This page tries to keep track of all contra dances in Virginia including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Virginia 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.
Ararat - Squares: Dances begin at 7:00pm. Admission is $5 with children under 12 free. Web site: http://ararat.ruritan.org/.
Blacksburg: Contra dances are on the third Saturday of every month. Dances start at 8:00pm with a beginner lesson at 7:30pm unless otherwise noted. Admission for the dance is now $8.00; (after 10pm, admission is free). Children 10 and under get in for half price. We will be moving to the new YMCA Dance Room, 1000 North Main Street, starting in December 2008. Web site: http://www.twodogwaltz.com/index.html.
Blacksburg - Squares: Dances at the YMCA Center 1000 North Main Street, in the Community Dance Room. All proceeds from dances go to pay for the hall and janitor, the caller and the musicians, and to maintain and upgrade the sound system. Dances are held on the first Saturday of the month from Feb thru May and Oct thru Dec. Dance times are 8:00-11:00pm. Admission is $7 .00. Under 12 free. Web site: http://nrot.org/nrot/pp/dance_schedule.php.
Blacksburg - Blacksburg United for Responsible Growth: There will be Barn Dance at the YMCA dance room from 7:00pm to 111:0pm. This dance is a fundraiser for BURG (Blacksburg United for Responsible Growth). This is not a contra dance - we'll be doing stuff like the Virginia Reel and circle dances. This is an opportunity to introduce new folks to dancing. The dancing will probably commence around 7:30, then there will be a break at 9pm for an auction - including lovely works of art and pottery, a beach house for a week, and lots of other good stuff. There will also be snacks and drinks. Admission $10. Web site: http://www.bburg.org/.
Blacksburg - Dance Leadership Conference: This is a three-day, two track event for organizers and callers from our region to come together and collaborate. Saturday sessions will focus the group's energy on constructive ways to build the dance community in our area. Saturday night we'll all dance together at the Blacksburg contra dance. Register in advance as space is limited. Web site: http://www.twodogwaltz.com/conference.html.
Blacksburg - Mountain Justice Blacksburg: Benefit dance for Mountain Justice Blacksburg, Concerned Citizens of Giles County and Energy Justice Network from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Admission $10. No Experience necessary, No Partner Necessary, All Dances taught! So come on down and kick up your heels! Web site: http://bethwellington.blogspot.com.
Buena Vista - Rockbridge Mountain Music and Dance Festival is held over two days in early September. Web site: http://www.rockbridgefestival.org/.
Capon Bridge - Almost Heaven Dance Weekend: held in late May. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/.
Capon Bridge - CDSS - Timber Ridge - English-American Week: Week-long dance and music camp. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/camp/index.html.
Charlottesville: Dances start at 8pm with a beginners workshop at 7:30 pm. Admission is $8, ($5 after 9:30, $5 for ages 12-18, children under 12 free). First Friday dances are at Greenwood Community Center in Greenwood. Third Friday dances are at Municipal Arts Center, Charlottesville. Please read our shoe policy. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/1.
Charlottesville - Waltz: Waltzing With Gaye - Open waltz on second Wednesdays at Burnley Moran Gym from 7-9 pm. There is always live music, $5 donation. Dances are at the Burnley Moran Elementary School Gym, 1300 Long Street. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/3.
Charlottesville - Callers' Workshop: Tom Hinds and Cville Contra are offering a 4-week Caller's Workshop beginning Tuesday, January 13th from 7:30-9:30pm. The workshop will be held each Tuesday evening through February 3rd. Workshop location is Bill Adams' house at 732 Elliot Avenue Charlottesville (in the Belmont district). Cost is $25. Workshop goals include learning the musical structure of contra dance tunes, dance choreography notation, fitting the dance to the music and working with the musicians, teaching the dance, the fundamentals of dance calling, and coordinating the end of the dance with dancers and musicians. We will follow-up the workshop with an Open Mic night at the Friday night dance to give those interested the chance to call a dance or two. For questions and more info on workshop content, please call Tom Hinds at 434.263.8070. To register, please contact Robert Bowman at 434.284.0407 or robert.r.bowman@gmail.com. No previous experience necessary. Feel free to join us even if you're only interested in broadening your understanding and enjoyment of contra dance. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/.
