at 8 p.m. Dances will get progressively more complicated as the night goes on. Admission is $7 per person, with a $15 per family maximum. Children 5 and under are free! A raffle of local items will take place, along with a delicious baked goods sale. Come out and have a great evening! Dance is at the Chester Town Hall, 556 Elm Street. Contact Margaret Grisczenkow at 609-682-2275 or mgrisczenkow@hotmail.com. Web site: http://www.thejourneyschool.com.
Chittenden - Benefit: Dance and cake walk from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Barstow Memorial School. Come to dance, take a chance on winning a cake or just enjoy the music and community. Admission is $5.00 per family and tickets for the cake walk are $.25 each. All proceeds are in support of the 5th Grade field trip to Cape Cod. Web site: None.
Colchester: Contra and Square Dance from 7pm to midnight at the Elley Long Music Center. Presented by St. MichaelŐs College, the Mad Robin CallerŐs Collective and Young Tradition Vermont. $10, $5 for students, St. Michael's students attend for free. Contact wmentor@smcvt.edu or mrksustc@together.net. Web site: None.
Danville: Bring a partner or dance with whoever is there, and dance 'til you're feet hurt! Happens every first Friday of each month @ 8 p.m. at the Danville Town Hall. The Danville Old Time Family Contra and Square Dance happens on the first Friday of the month - normally October to May, but you never know. The house band is named the Hull's Union Suit String Band. Different callers are on hand with Chip Hedler prompting at least half of the seasons dances. The dance takes place at the Danville Town Hall starting at 8 pm. The dance has been taking place in its' current form for 28 years. $5 per person. For more information contact David Carpenter at 802-563-3225 or samlyman@fairpoint.net. Web site (Northeast Kingdom, in general): http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21817441024.
Dummerstown: Contra dance from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center. Folktales at the mid-way point. Part of the Village Dance Series. Contact 802-257-1819, or village@dancingmasters.com Web site: None.
Dummerstown - Northern Roots Weekend: Mostly music weekend with workshops including dance band and some dancing held in early mid-July at the Green Mountain Camp. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.bmcvt.org/summer/northern-roots-weekend.
East Charleston - Benefit for North Wood: Dance at 8pm at Northwoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Dr. Cost $10, benefits NorthWoods programs. Contact events@northwoodscenter.org or call Maria at 802-723-6551 x112. Back by popular demand, the Mountain Folks bring together talented musicians from various parts of New England and Quebec and will share music from the mountains and the backwoods. Enjoy foot-stomping music as you twirl your partner on the hardwood floors. Bring your friends or meet them here. Jam session follows the dance. Web site: http://northwoodscenter.org.
East Putney: Dances at Pierce's Hall, 121 East Putney Road (go north from Putney Village for 2 miles on Rt. 5. Turn right onto East Putney Falls Road and go 1/2 mile until you come to the driveway to the hall on the left.) Beginners' workshop from 7:30 to 8:00, after the contra dance goes from 8:00 to 10:30. Suggested donation is $7 for adults, $4 for children, and $20 for families. For more info, call 802-387-5357. This dance is celebrated for its fine music and warm community atmosphere, where dancers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. No experience or partner is necessary. All dances will be taught. Web site: None, although listings are posted in I-Putney and The Brattleboro Reformer.
Fairfield - Community Food Shelf Benefit: Tickets at the door include full dinner and dance. $10/person, $18/couple, $25/family, $8 seniors. Call the Fairfield Community Center for more information, 802-827-3130 or 802-827-6626. Come enjoy dinner and dancing with your friends and neighbors and support our area food shelf which serves the communities of Fairfield, Bakersfield, Sheldon, Fairfax and Enosburg. Event starts at 5:30pm and lasts until 9:00pm and is held at the Fairfield Center School, 57 Park Street. Web site: None.
Fairlee - Scandinavian Ski Dance Weekend: Annual festive weekend of dancing, skiing and socializing at the Hulbert Center held in late January. Web site: http://www.nordic-home.com/skidance/default.htm.
Hinesburg - Benefit for Access CVU: Beginner's Workshop from 6:30pm - 7pm; Dance from 7pm to 9pm. At Champlain Valley Union (CVU) High School, 369 CVU Road. This event is a fundraiser for Access CVU (http://www.cvuhs.org/access/). Web site: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194974932887&index=1.
Hinesburg - Town Hall: Dance at the Town Hall, 10632 VT Route 116 at Charlotte Road and Route 116. Web site: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=wall&ref=ts&id=100000189153916.
