This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Louisiana including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Louisiana 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.
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.
Baton Rouge - St. Alban's Chapel: Event is from 4:15pm to 7:00pm at St. Alban's Chapel, Dalrymple Drive at the corner of Highland, 5261 Highland Road PMB 376, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Unless indicated otherwise $6 adults, $5 students, under 18 free; beginners welcome; all dances called; fragrance-free please. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/191057771040448/ or http://louisianacontrasandsquares.com/index.html.
Baton Rouge - Ingleside: Dances are from 5:00pm to 7:30pm at Ingleside United Methodist Church, 4264 Capital Heights Ave., Baton Rouge 70806. Admission: $5; beginners welcome; all dances called; fragrance-free please. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/BatonRougeContraDance.
Breaux Bridge: Contra and Square dance at the Joie de Vivre Cafe, 107 N. Main St., 7pm Sharp until 9pm. Lesson 6:45 pm. $10 cover. Beginners welcome, all dances are called, no partner necessary. Find out why EVERYONE leaves with a wide open grin......Plan to eat with us at Joie de Vivre. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/191057771040448/.
Eunice - Squares: Dance from 7:15pm until 11:00pm at Lakeview Park, 1717 Veterans Memorial Highway, Eunice. For more info, email Blackpotcamp@gmail.com - $5 at the door. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/BatonRougeContraDance.
Lafayette - Blackpot Festival - Squares: Mostly music weekend with a square dance on Saturday. Most events at Acadian Village, 200 Geenleaf Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506. Web site: http://blackpotfestival.com/.
Lafayette - Vermilion: Dance from 1:00pm to 3:30pm at Bayou Vermilion District (Lafayette, LA), 300 Fisher Rd. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/BatonRougeContraDance.
Lafayette - First United Methodist Church: Dance at the First United Methodist Church ~ 700 Lee Ave., Lafayette. (Parking lot in back, corner of Johnston and W. Main St., enter rear of church, go to basement). No partner necessary. Beginners welcome Short dance lesson at 3:15 pm, dance from 3:30pm to 6:00pm. Come with friends, and check out Downtown Lafayette Artwalk after the dance! Unless indicated otherwise $6 adults, $5 students, under 18 free. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/191057771040448/ or http://louisianacontrasandsquares.com/index.html.
Lafayette - Squares - Artmosphere Bistro: Concert and square dance at the Artmosphere Bistro, 902 Johnston St, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501. Concert at 9pm; dance, tunes, and songs at 10pm. Web site: http://artmosphere.vpweb.com.
Maurice: Country dance from 3 PM - 5:30 PM at 8001 Woodlawn Road - Maurice, Louisiana 70555. Come to the Woodlawn Chapel for some great fun. We will do dances in squares, lines (contra), and circles. Bring a partner if you have one. If you don't have one, one will be provided. We all get a chance to dance with each other. Admission will be $5. Bring your friends...even the ones with two left feet. No dancing experience is required! Water and soft drinks will be available for purchase and snacks will be provided for FREE! We can't sell liquor, but you can BYOB. If you have any questions or need directions, please call 337-212-6268. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/272789866392090/.
New Orleans - Squares: Dance at First Presbyterian Church – 5401 South Claiborne Ave. Lesson at 7pm, dancing at 8pm till we all fall down. $5. We'll bring cookies and snacks to share, and encourage you to do the same! BYOB (Yes you can bring drinks in the church!). Lessons will be taught – come early if you are a beginner. The entrance is on Prieur St., at the back of the church. The dance floor is on the second floor and is a spectacular sprung, hardwood floor. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/206186812863153/.
New Orleans - Squares - Allways Lounge: Dances at the Allways Lounge, 2240 Saint Claude Avenue New Orleans, LA 70117-8421. Pot-luck dinner, music, then Square Dance! The fun starts round 9! Web site: http://theallwayslounge.net.
New Orleans - Square Dance Callers' Workshop: This is open to beginners and experienced callers alike who want to hone their craft. The workshop will be held from 6pm - 9pm and the cost is $25. It is important that you register in advance soon with Dan Wally Baker. Either talk to him at the dance or shoot an email to danwallybaker@gmail.com - Web site: None.
New Orleans - Grow Dat Hootenanny Benefit: Event from 7pm to 10pm at The Arbor Room - City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124. Grow Dat's Annual Barn Dance Benefit. Premier local restaurants and Chefs dishing up delightful small plates for the event. Tickets from $35 to $100. Web site: http://www.slowfoodnola.com.
New Orleans - Squares - HiHo Lounge: It's a square dance at the Hi-Ho Lounge, 2239 Saint Claude Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70117 starting at 10pm after the bluegrass jam from 8pm to 10pm. Wear shoes that can take a mis-step or two and get ready to scream, holler, and (probably) run into a few folks. And wear your finest duds-- we'll have a Best Dressed Contest worth unspecified riches! Web site: http://hiholounge.net.
New Orleans - Squares - The All Star Covered Dish Country Jamboree: Events that include squares, cajun and western swing dancing at The All Star Covered Dish Country Jamboree, 940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70117, beginning at 9pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/AllStarCoveredDishCountryJamboree.
New Orleans - Squares - Mimi's In The Marigny: Special square dance at Mimi's In The Marigny, 2601 Royal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70117. Concert from 7pm to 9pm and then square dancing at 9pm. Web site: http://www.mimismarigny.com.
New Orleans - Squares - Rhythmic Arts Center: Square dance at the Rhythmic Arts Center, 2358 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70117 from 6pm to 8pm along with two-step and waltz tunes. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/206186812863153/.
New Orleans - Contra Dances: Dances at various venues, times, admission, etc. Check site for details for each dance. Information: Email contradancenola@gmail.com - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Contra-Dance-NOLA-163247394039782/.
New Orleans - Squares - Urban South Brewery: Square dance at the Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA. 6pm to 8pm. 21+ show. Web site: http://urbansouthbrewery.com.
New Orleans - Squares - Banks Street Bar: Concert and dance at the Banks St Bar, 4401 Banks St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 from 9pm to midnight. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Contra-Dance-NOLA-163247394039782/.
New Orleans - Square Dance Calling: Callers Workshop with Southern Appalachian Square Dance Caller Phil Jamison. Welcoming total beginners as well as experienced callers - all will enjoy Phil's depth of knowledge and friendly style. To register email danwallybaker@gmail.com - Time: 6-8pm at 5401 S Claiborne St; $25 if registered before 2018; $35 in 2018. Web site: http://www.philjamison.com/.
New Orleans - Longue Vue House and Gardens: Dance from 4:15pm to 7:00pm at Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124 United States. Admission is $6. We dance to a live band playing traditional reels and jigs, and all dances are taught and walked-through. New and experienced dancers are all welcome! No dance partner necessary; it is customary to find a new partner for each dance. A beginner’s introductory lesson will take place at 4:15PM. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring your friends! Light refreshments will be available. Web site: https://longuevue.com.
New Orleans - Crescent City Contra Dance: Dances at the First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans, 5401 S Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125 from 4:15 PM – 7 PM. Beginners are whole-heartedly welcome, so arrive early for an introduction and quick lesson. Soft-soled shoes are recommended for ease of dancing. CCCD strives for inclusivity of all types of people, and gender and role preferences in our dances. Admission: $7-10 sliding scale. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/crescentcitycontra/.
Slidell: Contras and squares at the Tammany Twirlers Round and Square Dance Club - 35386 Home Estate Drive, Slidell, Louisiana from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Admission: $6. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Contra-Dance-NOLA-163247394039782/.
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.