Charlottesville - Fall Dance Festival: Weekend dance festival in late October. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/cville_fall_festival.
Damascus: Appalachian Trail Days - a dance is one of many events during this celebration. Web site: http://www.traildays.us/.
Damascus - Terry and Warren's Housewarming Dance: Celebrating the Doyle's new home and 6th year anniversary. Dance is at the Rock School. Web site: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165733095960&mid=fbace5G2cd139e0G26baebeG7.
Dayton: From September to May, the dance begins with a beginners workshop from 7:15-8:00 PM. The dance runs from 8:00-11:00 PM. Help us to care for our floor; please wear soft-soled shoes. No heels unless they are dance shoes! We don't want you hurt! Thanks! The Dayton Learning Center is located in the middle of Dayton at 290 Mill Street. Web site: http://www.bearcademusic.com/page5.html.
Falls Church - Watch Night New Year's Eve: The contra dance is part of the "Watch Night" New Year's Eve celebration cosponsored by the City of Falls Church and the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. Check the calendar or "special events" for more information. Web site: http://www.fallschurchva.gov.
Floyd: Contra dances are held at the Sun Theater, Winter Sun, 302 S. Locust Street. The dance starts at 8 p.m. but arrive early for a beginner lesson at 7:35. Come as you are, wear soft flexible shoes for dancing, and the caller will teach each dance. Come to dance or come to listen - no partner needed. Blue Ridge Country Dancers contra dances are held in Floyd on the second Saturday of each month, September through June. Admission is $8.00. Non-dancer audience admission $5. Snow emergency: call Katherine at 540 765-4990. Web site: http://www.floydcontradance.org/.
Floyd - Squares: Dances on Friday nights and some Saturdays at the Floyd Country Store, 206 South Locust Street. Web site: http://www.floydcountrystore.com.
Fork Union: This series has been discontinued. (March 31, 2010)
Greenwood - Sunday: Dances start at 6:30 pm with a beginners workshop at 6:00 pm at the Greenwood Community Center. Admission is $8, ($4 after break, children under 12 free, youth 12-18, half adult admission). Dances are at the Greenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Road (Crozet). Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/2.
Greenwood - Friday: Dances start at 8pm with a beginners workshop at 7:30 pm. Admission is $8, ($5 after 9:30, $5 for ages 12-18, children under 12 free). Dances are at the Greenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Road (Crozet). Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/1.
Greenwood - Waltz: Open Waltz at Greenwood. All times are 3:30pm - 5:30pm with a beginner's workshop starting at 3:00pm. (This is just before the Greenwood contradance, so stick around afterwards and dance some more!) Live music; Contact is Doug Carter at 434-953-7806 and the requested contribution has been raised to $7.00-$10.00. Also, there will be a potluck between the waltz and the contra. Dances are at the Greenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Road (Crozet). Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/3.
Greenwood - Dance Practice: Weekly Tuesday Dance Practice at Greenwood. we will now be waltzing *every* Tuesday with some other form of couple dancing towards the end of the evening based upon request--usually Swing or Cajun-Zydeco. 7:30pm-8:50pm Waltz Practice: a chance to work on the moves taught in Gaye's class. 8:50pm-9:45pm by request Zydeco or Swing etc. (or more waltzing); some instruction/help provided; partner recommended, but not required. For info. call Rick Martin at 434-823-6999 or Carol Bradford (540) 942-3914 cost: $5. Bringing a partner is recommended but not required. Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/3.