Jericho: Come alone, bring a partner or bring your entire family. No prior experience needed. Family dance at 7pm; adult dance at 8pm to 10pm. Suggested donation is $5 for individuals or $10 for families. Info: 802-899-4686. Location: Jericho Community Center, Browns Trace. Web site: None.
Jericho - Library Benefit: Come alone, bring a partner or bring your entire family. No prior experience needed. Acoustic musicians are welcome to join in with the band. Suggested donation is $5 for individuals or $10 for families. Info: 802-899-4686. Location: Jericho Community Center, Browns Trace. Web site: None.
Johnson - Northeast Heritage Music Camp: Held in mid-June, the NHMC offers a highly diverse musical experience. We're a fiddle camp, but you can also study fretted instruments like guitar, banjo, and mandolin, not to mention flute, whistle, piano, piano accordion, and voice. We started out with a focus on Québecois music, Cape Breton music, New England music and other northeastern styles, but we soon broadened our scope to include such other traditional music styles as Irish music, Scottish music, old-timey (Appalachian) music, and Swedish music. What's more, if you enjoy ensemble work, we offer band classes, singing classes, and choruses. Web site: http://www.northeastheritagemusiccamp.com.
Marlboro: Dances from 7pm to 10pm at the Marlboro Elementary School, 2669 Route 9. Hosted by Louisa Pugh. Please clean soft-soled shoes. Contact lpugh@marlboro.edu Web site: None.
Marshfield: Dance at The Barn of Vivien and Michael Fritz, 693 McCrillis Road from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Suggested Donation Adults $ 10, children $ 5. For all levels, beginners welcome, suggested age for children 4th grade and up. Childcare for younger children will be provided at the Jaquith Public Library. Phone: 802-426-3581. Web site: None.
Middlebury - Haiti Benefit: Haiti Earthquake/Mercy Corps Benefit at Town Hall Theater. The benefit, organized by Bob Turdek of Lincoln, will feature two popular bands (Beginners welcome.) The suggested donation for the evening is $16. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, call Bob Turdek at 453-3920. Web site: None.
Middlebury - 3rd Friday: Dances from 7pm to 10pm in the Municipal Gym in Middlebury. 3rd Fridays. Sponsored by the Teen Center. Contact 388-6356 or ejoselson@langrock.com Web site (but no information): http://www.addisonteens.com.
Middlebury - Middlebury College: Contra Dance at 8pm in the McCullough Student Center at Middlebury College in Middlebury. Contact scolton@middlebury.edu Web site: None.
Montpelier - 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays: Dances at the Capitol City Grange Hall Northfield Road (Hwy. 12), Montpelier (1/2 mile south of Montpelier) on 1st, 3rd, 5th Saturdays -- 8 PM. Admission: $8. Newcomers always welcome! All dances taught. Please help us preserve our dance floor! Bring a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes. Presented by the Contradance Umbrella. Information: (802) 744-6163; Email: ttaska at pshift dot com. Web site (out of date): http://www.contracopia.net/sites/montpelier/.
Montpelier - 2nd Saturdays: Dances at the Capitol City Grange Hall Northfield Road (Hwy. 12), Montpelier (1/2 mile south of Montpelier) on 2nd Saturday -- 7:30 PM. Help organizing this dance IS welcomed! Everything from refreshments to sweeping the floor! We'd like to turn this into a dance series, and need help to make it a reality! Please call Tim or Merry: 802-225-8921, or Aaron at 617-721-6743. Web site: None.
Montpelier - Waltz: Waltz at Montpelier City Hall from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Live orchestra, all ages, fancy dress optional. Free dance instruction from 7:00pm to 7:30pm. Silent auction, complimentary desserts, door prozes. Information: info@gmys-vt.org. Admission: $12, students and seniors $6, children under 5 are free. This is a benefit for the Green Mountain Youth Symphony. Web site: http://www.gmys-vt.org/.
Montpelier - Waltz - Workshop: Waltz workshop at Capitol City Grange Hall, Northfield Road (Route 12) from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Admission, $15 (financial assistance available). Contact Gina Sonne at waltzlover at gmail dot com or 802 785-4220. Web site: None.
Montpelier - Montessori: Benefit dance for the Montessori School of Central Vermont from 2pm to 4pm at the Capitol City Grange Hall. Entry is $5 per person and $15 per family of any size!. Contact Tamatha Thomas-Haase at 802.882.8025 or johntamatha at aol dot com. Web site: None.
