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 West Virginia including dance camps and weekends along with other events in West Virginia 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.
Aurora - Barn dance: Event benefits the Aurora Project: Facilities, Artists' Residencies, and educational programs, Historic District, National Registry. Event is from 2pm to 6pm. Admission is $15, children under 10 free. Refreshments, silent auction, door prizes. Music and dancing. At Brookside Farm, Route 50. Web site: http://www.auroraproject.org/.
Beckwith - Whitewater Whirl: Dance weekend in early May at Fayette County Park. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.whitewaterwhirl.org/.
Beverly - Squares - Randolph County Fair: Dance from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at the Randolph County Fair, 4-H Camp Pioneer - 4-H Camp Rd, Beverly, West Virginia 26253. The square dance will be held under a large tent near the fair entrance. Admission to the fair is $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-10. Food will be available on the grounds, and a classic car show, pumpkin pie eating contest, greased pig contest, carnival rides, craft vendors and other events will be happening all day. Sponsored by the Augusta Heritage Center / Mountain Dance Trail of Davis & Elkins College. Web site: http://randolphcountyfairwv.com/.
Beverly - Heritage Center: Dances at the Beverly IOOF Building, 4 Court Street, Beverly, WV, 26253. Dances take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. An introduction for newcomers will begin at 6:45 p.m. Admission: $10; students $5. Web site: http://www.beverlyheritagecenter.org/.
Beverly - Squares - Charm Farm: Barn Dance at the Charm Farm, 279 Whitman Run Rd, Beverly, WV, 26253. Dinner and Square Dance with a cakewalk maybe thrown in. Barn door swings open at 5, dinner will be dished up around 6, and dancing will commence at the band's leisure. RSVPs appreciated. Web site: https://thecharm.farm/.
Blue Grass - Squares: Dances at the Blue Grass Ruritan, Blue Grass Valley Road, Blue Grass, VA, 24413. Web site: None.
Buckhannon - Squares - Mountain View Event Center: Square dance at the Mountain View Event Center, 2B Billingsly Dr Buckhannon, West Virginia. Doors open 7 PM, Admission $5, Dance starts 8 PM. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/MtViewEventCenterLLC.
Buckhannon - Squares - Buckhannon Opera House: Dances at the Buckhannon Opera House 12 East Main Street, Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201 from 6:45pm to 9:00pm. Doors open at 6pm – Free Workshop 6:45pm - Dancing Starts 7pm. Admission $5 - Students w/ID $3 – Under 12 FREE. Venue offering Food and Drinks for purchase. Feel free to come and enjoy music, food, friends, and family without pressure to learn a dance. Web site: https://mountaindancetrail.org.
Burnsville - Squares - Harvest Festival: A square dance is one of the activities at this festival held in mid-September. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burnsville-Harvest-Festival/191252530890537.
Capon Bridge - American Buffalo Contra Dance Weekend: Join us for a Music and Dance filled weekend at Buffalo Gap. The event starts at Noon on Saturday and will include afternoon and evening dances featuring several popular bands and an afternoon dance on Sunday. Lots of free time to. enjoy the lake, sauna, and hiking trails. A potluck in the Dining Hall is scheduled for Saturday night. Web site: https://www.buffalogapartsandculture.org/american-buffalo.
Cass - Squares: Cass Christmas Square Dance at 7 p.m. Christmas Tree lighting and Santa will be there! Location: Cass Community Building. Sponsored by Pocahontas Parks and Recreation. Web site: https://mountaindancetrail.org/.
Charleston: The Friends of Old Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD) sponsor dances once a month on 3rd Saturdays, 7-10 pm, September to April at Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church Activity Building, Corner of Washington St. West and Ohio Ave, Charleston. E-mail kvfootmad@gmail.com or call 304-729-4382 for more information. $7 - suggested donation; FREE for youth under 13; FREE for all AmeriCorps members. Web site: http://footmad.weebly.com.
Charleston - Vandalia Gathering: The West Virginia Division of Culture and History hosts the Vandalia Gathering at the Cultural Center and State Capitol Grounds with free admission and music, dancing, stories, crafts, food and fun. Web site: http://www.wvculture.org/vandalia/.
Charleston - New Year's Eve: Dance from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Admission: $20 - Adults (30+); $10 - Young adults (18-29); $ 5 - Teens (13-17); FREE - Under 13; FREE - AmeriCorps / VISTA volunteers. Location: Columbia Gas Transmission, 1700 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV. What to expect - Family friendly! Lots of Munching! Alcohol Free Refreshments! Dancing! Live Music! Not a dancer! Not a problem! Come and listen to great live music. Socialize with friends. Lots of cabaret-style table setup around the hall. Artist Rick Galagher will lower FOOTMAD's amazing "Crystal" Ball at Midnight! Web site: http://footmad-contradance.weebly.com/.
Charleston - It's Midnight Somewhere: GoodNight Dances as the Clock Turns Around the World from 6 PM - 10 PM at the First Presbyterian Church Charleston, WV, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, West Virginia 25301. Sponsored by FOOTMAD as part of Charleston's GoodNight New Year's Eve event. How do you welcome 2018 in Berlin? In Dublin? In Reykjavik? You don’t have to leave downtown Charleston to find out. Dance through midnight as it moves through times zones east of West Virginia. Admission is free. In addition to fun and easy Appalachian circles and reels, we’ll feature simple dances from countries where the clock is striking midnight: 6:00-6:45 Germany; 7:00-7:45 Ireland; 8:00-8:45 Iceland; 9:00-9:45 Maritime Canada. No partner is required and all dances are taught before the music begins. FOOTMAD will have a bit of live music for the Appalachian social dances, and will add some technology to project videos of international folk dancing on the wall for ambiance. For information on FOOTMAD visit FOOTMAD.org or call 304-729-4382. For the complete GoodNight schedule of free activities December 31 visit festivallcharleston.com/events/12-31-2017 - Web site: http://footmad.weebly.com.