Lexington: Dances at R E Lee Memorial Episcopal Church, 123 W Washington Street from 7:30 PM to 10 PM. For more information call the Coop at 540.463.6954 or email healthyfoods@embarqmail.com. Web site: http://www.healthyfoodscoop.org/.
Lexington - Rockbridge County Fair: One dance on one night as part of this multi-day fair and horse show in July. Web site: http://www.horsecenter.org/view.asp?id=home.
Lynchburg: Fundraising dance at and for the Riverviews Artspace, 901 Jefferson Street at 9th. Dance is from 7:30pm to 11:00pm. $8 in advance/$10 at the door. Web site: http://www.riverviews.net/contradance.htm.
Newport News: Second Friday of the Month Contra Dance from September through May sponsored by CDVA (Community Dance of VA) CDVA is under the auspices of Tidewater Community Dance Council, Inc. Dances are held at Janna's International Dance Studio, 755 Thimble Shoals, Suite C. Dance from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Admission: $5. Non members: $8.00, Max Family rate $22.00, Students and Military $6.00. Members $1.00 off. Info: (757) 595-5996, 596-3480, 229-4082, 930-4253. Web site: http://www.norfolk.folkdancer.com/consched.htm.
Norfolk: Third Saturday and some Fifth Saturdays Contra Dance from September through June, sponsored by TRADiN (TRAditional Dance in Norfolk). TRADiN is under the auspices of Tidewater Community Dance Council, Inc. Dances are held at First Lutheran Church, 1301 Colley Avenue with a teaching session at 7:00pm and the dance from 8:00pm - 11:00pm. Cost Nonmembers: $8.00, Members $1.00 off. Note: Please bring a separate pair of soft soled "non-street" shoes to dance in. We need to take extra care not to scratch or damage the surface. Entry will be at the back of the church,Êaccessed from the parking lot. Info: (757) 930-4253 890-1190 596-3480. Web site: http://norfolk.folkdancer.com/consched.htm.
Norge: Dances are held on the first Saturday of the Month except in August and sponsored by FOAM (Friends of Appalachian Music) at Norge Hall, 7402 Richmond Road (Route 60) from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Admission is $5.00. Info: (757) 566-1110, 229-4082. Web site: http://www.norfolk.folkdancer.com/dncschedw.htm.
Pembroke: Dance at the Church of the Latter Day Saints, Highway 460, next to the Post Office. Free admission. Beginners' workshop at 7:30pm and dancing at 8:00pm. Web site: None.
Purcellville: 3rd Saturday of the month at the Emerick Elementary School, 440 South Nursery Avenue. Dances begin at 8:00 pm with a beginners' workshop at 7:30 pm. Bring something special for the potluck refreshments (homemade cakes, brownies or other goodies) to share at intermission. All are welcome! $10 per person, $7 for Bluemont friends, students, and seniors (65+) Web site: http://www.bluemont.org/Dances/dances_intro.html.
Reston: Second Saturdays in November through March at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston VA 20191. 8-10:45, $8. Free workshop 7:15-8. The Reston contra dance started in 1983. The house band since the beginning has been the June Apple Band, consisting of a lively mix of fiddle, clarinet, mandolin-banjo-guitar, and piano. Top-notch callers from the Washington area lead the dances. Our dance provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the cold winter months for new and experienced dancers alike. Potluck goodies are enjoyed during the break. Contact: Alice Markham at anote at gmail.com. Web site: http://www.contradancers.com/reston.html.
Richmond: Contra dances are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at the Lewis Ginter Recreation Center, 3421 Hawthorne Ave. Beginners are welcome and no partner is required. A free beginners workshop is held at 7:00pm. Dance from 8:00 to 11:00pm $5 members/students $8 non members; unless noted otherwise. Help us to care for our floor; please wear soft-soled shoes. Web site: http://home.comcast.net/~richmondva/TADAMS/dance.htm.