Montpelier - Squares: Monthly Old Time Square Dance at the Lamb Abbey, 65 Pioneer St, just off of Barre St, near the intersection of Rt 2/River St. It is right next door to "The Source" auto shop. Dance begins at 7:00pm. $5 Suggested Donation. For more info contact, Jennifer Steckler 802.276.3839 or Lamb Abbey. Web site: http://www.thelambabbey.com.
Montpelier - Square Ball: A full day of squares at the Capitol Grange Hall in Montpelier from 9:30am to 11:00pm. $22.00 Full Event, $15.00 Day, $8.00 Evening Only. Questions: willmentor@earthlink.net. Presented by Will Mentor, Nils Fredland and the CDSS. Web site: None.
.Montpelier - Summit School Benefit: Dance, silent auction and bake sale to benefit the Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture from 7pm to 10pm at the Capitol City Grange. Contact 802-917-1186 or music@summit-school.org. Web site: http://www.summit-school.org.
Norwich - 2nd Saturday: Dances at Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street from 8:00pm to 11:00pm on 2nd Saturdays (but not July or August). Admission $8 (free for under 16 and donation for those over 60). Please bring a separate pair of clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. All dances are taught, no partner is necessary, and beginners are welcome! For more information contact: Rick Barrows at (802) 785-4607 or rbarrows@cs.dartmouth.edu. Web site: None.
Norwich - 4th Saturday: Dances at Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street from 8:00pm to 11:30pm on 4th Saturdays (but not June, July or August). Admission charges are $8, members $7, free for those under 16 and those over 60 can make a donation.Please bring a separate pair of clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event. All dances are taught, no partner is necessary, and beginners are welcome! Web site: None.
Norwich - New Year's Eve: Dance at Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street on New Year's Eve. Admission $15; under 10 are free, ages 10-16 and over 60 are half price. Discount $2 for Muskeg members. Festive attire encouraged. Please bring potluck finger foods for a snack at the break. Please bring a separate pair of clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event. All dances are taught, no partner is necessary, and beginners are welcome! For more information contact: Rick Barrows at (802) 785-4607 or mailto: rbarrows@cs.dartmouth.edu. Web site: None.
Norwich - Hot Dance for a Cold Night: Every once and a while annual dance for experienced dancers at Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street in mid-winter. Admission charge is $8. Web site: None.
Plymouth - Youth Dance Weekend: YDW is an awesome weekend (late September) of dancing, singing, playing music, hanging out, meeting people from near and far, and more dancing. We'll see you there. YDW is open to participants ages 18 and up, and is focused on encouraging youth participation and leadership in the dance and music community. Web site: http://www.youthdanceweekend.org/index.html.
Randolph - New World Festival: An all-day, all-weather festival of Celtic and French Canadian music and dance performed on five stages simultaneously in historic Chandler Music Hall and in other all-weather facilities. Held the day before Labor Day (U.S.) in September. About 100 musicians and folk dancers from Northern New England, Canada, and the British Isles will perform. Web site: http://www.newworldfestival.com/.
Randolph - Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival: Despite the name, a contra dance is one of the events for this series of events in late August. Web site: http://www.centralvtchambermusicfest.org/.
Richmond - Celtic New Year: New Year's Eve (afternoon and evening) music celebration (with some dancing). Web site: http://www.acelticnewyear.org/.
Rochester - Swing Into Spring: Dance is part of this day-long celebration in early May. A Community Celebration with Music, Dance, Drama, Food, Flowers and Fun at Pierce Hall and on the Rochester Park from 2pm to 9:30pm. Dance is from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Admission for dance: Adults $8.00; Kids & Students $5.00; Family $20.00. more information call 802-767-9100. Web site: http://wrvp.blogspot.com/.
Rochester - VT: Summer series of dances on 4th Saturdays from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at Pierce Hall. Contact 617-721-6743. Web site: None.
Rutland - Evening of French Music and American Dance: Combined concert and contra dance from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at Grace Congregational Church on Court Street. Cost $10. For more information, Mary Barron at (802) 773-0095 or marylbarron@gmail.com. Web site: http://www.houseblend.org/.
Rutland: Web site: None.
South Stafford - Waltz: Sunday from 2pm to 4pm at Barrett Hall, Route 132. Social waltzing, casual instruction. Wear clean shoes. Drinks or munchies for the break would be welcome. Contact Gina Sonne at 802-785-4220 or waltzlover AT gmail.com for more information. Web site: None.
St. Johnsbury - New Year's Eve: The First Night celebration in St. Johnsbury includes a contra dance (most of the time). Web site: http://www.firstnightstj.com.
