This page tries to keep track of all contra dances, traditional square dances (but not Modern Western Square Dances), traditional waltz sessions and Scandinavian dances in Florida including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Florida which include contra dancing and these other forms. 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.
Schedule note:
As of January 1, 2021, the dance listings should be fairly up to date including whether dances are canceled although I am behind in keeping up to date with festivals, weekends, etc.. At this point, my assumption is that all dances and events are canceled unless they are virtual/on-line. Since we've entered the 2020-2021 "season" for many series and they never posted dates, information about evening/afternoon dances is getting "thin". Also note that some dance weekends, etc. are already postponing events from winter/spring of 2021 to similar dates in 2022.
Conversations and cancelations are happening every day in connection with dances as part of regular series and also weekends, festivals, etc. I'll try to keep current as much as possible, but please check the individual web sites, Facebook groups/pages, e-mail lists, etc. for the most up-to-date information about a dance or other event that you may want to attend.
Barberville - Spring Frolic: The Spring Frolic is an annual festival held in late April. Web site: http://folkfiddle.com/barber.htm.
Barberville - Fall Jamboree: The Barberville Jamobree is an annual festival held in November. Web site: http://folkfiddle.com/barber.htm.
Barberville - Squares - January Jamboree: The Barberville January Jamobree is held in January at the Pioneer Settlement. Web site: https://www.pioneersettlement.org.
Barberville - Squares - Celebration of Olde Floria: A square dance is one of the activities at this day-long event celebrating the early history of Florida. Location: Barberville Pioneer Settlement. Located just West of Rt. 17 just off of Rt. 40, Barberville, FL 32105. Web site: http://www.pioneersettlement.org.
Boca Raton - Michael's Body Scenes - 1st Saturdays: Dances on 1st Saturdays at Michael's Body Scenes, 5994 Southwest 18th St., Boca Raton, FL 33433. Contact: Fran Matson - contrasf@gmail.com - Dance 7:00pm-10:30pm with the first half hour allowing for instruction of newcomers. Admission: Children through age 18 and students with ID are $5, adults $10, family $25. Web site: http://www.southfloridacontradance.com.
Boca Raton - Michael's Body Scenes - 3rd Sundays: Dances on 3rd Sundays at Michael's Body Scenes, 5994 Southwest 18th St., Boca Raton, FL 33433. Contact: Fran Matson - contrasf@gmail.com - Dance 2:00pm to 5:30pm with the first half hour allowing for instruction of newcomers. Admission: Children through age 18 and students with ID are $5, adults $10, family $25. Web site: http://www.southfloridacontradance.com.
Brooksville - Florida Fiddlers Convention: The Florida Fiddlers Convention is held annually at the Sertoma Youth Ranch in mid-October and features some of Florida's finest callers, bands and fiddlers, concerts, dances, jams, workshops, and a String-Band Contest (home-baked pie required for entry). Phone: 850-342-3536. Web site: https://flafiddlers.wordpress.com/annual-convention/.
Cape Coral: Contra dances on each 2nd Wednesday of some month from 1:30pm to 3:00pm at the Faith Presbyterian Church Gymnasium, 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, Fl. 33904 with contras, big circle dances, and schottishes. All dances will be taught before dancing Couples and singles are welcome. For additional information contact: Frank Dennis 239-542-2066 or Bill Morrow 239-482-7072. Web site: None.
Cocoa Beach: We meet the 1st Saturday of the month at 7:00 pm at Cocoa Beach Recreation Center 321 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, FL. We are just five minutes South of 520 on A1A. Arrive at 7:00 for Contra lessons for beginners. Dance from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Admission: $10.00; under 25 years old is $5.00. The last dance, a waltz, is usually around 10:30pm followed by a group clean up of the dance site. Web site: http://www.cocoabeachcontra.org
Coral Gables: Miami Community Contradance and Potluck - 5:00 - 6:00pm Potluck; 6:00 - 8:00pm Dance. Location: Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134. Bring a dish for the potluck and your own dinnerware. Free parking is available. Admission: $10 entry fee, $8 for Seniors and Students, Free for kids 6 years old and under. It's a terrazzo floor, so shoes with some cushioning may help. Web site: None.
