This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Ohio including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Ohio 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.
Albany - Ohio Pawpaw Festival: The festival includes a contra dance along with plenty of music and celebrations of the Pawpaw. It takes place in mid-September each year. Web site: http://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/.
Athens - 2nd Saturday: The Ohio University Traditional Dance Club and the Southeastern Traditional Dance Society host dances at the Baker University Center, One Park Place (the dance may be held at other locations during the summer months; check web site for details). Beginners are always welcome. We encourage you to take part in the beginner's instruction period at 7:30. The dance goes from 8:00pm to 11:00pm and it is generally on the 2nd Saturday of the month during the academic year. The cost is $7 for adults, $3 for students, $15 for families, children 10 and under free. (For some dances, Ohio University students admitted free, compliments of the School of Recreation and Sports Sciences.) Web site: http://athenscontradance.googlepages.com/home.
Athens - Tuesday: The Ohio University Traditional Dance Club sponsors a variety of traditional dancing on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:30pm at the Baker University Center, One Park Place. Free admission. Students, Community Members, Beginners & Experienced Dancers Welcome! Web site: http://athenscontradance.googlepages.com/home.
Athens - Country Dance Class: Ohio University holds a series of classes on Mondays and Wednesdays 7:10-8:00pm featuring traditional social dances from North America, Europe and othercultures, including: American contras, circles and short line dances; English and Scottish country dances; Irish ceilidh; Israeli folk dances; and maybe others. The class is held on the Ohio University campus in room E216 Grover Center (#89 on the campus map). Community members are invited to join us to learn, to teach, or both. No partner required. Web site: http://athenscontradance.googlepages.com/home.
Athens - Art of Ohio/ACEnet Festival: As part of the festival, the Southeast Ohio Traditional Dance Society will have a dance demonstration from noon to 12:30pm. The festival itself goes from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Richland Avenue Park (park at the corner of Richland Ave & Dairly Ln - visible from Richland). Web site: None.
Cincinnati - Monday: The Cincinnati Contra Dancers sponsor a dance just about every Monday night at the Center for the Arts, 322 Wyoming Ave. from 8:00pm to 10:00pm with a beginners' session at 7:30pm. Admission is $4. For more information e-mail cincinnaticontradance@gmail.com. "Web site: http://www.cincinnaticontradance.org/.
Cincinnati - 2nd Saturday: The Cincinnati Contra Dancers sponsor a dance on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Center for the Arts, 322 Wyoming Ave. from 8:00pm to 11:30pm. Admission is $7. For more information e-mail cincinnaticontradance@gmail.com. Web site: http://www.cincinnaticontradance.org/.
Cincinnati - Special: The Cincinnati Contra Dancers occasionally host a special dance on a special day. Many of them are at the Center for the Arts 322 Wyoming Ave. Check listings and web site for details. For more information e-mail cincinnaticontradance@gmail.com. Web site: http://www.cincinnaticontradance.org/.
Cincinnati - New Year's Eve: The New Year's Eve Dance. A variety of bands and callers. This annual New Year's party dance is preceded by a community pot luck at 6:00 pm. The dancing begins at 8 pm and ends around 1 am. The bands and callers rotate throughout the evening. Dress up if you like! The proceeds from this dance go toward the medical expenses incurred by the nephew of a member of our dance community. A donation of $7 is suggested. Please note that this dance is similar to a Saturday dance in that it is valuable to have some Contra dance experience. If you're thinking about attending but have not participated in Contra dancing, please try to come to at least one Monday night training and dance prior to December 31st.Web site: http://www.cincinnaticontradance.org/.