Starksboro: The Five Town Contra Dances 4th Saturday Contradance. $6 admission. Newcomers welcome. All dances taught. Please wear soft-soled shoes. Information: 453-4613. Dance is at the Starksboro Town Hall, Route 116. Web site: None.
Tinmouth: Dances on the 4th Friday of the month from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at the Tinmouth Community Center, 573 Route 140. Admission is $8, teens $6. For more information call 702-235-2718 or e-mail: brendan@brendantaaffe.com. Web site: None.
Tinmouth - Solarfest: SolarFest, a weekend festival in July, blends art, education, and grassroots activism to inspire the conservation of Earth's limited resources, to promote renewable energy, and to support the creation of sustainable communities. It has entertainment including a contra dance. Web site: http://www.solarfest.org/.
Thetford - Waltz: Open waltzing at the Rice's Mills Community Association Building in Thetford Center at the corner of Route 132 & Tucker Hill Rd with waltzes and mixers. Admission: $6. Contact: Gina Sonne at WALTZLOVER at GMAIL dot COM. Telephone: 802-785-4220. Web site: None.
Tunbridge: We host monthly dances. Everyone is welcome. Come to dance, watch and listen, or visit! All dances are taught. Dance is from 7:30pm - 10:30pm. Please wear soft soled shoes. Dress comfortably! Old time contra dance is an easy style of dance for beginners. If you find modern contra dancing a bit too fast or too overwhelming, then give old time contra dancing a try. After a little practice with us, you may find modern contra dancing easier. Most dances are held at the Tunbridge Town Hall on Rt. 110 in Tunbridge, Vermont. Watch for our special dance held annually at Damon Hall at 3-Corners on Rt. 5 in Hartland, Vt. Web site: http://edlarkincontradancers.org.
Tunbridge - World's Fair: Multi-day agricultural fair held in mid-September which features performances by the Ed Larkin Dancers and other groups. Web site: http://www.tunbridgefair.com/.
Tunbridge - Traditional Music & Dance Weekend: Held in late August at New Acadia Farm. Includes a wide range of activities, not just music and dance. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.newacadiafarm.com/.
Waitsfield: Lasagna Dinner and Community Contra Dance from 3:30pm to 6:30pm at the Waitsfield Elementary School in Waitsfield. Benefits the Afterschool Program. Web site: None.
Waterville: Family Contra Dance from 7pm to 9pm at the Waterville Town Hall in Waterville. Presented by the Cambridge Arts Council. Contact mrksustc@together.net. Web site: http://www.artsfestvt.com.
West Newbury - Squares: Dances are held at the Community Hall on Tyler Farm Road starting at 8:00pm. Admission is by donation with all ages and abilities welcome. The dances include the old singing squares (Eastern style, barn dance style), along with things like Virginia Reel, Portland Fancy, Paul Jones, as well as slow waltzes, polkas, foxtrots, and others. For more information: 802-429-2316 or e-mail: adamrboyce@juno.com Web site: None.
West Townshend - Benefit for Country Store: Potluck at 6:30pm, dance at 7:30pm at the store on Route 30. Benefit to keep the building open. Donations welcome. Contact: 802-874-7141. Web site: None.
White River Junction - Waltz: Open waltzing, mixers and casual instruction at the TipTop Building, Stuido 260, Main Street. Admission: $6. Contact: Gina Sonne at WALTZLOVER at GMAIL dot COM. Telephone: 802-785-4220. Web site: None.
Woodstock: Dances at the Little Theatre, On Route 4, West of the Woodstock Green. The Old Sam Peabody Contra Dance Band plays contra dance standards and lively French Canadian dance tunes guaranteed to please a roomful of dancers. Together with caller, Delia Clark, they build community through dance, reaching out to new dancers and experienced dancers alike and creating a wonderful evening for all. Local foods chef Julie Derkson delights us each month with her tasty and innovative soups, supplemented by bread donations from local bakeries and pot-luck desserts. Dance sponsor Jed Dickinson of Vermont Compost and Woodstock Recycling & Refuse partners with Pentangle Council on the Arts to create a supportive ambiance for exuberant celebration of community. $8 gets you dinner and dancing. Children and teens free. Schedule: 5:30: Dinner; 6:30: Family Dance; 7:30: Dessert and music; 8:00-10:30: Community Contra Dance. Come for any or all of the evening. No partner or experience needed. Just be ready to have fun!! Web site: http://www.myspace.com/woodstockthirdfridaydance.
Worcester - Carolan Festival: Day long celebration of Turlough O'Carolan including jamming, workshops and dancing. Event is held at Mallory Farm in late June. Web site: http://www.carolanfestivalworcestervt.com/.
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