Daytona Beach - Orange Blossom Ball: Dance weekend MLK weekend at the Gold Star Ballroom, 3100 S Ridgewood Ave, South Daytona, Florida 32119. Web site: http://orangeblossomcontra.com.
Gainesville: Contra dancing twice a month in Gainesville on first Sundays 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. and third Saturdays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Thelma Boltin Center, 516 NE 2nd Avenue. Beginners welcome; no partner necessary. Dances are walked through and prompted. Introductory lesson 30 minutes before start. Try it for the first time and your second time is free! Soft-soled shoes please! Standard admission is $10, and 25 and under is $5 (so 25-year-olds are included in the discount), but parents are responsible for their children at all GODS events. Web site: http://godsdance.org/.
Gainesville - Dancing with the GODS: Dance and music weekend on the last weekend in February at the Thelma A Boltin Center, 516 Northeast 2nd Avenue. Sponsored by the Gainesville Oldtime Dance Society. Web site: http://godsdance.org.
Gainesville - Waltz - Rena's Ballroom: Vintage Waltz Brunch at Rena's Ballroom, 720 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32609 from 10:30am to 1:30pm. FIRST time attendees get in FREE. Otherwise, $5.00 students. $10.00 adults. Please wear non-scuff shoes in the building. Please bring a covered dish to share. Web site: None.
Gainesville - Waltz - Richard Powers Waltz Weekend: Dance weekend at the Thelma A. Boltin, 516 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601. Register in advance. Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/1211583999008967/ - Web site: http://richardpowers.com/workshops.htm.
Gainesville - Waltz on Wednesdays: 'Waltz on Wednesdays' is the Rosa B's regular weekly practice for anyone who wants to learn or improve their Cross-Step Waltz or other waltz steps taught by Richard Powers. Events at 524 NW 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601 from 5pm to 6:30pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/352artspace/.
Gainesville - Temple Shir Shalom Fundraiser: Concert, dancing, and food (appetizers and wine) at Temple Shir Shalom, 3855 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605. Music at 5pm, dancing from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. $75 per person. RSVP by February 20. Web site: http://www.shirshalom.net.
Gulfport - Florida Snow Ball: Florida Snow Ball is held once a year in Gulfport in late January. It is held at the Gulfport Casino, a beautiful beach-front ballroom with a large white maple floor. Pre-registration required. Presented by Tampa Friends of Old-Time Dance. Web site: http://www.floridasnowball.com/.
Gulfport - Sunday: Dance at the Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Boulevard South, Gulfport, Florida 33707 from 4pm to 7pm. Regular admission is $10; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Hollywood: Dances at the Hollywood Women's Club, 501 North 14th Ave Hollywood, Flordia 33020 from 2pm to 5pm. The Historic building has a real wood floor, yes a sprung floor from 1927 so clean dance shoes are a must! Parking is available in a grass lot down the street. Volunteers are needed to help out. Dance Hosts Pat Mason 954-431-0690 and Anita Mason 954-260-0938. Web site: http://www.customsports.biz/browardcontradance.html.
Jacksonville: The Jacksonville Country Dance and Song Society sponsors one contra dance a month, usually on the the third Friday. See the Dance Calendar for the next dance. Beginners welcome. Always live music. Come with or without a partner. Dances are held at Riverside Avenue Christian Church, 2841 Riverside Avenue. Jacksonville Contra dances are the 3rd Friday of each month, running from 7 pm to 10 pm. Beginner’s lesson starts approximately 20 minutes before the dance, about 6:40 pm. Admission: $8 adult, $4 student, $20 family. Bring a food or beverage item to share and take a dollar off. Contact Carole Wetzel at 904-396-1997 or email Carole Wetzel. Web site: http://jaxcontra.org/ or Facebook group.