Cleveland - St. Paul's Community Fundraiser: Dance to raise funds for outreach programs. Dessert at 6:30pm, dancing at 7:00pm. Tickets are: $15 for adults, $5 for youth (6-18), 5 and under are FREE. Get more info by calling 216-651-6250. Dance will be held at the church at 4427 Franklin Boulevard. St. Paul's Community Outreach is a 501(c)(3) organization that is known for it's 50+ year history serving our community's most vulnerable citizens. Our mission is to encourage and assist people into entering the public and private system of services without pressure or prejudgment. We use a harm reduction approach and help people with their immediate needs of safety, food, clothing and shelter. This builds trust so that individuals return for more help, such as counseling, getting into a treatment center or finding safe housing. We operate a drop-in center and HIV prevention street outreach. For more information about programs at St. Paul's Community Church, please visit http://www.stpaulscleveland.org/.
Cleveland - St. Paul's Community Fundraiser for the Roof: Event to help repair the leaky roof. Family activities from 4:30pm-6:00pm. Chili supper with chili cook-off from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Contradance from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Family Activities include face painting, pumpkin patch decorating, mask making, story telling & music making. Do you make the best chili on the near west side? Put your chili to the test. $10 entry fee. Prizes awarded. Dinner and dance: $10 adults, $5 children. St. Paul's Community Church, 4427 Franklin Blvd. 216-651-6250 Web site: http://www.stpaulscleveland.org/.
Cleveland Heights - Advanced: There are advanced dances (some experience is helpful for these dances) at the Grace Lutheran Church, 13001 Cedar Road, on the 2nd Saturday of each month from September to June. The dance begins at 8:00pm and ends at 11:00pm and admission is $8, students $5. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
Cleveland Heights - 3rd Saturday: There are dances at the Grace Lutheran Church, 13001 Cedar Road, on the 3rd Saturday of each month from September to May. The dance begins at 8:00pm and ends at 11:00pm with a beginners' session (beginners are always welcome) at 7:30pm. Admission is $7. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
Cleveland Heights - Waltz: There is waltzing at the Grace Lutheran Church, 13001 Cedar Road, generally on the 2nd Sunday of the winter months from 2:00pm to 4:30pm. There is a half-hour lesson for those with beginner to skills and the more experienced are invited to help out. Information: 440-891-9901. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
Columbus - Big Scioty: Dances are held from 8:00 to 11:00 PM at First Congregational Church, 444 East Broad St. in downtown Columbus except during Summer. Beginners' Contra Dance Instruction at 7:30 PM. Admission $8.00, Students $4.00, Children under 12 - Free. Please bring clean non-marking shoes to protect the floor. Web site: http://www.bigscioty.com/index.html.
Columbus - Big Scioty - Summer: Dances are held from 8:00 to 11:00 PM at First Unitarian Church, 93 West Weisheimer once a month on various Saturdays from June to August. Beginners' Contra Dance Instruction at 7:30 PM. Admission $8.00, Students $4.00, Children under 12 - Free. Please bring clean non-marking shoes to protect the floor. Web site: http://www.bigscioty.com/index.html.
Columbus - All Soles: The All Soles Columbus Contra Dances are held once a month on various Fridays at the First Unitarian Universalist Church at 93 West Weisheimer. A suggested donation of $7 ($4 for those under age 25) will be asked to fairly compensate our talented bands and callers. There is a teaching session at 7:30, dance begins at 8:00pm. Homebaked snacks, free childcare, and warm, welcoming dancers. No partner needed! Web site: http://firstuucolumbus.org/AllSoles/.
Columbus - Ohio Folklife Festival is an annual festival of folk, ethnic, and traditional arts of Ohio and the Midwest through music, food, art, dance, and stories at Ohio Village, I-71 and 17th Ave., Exit 111 in mid-September. Web site: http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/ohiofolklife/index.shtml.
Columbus - Country Dance Weekend: is a weekend of English, American and Scottish dancing in October. Web site: http://www.bigscioty.com/shaw.html.
Columbus - Community Festival: is a three day weekend festival with a wide variety of activities. There is a 40 minute contra dance on Sunday, June 29, but plenty to do that day and the other two. Web site: http://www.comfest.com/.