Richmond - Springforth Ball and Dance Weekend: a high energy weekend of food, dance, music, and workshops held in late March at the beautiful Lewis Ginter Recreation Center, 3421 Hawthorne Ave. Register in advance. Web site: http://home.comcast.net/~richmondva/TADAMS/weekend.htm.
Richmond - Waltz - Capital Ale: Join us at the Capital Ale Restaurant, 623 E. Main St, from 12 noon to 3pm for the Open Waltz. Dance to pre-recorded folk-style waltz music, enjoy the Capital Ale fare, and socialize with like-minded dancers. No charge. Web site: None.
Richmond - Waltz - Emmanuel Episcopal: Join us at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1214 Wilmer Avenue, from 6:45pm to 8:00pm for the Open Waltz. Dance to pre-recorded folk-style waltz music and socialize with like-minded dancers. No charge. Web site: None.
Richmond - Waltz - Emmanuel Episcopal: Join us at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1214 Wilmer Avenue, from 7:30pm to 10:00pm for Waltz Melange. Review from 7:30pm to 8:30pm and open waltz from 8:30pm to 10:00pm with 50% or more waltzing with other couple dances, swing, blues, zydeco, salsa, hambo, etc. Dance to pre-recorded folk-style waltz music and socialize with like-minded dancers. Cost is $5. Nights with review and new material are $8. Web site: None.
Richmond - New Year's Eve: Special dance on New Year's Eve. Celebrate the New Year with refreshments at the break and sparkling cider at midnight to toast the new year. Waltzing after the midnight toast. $10 members & students, $13 non-members. Location: Lewis Ginter Recreation Center, 3421 Hawthorne Ave. Beginners are welcome and no partner is required. A free beginners workshop is held at 7:00pm. Help us to care for our floor; please wear soft-soled shoes. Web site: http://home.comcast.net/~richmondva/TADAMS/dance.htm.
Roanoke: Dances at the Booker T Washington Educational Center, except during the summer when it is at the at the Kirk Family YMCA, 520 Church Street. Beginner's Lesson 7:30 p.m. Dance at 8:00 p.m. Suggested Donation-$8.00. Address: 40 Douglas Ave NW. Live Info: 540-793-1574. Recorded Info: 540-314-5306. Hosted by the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department. Web site: http://www.roanokecontra.org/.
Roanoke - Contra Dance Festival: Outdoor dance session in Market Square in downtown Roanoke 11:00am to 2:30pm. Free Admission. Contra and Country Waltz lessons for beginning dancers. Web site: http://www.roanokecontra.org/.
Sperryville - Rappahannock Nonprofit Center: Annual Snow Ball from 7:30pm to 11:00pm: 7:30 pm- Beginner lesson/orientation; 8:00 pm Ð 10:30/11:00 - Dance. Rates: $10/adult (children 12 and under,Êfree). Location: The Link, 12018 Lee Highway (PO Box 21). For more information, please call Sylvie Rowand at 540-987-9750 or e-mail. info@rnpc.org. Web site: http://www.rnpc.org/.
Staunton: Time: Workshop 7:30 Dance 8:00pm-11:00pm. Price - $7.00 adults, $4 youth ticket age 12-18, children and Mary Baldwin College students free. Place: Mary Baldwin Physical Activities Center. Call 540-280-2330 [cell] or 540-280-2335 [cell] or 540-350-4344 [home] with questions). Web site: http://www.contracorners.com/dances/4.
Virginia Beach - Calling Workshop: Contra Dance Caller's Introductory Workshop from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Invite your friends to come dance for us from 1:00-3:00) at the Lynnhaven Colony Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 2217 West Great Neck Road. $10.00 donation requested to cover the cost of the hall and the printing. Please register at 757-380-6979 or <>allbrandt@cox.net so I know how many to expect. Web site: None.
Williamsburg First Night: Dance as part of Williamsburg First Night hosted by Friends of Appalachian Music (FOAM). Web site: http://www.firstnightwilliamsburg.org.
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