Key Largo: Dances on 1st and 3rd Friday January through April, 6:30-8:30 pm, Key Largo Library Community Room. Calling by Laura - (305) 741-7146D. Web site: http://dancefl.us/contra/contraspec.php.
Key West: Dance from 8pm to 10pm at the Dance Factory, 906 Kennedy Dr. #C, (K-Mart Shop Center) Key West, FL. Contact Nana, 512-970-4919, sealantsby5@aol.com - Web site: http://www.southfloridacontradance.com/.
Live Oak - Suwannee Roots Revival: Weekend music festival with some dancing. Location: Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Web site: http://www.suwanneerootsrevival.com/.
Long Key: Contradancing at Outdoor Resorts from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Location: 65821 Overseas Highway (MM 66). Info: Sylvia at 973-477-1330, or email: sylken-solutions@verizon.net - Web site: http://dancefl.us/contra/contraspec.php.
Miami - Earth 'N Us Farm: Dance from 2pm to 4pm at Earth 'N Us Farm, 7630 Ne 1 Ave., Miami, FL 33138. Contact: Leslie 786-282-3000. Web site: http://earthnusfarm.weebly.com/index.html.
McIntosh: Dances at McIntosh United Methodist Church, 20632 8th St Ave F, McIntosh, Florida 32664 from 7pm to 10pm. (Please remember our dress code: modest, with no low-cut tops or short skirts/dresses. Guys, no baggy pants that reveal underwear.) Admission: $7; kids 8 and under, free. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marioncountycontra/
Melrose - Dancing Fish: Dances are at the Dancing Fish Dance Camp, 24800 NE S.R. 26, Melrose, FL. Usually a series of dances during one weekend each year. Web site: http://godsdance.org/.
Melrose - Mossman Hall: Dances on 2nd Friday of each month from 7:30pm to 10:00pm at the Mossman Hall, 301 State Road 26 and Grove St. Singles, couples, elders, youngers, beginners, pros - all welcome. Like walking only more fun. Suggested donation $5. Contact: Eleta Sucsy h) 352-473-7761 or c) 352-281-7337. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Melrose-Second-Friday-Contra-Dance-1631846603752150/.
Melrose - Florida Banjo Society's Fiddles and Feet Weekend: Jam with your friends on Lake Santa Fe, Melrose FL. Jam and dance (on Saturday) weekend, no concerts, no workshops, no contests, no meals. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/759809010748732.
Orlando - Lakeside Community Hall: Dance from 7pm to 10pm, at the Lakeside Community Hall, 4005 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804. Admission: $10, $15 (families up to four). No alcohol, smoking, or bad attitudes! Please wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes and anticipate fun! Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/112069925497967/.
Pinellas Park - Friday: Contra Dances are held at Pinellas Park Auditorium: 7690 59 St. N., Pinellas Park, generally but not always on the 1st Friday of each month. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). Our dances are 7:30-11:00pm, with a beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $7; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Pinellas Park - Saturday: Contra Dances are held at Pinellas Park Auditorium: 7690 59 St. N., Pinellas Park, generally but not always on the 2nd Saturday of each month. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). Our dances are 7:30-11:00pm, with a beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $7; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Pinellas Park - Sunday: Contra Dances are held at Pinellas Park Auditorium: 7690 59 St. N., Pinellas Park on special Sundays. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). Sunday dances are from 4 to 7PM, with the lesson at 3:30. No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $7; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Pinellas Park - Special: Special contra dances at Pinellas Park Auditorium: 7690 59 St. N., Pinellas Park. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). Our dances are 7:30-11:00pm, with a beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $7; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Pinellas Park - Fall Ball: Series of contra dances at Pinellas Park Auditorium: 7690 59 St. N., Pinellas Park during a fall weekend. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Pinellas Park - June Bug Bash: Series of contra dances at Pinellas Park Auditorium: 7690 59 St. N., Pinellas Park in early June. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Satellite Beach: Dances on 3rd Saturdays at The David R. Schechter Community Center, 1089 S. Patrick Dr. Satellite Beach, FL 32937 with a lesson at 7:00 and the dance from 7:30 to 10:30. Admission is $10.00, under 25 is $5.00. Web site: http://www.cocoabeachcontra.org/.