Coshocton - River Rendezvous: is an annual dance weekend in mid-July at Lake Park in Coshocton. Pre-registration is required and this weekend sells out fast, so register early. Web site: http://www.riverrendezvous.com.
Dayton - CityFolk Festival: is an annual multi-faceted festival of music, dance, food and culture at the RiverScape MetroPark in July. Free admission. Web site: http://www.cityfolk.org/festival/festival.html.
Dublin - Celtic Festival: is a three day celebration of Celtic culture, arts and recreation and includes a 75 minute contra dance on Sunday, August 3. Web site: http://www.dublinirishfestival.org/.
Dublin - Irish Festival: is a three day celebration of Celtic culture, arts and recreation and includes one contra dance Web site: http://www.dublinirishfestival.org/.
Gambier - Kenyon College: Some of the Mount Vernon contra dance group are trying to introduce Kenyon College students to contra dancing. Recently they obtained grant funds to hold an "Introduction to Contra Dance" at Kenyon on Saturday, September 12th, 1:30-5:00 pm, sponsored by the Kenyon College Campus Community Development Fund. We hope some of you might be interested in attending. It's always helpful to have veteran dancers on hand to guide the beginners!Time: 1:30 - 5:00 Location: Gund Ballroom. Web site (specific to this date): http://calendar.kenyon.edu/main.php?view=event&eventid=1248877500150.
Garrettsville - Canoe, Contra, Canter: Canoe from Camp Hi in Hiram. Potluck, Camp at Kool Lakes in Garrettsville. Dance at Parkman Comm. House. Canter - Horseback Riding near Nelson Ledges State Park. Info-Patti-RSVP for Food Planning Riding, Camping. 216-844-3482 day. 216-749-5869 eve. Web site: http://neohiocontradance.org/.
Granville - Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association Annual Conference is held each year in February and includes a contra dance. Web site: http://www.oeffa.org/.
Greentown: On the 2nd Saturday of each month from September to May, there are contra dances at the Greentown Community Park Building, 9845 Cashner Road. The beginners' session starts at 7:00pm and the dancing begins at 7:30pm with an end time of 10:30pm. This dance is welcoming to dancers of all ages. Dancers under 18 pay half price! For more information, contact Dennis at 303-823-5480. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
Kent State - Folk Festival: The Festival is multi-day, multi-event, mostly music with some dancing, in the first part of November at a variety of venues. Web site: http://www.kentstatefolkfestival.org/.
Kettering - Flight of Fancy: is an annual day of dance in September at the Michael Solomon Pavilion, 2917 Berkley Avenue (behind the Community Golf Course off Dorothy Lane) featuring classes in waltzing, squares and contras along with an evening dance. You can register in advance or at the door. Web site: http://www.cityfolk.org/flightoffancy.htm.
Kettering - CityFolk holds dances on the 1st Friday of the month from September to May (except December) with waltzing at 6:30pm, instruction at 7:30pm, and contra dancing at 8:00pm. The dances are held at the Michael Solomon Pavilion, 2917 Berkley Avenue (behind the Community Golf Course off Dorothy Lane). Admission is at the Door: $7 adults, children 12 and under free. No experience is necessary, all ages are welcome and you don't need to bring a partner. The caller teaches all dances before they start. Web site: http://www.cityfolk.org/socialDance.htm.
Lake Logan - May Apple Stomp is a two-day dance weekend sponsored by the Big Scioty Barn Dance and the Southeastern Ohio Traditional Dance Society in mid-May at Lake Logan. Open mic, workshops, People's Choice Awards at the potluck. Register in advance for savings. Web site: http://www.bigscioty.com/may-appl.htm.
Lakewood: There are contra dances at the Lakewood Masonic Temple at 15300 Detroit in Lakewood on the 1st Saturday of the month. Dancing begins at 8pm and goes until 11pm with teaching for beginners at 7pm. Admission is $6. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
London - Midsummer Dance Party: The Recreational Folk Dancers of Columbus sponsor the party in June each year at the White Star Farm, 8100 Opossum Run Rd. London. The party features American Contra + English Country + International Folk + Scottish Country+ Welsh Country dances + Scandinavian from 2pm to 9pm and you should bring a Casserole, salad, dessert to share at the potluck dinner. Web site: http://www.recfolkdancers.webs.com.
