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 Kansas including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Kansas 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.
Abilene - Statehood Ball: Abilene will again be the site for the Kansas Statehood Ball, sponsored by the Dickinson County Historical Society. The Ball is at Sterl Hall in Eisenhower Park, from 7 – 10 p.m. This will be the 19th annual event. This event is geared toward the entire family. There are no age barriers in learning dances of our ancestors. The public is invited to come in period clothing, but is not mandatory. Cost of the dance is $5 for adults, $3 for members of the local historical society and $2 for children 3-12 years of age. The evening begins with the traditional Grand March, followed by a waltz. The Statehood Ball is an educational program provided by the Dickinson County Historical Society. Refreshments will be provided. Web site: http://www.abilenecityhall.com.
Abilene - 5 Star Arts Festival: A dance on Saturday is one of the events at this festival (music, arts, Taste of Abilene, youth activities, etc.). Web site: https://www.facebook.com/5StarArts.
Arlington: Dances at the Arlington Community Center, 900 W Main St, Arlington, Kansas 67514 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Contra dance, also known as 'barn dancing' is similar to square dancing and is a great way to meet people and have a great time! We will open with a short lesson for all to learn or brush up on their skills. We will have concessions available, and all ages are welcome! Adults are $6, ages 16 and under are free! Email arlingtoncontradance@gmail.com for more information. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Arlington-Community-Center-294213400697513/.
Clonmel - Civil War Ball: Event sponsored by the 8th Kansas Company A and held in March. Web site: http://www.8thkansas.org.
Cottonwood Falls - Christmas Ball: Dance at Prairie PastTimes, 220 1/2 Broadway St, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas 66845. Come join us for a contra dance during the Chase County Country Christmas in downtown Cottonwood Falls! As usual, we will have an open band for this dance. So anyone who wants to play is welcome; all ages all skill levels. Mix of circles and contras! Admission is $8 for adults, half price for teens and children 12 and under free. Beginner or refresher instruction at 7:30. Make sure to arrive early for a march! Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/298768470313860/.
Cottonwood Falls - Flint Hills FolkLife Festival: Weekend festival with historical presenters in period dress demonstrate the skills necessary for pioneers to live and work in the mid-1800s plus music and a contra dance. Items produced at the festival will be for sale. For further information, contact Sue Smith at the Emma Chase Cafe (620) 273-6020 or prairie-maid@sbcglobal.net - There is no admission charge to the grounds. An opportunity for gratuity will be in place. with historic presenters, music and a contra dance. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/FlintHillsFolkLifeFestival.
Cottonwood Falls - Statehood Ball: The Flint Hills Victorian Dance Society cordially invites you to attend our annual Statehood Ball honoring Kansas' admission to the Union. Event is from 7pm to 10pm. Location: Community building in Swope Park, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. Live music, caller and refreshments! $8 adults, teens are $4, kids 12 and under free. Period attire welcome! Web site: https://www.facebook.com/flinthillsvictoriandancesociety/.
Cottonwood Falls - Chase County Country Christmas: The Country Christmas Contra Dance sponsored by the Flint Hills Victorian Dance Society starts at 7:30 p.m. at Swope Park — a kid-friendly event. Tickets at the door are $8 for adults, teens $4, 12 and under are free. This is part of a larger Friday/Saturday event with a number of activities both days. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/flinthillsvictoriandancesociety/.
Fort Scott - 1800s Grand Ball: Salute to Veterans: 1800’s Grand Ball from 7:00 to 10:30 PM at Historic Memorial Hall 1 E 3rd Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Doors open at 6 PM Dancing begins promptly at 7 PM. To Honor Veterans, Veterans in Uniform will be admitted Free! Dress: 1800’s Period Dress Highly Encouraged OR Semi-Formal Party Wear. Gloves are required and will be available. Tickets: General Public- $20 in advance/$25 at the door per person or two for $30 in advance/$40 at the door; Friends members- $15 in advance/$20 at the door; and Children 12 and Under/Dance Observers- $5. All proceeds go to the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Tickets will be available at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and the Country Cupboard in Fort Scott or by mail. A Free Dance Class will be held on Saturday, November 11, from 10am-1pm in the Grand Hall on the grounds of Fort Scott NHS. Street clothes, please. For Information contact Dee at: 913-557-1632 or 913-269-1632 or waynedeeyoung@hughes.net - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Fort-Scott-NHS-Friends-Grand-Ball-1701277753529973/.
Fort Scott - Civil War Camp Dance: Event hosted by Fort Scott NHS "Friends" Grand Ball from 7 PM - 10 PM CDT at the Fort Scott National Historic Site Camp Dance, Memorial Hall 1E 3rd street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Saturday evening. Light Refreshments. $5 per person. All proceeds go to the Friends of Fort Scott NHS. For more information contact Dee at waynedeeyoung@hughes.net - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Fort-Scott-NHS-Friends-Grand-Ball-1701277753529973/.
