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 Hawai'i including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Hawai'i 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.
Haiku: Dance at a private residence, 1401 W. Kuiaha Road, Haiku, HI from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Circles, lines, and mixers. Free admission, but donations welcome. All ages. No experience necessary. Sit-in musicians welcome. Call Kate 214-8887 for directions. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/mauicontra.
Hilo - UH Hilo Old Gym: Dance workshop at the UH Hilo Old Gym, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo at 5 p.m. Details: Learn the basics of contra dance in this introductory workshop. Contra dance is an American folk dance originating in New England in the 1700s, and has recently regained popularity on the Mainland. A fun, friendly social dancing experience, $25. Open to anyone ages 16 and up. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Contact: UHH CCECS, 974-7664, ccecs@hawaii.edu - Web site: http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/CCECS/.
Honolulu: For more information about the dances sponsored by The Contradancers of Hawai'i including the current schedule and venue (Paradise Park in Manoa, 3737 Manoa Road from 7pm to 9:30pm) information, visit their web site at: http://contradancehi.weebly.com or for more information, contact: Bob Crone at phone (808) 262-5277 or email bobcrone@earthlink.net
Honolulu - New Year's Eve: Special New Year's Eve Dance. For more information about the dances sponsored by The Contradancers of Hawai'i including the current schedule and venue information, visit their web site at: http://contradancehi.weebly.com or for more information, contact: Bob Crone at phone (808) 262-5277 or email bobcrone@earthlink.net
Kaneohe - Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden: This dance will be from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe, in conjunction with a Bluegrass Hawai'i weekend campout. Web site: http://contradancehi.weebly.com.
Kōke'e State Park - Squares - Kauai Old Time Gathering: Old time music and culture festival in the heart of Kōke'e State Park. Variety of admission packages and camping/lodging possibilities. Some events are free. Web site: https://www.kauaioldtime.com.
Kilauea - Squares - Kauai Folk Festival: Mostly music weekend festival with some outdoor activities and square dancing at the Princeville Airport. Web site: https://kauaifolkfestival.com/.
Makawao: Dance from 5pm to 8pm at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, 91 Pukalani St, Makawao, Hawaii 96768. If you're a musician, feel free to bring your instrument and sit in with the band! Discounts will be given for attendees who come with a friend or partner of the opposite gender. In the spirit of the holidays, we will be collecting donations for the Maui Food Bank. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/mauicontra/.
Makawao - Makawao Union Church: Dance from 7pm to 9pm at the Makawao Union Church, 1445 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/mauicontra/.
Pahala - Tropical Dance Vacation: A dance week created and organized by caller and musician George Marshall, usually held in February or March on the Big Island. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.tropicaldancevacation.com/.
Pahoa - Tropical Dance Vacation: A dance week created and organized by caller and musician George Marshall, usually held in February or March on the Big Island. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.tropicaldancevacation.com/.
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.