Columbus - Midwinter Dance Party: The Recreational Folk Dancers of Columbus sponsor the party in January each year at the Clinton Heights Lutheran Church, 15 Clinton Heights Avenue. The party features American Contra + English Country + International Folk + Scottish Country+ Welsh Country dances + Scandinavian from 7:30pm to 10:00pm in the first half of January. Web site: http://www.recfolkdancers.webs.com.
Mount Vernon - Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival: celebrates the music of Mount Vernon's own Daniel Decatur Emmett with events ranging from music to dance to a farmers' market, quilt and flower shows and an antique and classic car show. Web site: http://www.danemmettfestival.org.
Mount Vernon: Dances are held at St. Paul's Parish House, 100 E. High St., one block E. of the central square in Mount Vernon. 2:00 - 5:00 PM, 1:30 Lesson for beginners. Plan to warm up with a friendly dancing community, a great band and caller, and an after-dance gathering. Some dances have potlucks after the dance. For details, call Mike at 740-392-3018. Admission: $7 adults, $5 students, $15 per family. Web site: None
New Richmond - Dance Party: Mike Boerschig is once again hosting a party for the community at his house. The occasion is to celebrate the release of a new CD, "Drunken Billy Goat", from the Queen City String Band. Mike's place is near New Richmond, Ohio. The party kicks off with a potluck dinner, so bring food to share. Since it's July, don't forget to also pack plenty of liquid to drink. There will be dancing in the outdoor pavilion with live music and volunteer callers. You can cool off in the pond if you wish and even pitch a tent in the field for the night. Please contact John Bealle at jbealle@spsp.net for more information. Web site: http://www.cincinnaticontradance.org.
North Olmsted - Cedar Valley Settlers Celebration & Music Festival: at the Frostville Museum & Rocky River Nature Center in the Rocky River Reservation. Celebrate OhioÕs yesteryear and hear great Americana music at Cleveland Metroparks annual fall event. Visitors can relive the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Ohio's frontier days with a cornucopia of pioneer crafts and life skills, storytelling, toe-tapping music and food sampling along the connecting trail between Rocky River Nature Center and Frostville Museum to explore a cornucopia of old-fashioned crafts, food, and hands-on activities for all ages. Web site: http://www.clemetparks.com/events/cedar%20valley.asp.
Oberlin: Dances at Oberlin College are held throughout the time that school is in session, generally on the 1st Friday of the month. The dances are held in a variety of places on campus including Wilder Main and the Hales Gym. All dances, unless otherwise noted are free for Oberlin students, $2 for other students and $5 for non-students. There is a beginners' workshop at 7:30pm and the dance begins at 8:00pm Web site: http://www.oberlin.edu/stuorg/contra/.
Oberlin - Dandelion Romp: is a three-day dance weekend at Oberlin College in mid-April. Register in advance, but tickets for evening dances are available at the door. Web site: http://www.dandelionromp.com/home.html.
Oberlin - Calling Workshop: Cleveland area caller Beck Hill will come to Oberlin to teach interested students how to call. Session goes from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. If you would like to attend, email us at contra@oberlin.edu. Students who attend will get to call at Oberlin dances! Fun! Web site http://www.oberlin.edu/stuorg/contra/.