Starke - Florida Fiddlers Convention: The Florida Fiddlers Convention is held annually at Camp Crystal Lake, 6724 Camp Crystal Road, Starke, FL 32091 in mid-October and features some of Florida's finest callers, bands and fiddlers, concerts, dances, jams, workshops, and a String-Band Contest (home-baked pie required for entry). Phone: 850-342-3536. Web site: https://flafiddlers.wordpress.com/annual-convention/.
Tallahassee: Contra Dances are held on the 2nd and usually 4th Friday of each month at the Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 North Monroe Street. Beginner lesson at 7:15, dance from 7:30-10:30. $10 for Adults, $9 Seniors over 50, $6 for Students, Free for Kids under 12. Web site: http://www.tallydancer.com/.
Tallahassee - Squares - Junction at Monroe: Square Dance at The Junction at Monroe, 2011 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. $10 Adults $6 Students. Web site: http://www.tallydancer.com/index.html.
Tallahassee - Callers Workshop: The first half of the workshop will consist of discussing the details of calling and the second half will give attendees the opportunity to practice calling with a band and dancers. Cost is $15. To ensure that sufficient copies of handouts are available, please let Vicki Morrison know if you will be attending the workshop, tallygal007@yahoo.com - Location: The Junction at Monroe, 2011 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 from 10am to 1pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/312506532630946/.
Tampa - Special: Contra Dances are held at Rhapsody Ballroom: 12101 N 56 St, Tampa on a special day at a special time. If you have comments or questions about the dances, please contact Stan or Linda Prince at 727-823-2725 (tfootd@tampabaycontra.com). No partner or experience is necessary. All ages are welcome! Regular admission is $10; ages 21 and under, $5; ages 12 and under free. Some special events may cost more. Web site: http://www.tampabaycontra.com/.
Tampa - Scandinavian: Elegance and rhythm in rapport with a partner - what a concept! Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm at the Kate Jackson Recreation Center, Hyde Park Village, 821 South Rome Avenue, Tampa. Phone: 813 259-1608. Admission: Free. Singles and couples welcome - wear leather soles for smooth turning. Information - email to Judith Baizan at judithbaizan@verizon.net or call 813 254-3359. Web site: http://dancefl.us/scandi/index.php.
Trenton: As part of the monthly Farmers' Market Block Party, there is dancing, sometimes contra, sometimes something else. The Party (and the dance) are generally held on the 4th Saturday of the month, but it can vary. The Market goes from noon to 5pm with the dance generally starting at 2pm. Historic Trenton Train Depot, Nature Coast Train and Main Street. Web site: http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M17375.
West Palm Beach - Palm Beach Sailing Club: 6pm at the Palm Beach Sailing Club, 4600 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33407. Contact Linda Green 772-708-7381, email lindagreen1000@gmail.com - No Snacks necessary--Irish and Vegan dinners and drinks available for purchase. Web site: https://www.customsports.biz/hollywoodcontradance.html.
White Springs - Florida Folk Festival: The Florida Folk Festival is an annual three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes and kumquat pie, to the wide varieties of music brought by immigrants, the state's cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities. The event is held in the first half of November at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.Web site: https://www.floridastateparks.org/FloridaFolkFestival.
White Springs - Stephen Foster CSO: The Stephen Foster CSO (Citizen Support Organization) is sponsoring a contra dance at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs. The event is intended to raise money for repairs to the carillon tower at the park. The dance is free. The CSO will be asking for contributions to help restore the bells in the tower, and will be signing up new members for the CSO. The event begins at 6:00pm with a chicken and rice dinner. Dancers are welcome to bring a dish to go along with the dinner. Following dinner, dancing will be held in front of the tower at the Heritage Stage in the park. Time: 6pm – 10pm. Location: 11016 Lillian Saunders Dr, White Springs, FL 32096 (Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park). 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 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 Mississippi, South Dakota or Wyoming, but I have created pages if something changes in the future.