Haysville - Indian Wars Rendevous Dance: Dance is at Riggs Park in Haysville from 8:00pm to 10:00pm as part of the Indian Wars Rendezvous. This event is sponsored by the Buffalo Soldier Association of Wichita, Haysville Library and Flint Hills Victorian Dance Society. Free admission, but donations will be gratefully accepted for the musicians. Beginner dance instruction will be available at 7:30 and the dance begins at 8:00. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/424305767687736.
Kingman - Raise the Roof: Benefit dance for roof repair at the Kingman County Museum. Dance is at the VFW Hall, 126 North Main Street, Kingman. 6:30pm - lessons for beginners and dancing from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Ages 8 to 99 and beginners welcome. Teaching provided. Good will donation (suggested $5 for adults; $1 for children). Prizes donated to the silent auction appreciated. Contact Sue Harris and Ron Pulsifer at 620-532-5563. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/kingmancountymuseum/.
Lawrence: Dances are held at the Community Building; Located on 11th Street and Vermont, just east of Massachusetts, on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Time: 6:45 p.m. Beginner's Lesson; 7:30-10:00 p.m. Adult admission: Pay what you can in the range $8 to $15, to help support our dances. Students: $4. Children under 16: $2. We accept payment by cash or check. Learn the basic steps and movement patterns you will be using that evening. Even if you can't attend the workshops, beginners are always welcome. Please come early in the evening as we begin with comfortable dances for newcomers. No Partner Necessary. Please wear soft-soled shoes! All dances are taught and prompted and feature live music. Dress cool and casual - dancing is energetic activity! Web site: http://www.lawrencebarndance.org.
Lawrence - Midwinter Meltdown: Join us for this special weekend of dance (and music) on February 15-17, 2013. This dance weekend is co-presented by the Uptown Hoedown, the English Country Dancers, the Lawrence Barn Dance and the Kaw Valley Shape Note Singing Association. There will be dances Friday and Saturday night, workshops Saturday afternoon, and a potluck brunch, shape note sing, and English country dancing on Sunday, Feb 17. Web site: http://www.uptownhoedown.org/.
Lawrence - Pilgrim's Progression Dance Weekend: Dance weekend held in mid-November. Web site: http://www.lawrencebarndance.org.
Lawrence - Brushy Run: Barn dances at Brushy Run, 16919 27th Street, Lawrence, Kansas. Potluck at 5pm, beginners lesson at 5:45, dance at 6:30. Suggested donation, $8. Outdoor dance pavilion with sprung dance floor. Check site to confirm dance. Alternate dates posted on web site. Web site: http://www.brushyrun.farm/.
Lawrence - Fiddle Tune Jam Dance: Potluck and contra dance tonight at the shelter in Centennial Park (on 9th St just west of Iowa St). Potluck at 6:15 pm, dance from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The group has been getting together for pot luck and fiddle tunes for over 20 years. Tonight's event is to give the musicians more experience playing for dancers. So come share a meal and a free dance, and help build our music and dance community. Web site: None.
Lawrence - Family Dance: Dance at the East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E 15th St, Lawrence, Kansas 66044 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. Laughter! Community! Fun! The Lawrence Barn Dance Association is having a Family Dance, open to the public and encouraging ALL ages to attend. With no prior dance experience, our live band and experienced caller will have the entire room laughing and moving together in just ten minutes. Children and adults of all ages are welcome. We’ve seen 4-year-olds who can do this, but it's probably best for children ages 6 and up. Babies in backpacks and front packs enjoy the turns and jiggling. The caller chooses dances that are fun for kids to do with their parents, friends, grandparents, or each other, so please come prepared to join in! Wear comfortable clothing with clean soft soled shoes. Special Family Dance pricing. $15 for first two family members, Each additional family member is $5, ages 2 and under get in free. (Example: Family of four = $15 + $5 + $5). Pay at the door, no advanced ticket needed. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/972619439758147/.
Manhattan - Grapevine International Dancers: The Grapevine International Dancers of Manhattan Kansas are featuring contra dancing with an event starting at 7:30 PM at the Douglass Community Center Annex 901 Yuma Street - Manhattan, KS. Demo lesson at 7pm. Admission is $8.00; students and limited income $5.00. For more information please contact Ana Franklin at 785-341-9908 yogaconnection@gmail.com - Web site: http://grapeviner.com/home.html.
Manhattan - ECM: The Flint Hills Contra Dance and Music Society presents contra dances at the ECM Building, 904 Sunset Avenue, Manhattan, KS. How much: $8 adults, $5 students/limited income. Questions? 785-477-9054. Dance every 2nd Saturday of the month. EVERYONE welcome! including beginners. New to contra? or need a refresher? come to the lesson at 7 pm. Come alone or with friends—no need to bring a partner. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your own water bottle. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anafranklin/.