Parkman - Windhorse Solstice Dance: at the Parkman Comm. House, 16295 Main Market St. (US 422). Free Activities 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Potluck Dinner from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Teaching from 6:30pm to 7:00pm, contra from 7:00pm to 10:0pm and swing from 10:00pm to 11:00pm. Cost is $6. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
Parkman - Conoe Contra Canter: Canoe on the upper Cuyahoga River near Hiram from 1pm Saturday - group leaves for 2 to 4 hour trip; $18. Contra at the Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Street (US 422). 5pm-6:30pm, potluck - pasta, iced tea, lemonade provided. Please bring other mains, sides, salads, dessert (please no nuts or sesame). Contra from 7:00pm to 10:00pm, swing from 10:00pm to 11:00pm. Canter - Horseback riding on Sunday morning, one hour guided walking trail ride in the woods $35. Camping available at Kool Lakes Family Campground, 3 miles from Parkman Community House. Rates and reservations, 400-548-8436 www.koollakes.com. For detailed informatin or to register for canoeing or horseback riding (by July 15) please call Patti 216-749-5869 (day of event 216-406-6626). Web site: None.
Peninsula - Saturday: There are dances on the 4th Saturday of the month at the Boston Township Schoolhouse, 1775 Main Street, Route 303 & Riverview Road in Peninsula. There is a beginners' session at 7:00pm and the dance starts at 8:00pm and ends at 11:00pm. Admission is $7. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
Peninsula - Thursday: There are dances on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Boston Township Schoolhouse, 1775 Main Street, Route 303 & Riverview Road in Peninsula. There is a beginners' session at 7:00pm and the dance starts at 8:00pm and ends at 11:00pm. Admission is $7. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
Peninsula - Bridge Dance: There is an annual dance on the 2nd Thursday of July at the Everett Road covered bridge. There is a beginners' session at 7:00pm and the dance starts at 8:00pm and ends at 11:00pm. Admission is $7. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
Rocky River - New Year's Eve: The North Coast Contra Community New Year's Eve Dance is held at the Rocky River Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Road. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org/.
Rocky River - New Year's Day - Waltz: Fireside Brunch with Waltzing & Couples dances beginning at 10:30am. Elmwood Cabin, Elmwood Park, 660 Elmwood Road. Free! Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org/.
Rocky River - Summer: The North Coast Contra Community summer dances in Rocky River are held at the Rocky River's Civic Center (Don Umerley Civic Center), 21016 Hilliard Road. All dances are taught and walked through, so this dance is open to all from beginners to the most experienced. Adm. is $9:00-- For more info: 216.321.6258. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org/.
Rossford: Northwest Ohio Traditional Music and Dance (NOTMAD) sponsors dances at the Rossford United Methodist Church, 270 Dixie Highway, generally on the 2nd Saturday of the month from September to May. Dances begin 7:30 PM, with admission fees of $7 (adults), $5 (students), and $3 (children 14 & under). NOTMAD hosts a potluck supper at 6:45 PM before each regular dance. Please join us! Web site: http://www.notmad.org/.
Welshfield: There are contra dances at the Troy Community Hall, Rt 422 east of Rt 700, in Welshfield on the 1st Saturday of the month with a summer break and dances beginning again in October. Dancing begins at 7:30pm and goes until 10:30pm with teaching for beginners at 6:30pm. Admission is $6. Web site: http://www.neohiocontradance.org.
Wooster: The Valley College Grange sponsors dances at the Grange (2411 Shreve Road (Route 226) in Wooster) on 1st Saturdays from October to May. The dances begin at 7:30pm and end at 10:30pm with instruction at 7:15pm. Admission is $6 at the door; students $5; family $15. Call (330) 345-7308 or e-mail senglish@umich.edu for more information. Web site: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~senglish/dance.html.
Worthington - Winter Warmup is a three-day dance and music weekend in late November/early December sponsored by the Big Scioty Barn Dance at the Worthington Community Center. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.bigscioty.com/warmup.html.
Yellow Springs - Tecumseh Land Trust Benefit Dance: is an annual dance held in February to benefit the land trust at the Mills Lawn Elementary School, 200 S. Walnut Street. Cost: $10.00/adult, children free. $5.00 per child for babysitting. Contact: ThomasWalkey@sbcglobal.net. Web site: http://www.tecumsehlandtrust.org/.
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