Manhattan - New Year's Eve: Dance from 8:30pm to 12:30am at The Peace Memorial Hall at 11th and Poyntz, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flinthillscontradance/.
Manhattan - Flint Hills: Contra dancing is fun! It is danced to a live band and called by a live caller. The lesson starts at 7 o'clock and by 7:30 we are dancing. Dance ends at 10:00pm. There is no need to bring a partner. We dance every 2nd Saturday. Location: Either the ECM Building or Peace Memeorial Auditorium. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flinthillscontradance/.
Matfield Green: The Flint Hills Victorian Dance Society and Pioneer Bluffs will be hosting an old-fashioned barn dance at Pioneer Bluffs. Our theme for this dance will be 1930s, so ladies get out your gingham and gents launder your collar! Come join us for an afternoon of dance and live music! We will be dancing on a newly restored floor in a 100 year old barn. Excellent space and ambiance for dancing, you won't want to miss! Contras, circles and perhaps some squares as well. Refreshments will be provided. There will be a suggested donation of $10. Active military are free admittance in honor of Armed Forces Day. Proceeds to benefit Pioneer Bluffs (a nonprofit organization) and the band and caller. Come early (1:00) for beginner instruction and walk through. Dance begins at 1:30pm Location: Pioneer Bluffs 695 KS-177, Matfield Green, Kansas 66862. No experience is necessary, if you can walk, you can dance! Web site: https://www.facebook.com/flinthillsvictoriandancesociety/.
Salina - Prairie Festival: The Festival, sponsored by The Land Institute, celebrates the prairie and includes numerous programs on its various aspects. There is one dance as part of the programming. Usually held in late September. Web site: http://www.landinstitute.org.
Strong City: The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the Flint Hills Victorian Dance Society are teaming up to have a Labor Day weekend dance in the stone barn! Dance is from 1pm to 4pm. This dance is open to the public and the best part is... it's free! A good mix of contras, squares and circles. Location: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve 2480B KS HWY177, Strong City, Kansas 66869. Web site: http://www.nps.gov/tapr/index.htm.
Viola - Eighth Kansas: Eighth Kansas Civil War Ball at 7pm. Location: Clonmel Hall, 18402 W 71st St South (Intersection of K-42 Highway & 71st St South), Viola, KS. Attire: Period clothing is fun but not required. Cost: $5/person; children 12 and under are free. Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided. Questions: Please contact Jonathon Goering at 316-305-2769 or jpgoering@gmail.com. Bring friends, family, neighbors and anyone else who might be interested in participating! Web site: http://8thkansas.org/Home.php.
Wichita: Not-so-old-fashioned barn dance, generally on 1st Saturdays, with live music and caller at the Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S. Clifton, Wichita, KS 67216. Beginner's Class at 6:30. Dance at 7:00-9:30 pm. No experience needed, no partner needed. Please wear comfortable, casual clothing and soft soled shoes. Admission: Adults — $5 members, $7 non-members; Students with ID and Seniors (over 60) — $3 members, $5 non-members; Under 16 or just watching — Free. Web site: https://www.wichitacontra.org/ .
Wichita - Museum of World Treasures: Contra Demonstration at The Museum of World Treasures, 835 E. 1st St. N., Wichita from 1:00-3:00 p.m. All dancers are asked to participate! See the Facebook event for more details. Web site: http://www.kansasfolk.org/contra/wichita.html.
Wichita - Eighth Kansas: Eighth Kansas Civil War Ball at 6pm. Location: Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W Museum Blvd, Wichita, Kansas 67203. Attire: Period clothing is fun but not required. Cost:There is no admission fee, but a hat will be passed for the musicians. The public in invited! Web site: https://www.facebook.com/flinthillsvictoriandancesociety/ or http://8thkansas.org/Home.php.
Wichita - Open Streets ITC: Contra dance from 1:30pm to 3:00pm in front of the Visual Fusion Graphic Design Studio as part of this afternoon event featuring a number of other activities. Web site: http://openstreetsict.com/.
Wichita - Eastminster Presbyterian: Everyone's invited for a fun evening of live music and dancing. The caller will walk us through each dance before it starts. This evening is designed for ages 10 and up (or younger children who can follow directions well), so come have some fun! Tutorial is at 6:30, dance from 7-9. Drinks provided, but please bring a snack to share. Location: Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N Webb Road, Wichita, KS 67206. Web site: https://eastminster.org.
Winfield - Walnut Valley Festival: Multi-day, mostly music festival with a little dancing at the Cowley County Fairgrounds in mid-September. Web site: http://www.wvfest.com/.
Winfield: Dance at 6:45pm at the Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church, 3725 East 9th St, Winfield, KS. Please consider a donation to help cover the cost of the band and the callers. 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.