Circleville - Squares - Pendleton County Fair: During the Pendleton County Fair the small town of Circleville comes alive. On Thursday evening at roughly 7pm a square dance and cakewalk fills the old Circleville high school gym located on Route 28. Square dance callers from all over Pendleton County take turns directing the square dance. Admission is free. Web site: http://www.pendletoncounty.net/LZpages/page-pcf.htm or http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Clifftop - Appalachian String Band Festival: Five day weekend festival of music contests, concerts, workshops, square dances (no contras), camping and a hymn-sing. Web site: http://www.wvculture.org/stringband/index.html.
Core - Squares - Mason-Dixon Historical Park: Circle, line and square dances at the Mason-Dixon Historical Park, 79 Buckeye Road, Core, WV 26541 - 304-879-4101. 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Web site: http://www.masondixonhistoricalpark.com.
Cottageville - Squares: Square Dance at the Jackson County Fairgrounds from 7 - 10pm. Admission is $5. All proceeds go to the Henderson Senior Center programming. The Fairgrounds are just off State Route 62, 6.3 miles west of the Ripley I-77 Exit #138. From the Ohio River, travel east two miles on WV Route 62. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Davis - Squares - Blackwater Falls State Park: Appalachian Dance with Lou and the Appalachian Country Cloggers. Circle up! It's an evening of square dancing with caller Lou Maiuri and the Appalachian Country cloggers at Blackwater Falls State Park. Don't let early mountain traditional dance disappear. Dancing begins at 7:30 p.m. in Blackwater Falls Lodge. No experience necessary—willing to have fun is the only requirement. Event open to the public at no charge. All ages welcome. Lets' Dance! Contact: 304-259-5216. Web site: http://www.wvdnr.gov.
Dunmore - Squares: There is a long standing tradition of dancing at the Dunmore Community Center. Callers Jim Carpenter, Tom Sharp and Eugene and Ellen Ratliff carry on the old-time tradition of mountain circle dancing. Typical bands are Wanita Fireball and Charlie Loudermilk, Junior Spencer, with Mud Hole Control. Dancing starts at 8pm. Parks and Recreation also hosts music "Jamborees" on every 3rd Saturday. Directions: The Dunmore Community Center is located off Route 92 and Route 28. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Elkins - Augusta Heritage Center - Dance Week: at Davis and Elkins College as part of a series of programs during the summer. Dance workshops and classes cover a variety of dances and there can be overlap with other programs held during the week. Evenings include concerts and dances. Web site: http://augustaheritagecenter.org/.
Elkins - Augusta Heritage Center - Old-Time Week (Summer): at Davis and Elkins College as part of a series of programs during the summer. Music workshops and classes cover a variety of instruments and styles and there can be overlap with other programs held during the week. Evenings include concerts and dances. Web site: https://augustaartsandculture.org/.
Elkins - Augusta Heritage Center - Celtic Week: at Davis and Elkins College as part of a series of programs during the summer. Music and dance workshops and classes cover a variety of instruments and styles and there can be overlap with other programs held during the week. No formal contra dance programming, but it may be included in some of the evening dances (along with other types of dancing and concerts). Web site: http://augustaheritagecenter.org/.
Elkins - Augusta Heritage Center - Folk Arts Week: at Davis and Elkins College as part of a series of programs during the summer. Music and dance workshops and classes cover a variety of instruments and styles and there can be overlap with other programs held during the week. Some contra dance programming, but it may be included in some of the evening dances (along with other types of dancing and concerts). Web site: http://augustaheritagecenter.org/.
Elkins - Augusta Heritage Center - Augusta Festival: at Davis and Elkins College as part of a series of programs during the summer. A celebration of traditional dance, crafts, and music. Web site: https://augustaartsandculture.org/.
Elkins - Augusta Heritage Center - Old-Time Week (Fall): at Davis and Elkins College as part of a series of programs. Music workshops and classes cover a variety of instruments and styles and there can be overlap with other programs held during the week. Evenings include concerts and dances. Web site: https://augustaartsandculture.org/.
Elkins - Augusta Heritage Center - Old-Time Fiddlers' Reunion: Weekend at Davis and Elkins College in late October. Music events, classes, concerts and workshops. Evenings include concerts and possibly dances. Web site: https://augustaartsandculture.org/.
Elkins - Wild and Wonderful Dance Weekend: is sponsored by the Randolph County Community Arts Center with assistance from Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins College and the Elkins Country Dance Society and is held at the Randolph County Community Arts Center at the corner of Park Street and Randolph Avenue in mid-January with workshops, dances and jam sessions. Registration in advance is strongly recommended. Web site: http://www.randolpharts.org.
Elkins - Augusta Heritage Center - Dance Callers: at Davis and Elkins College as part of a series of programs. Specific separate callers class held at the same time as the Dance Week, but not specifically a Dance Week class. Evenings include concerts and dances. Web site: http://augustaheritagecenter.org/.
Elkins - Squares - Country Dance Society: The Elkins Country Dance Society holds dances at the Randolph County Community Arts Center and alternate between 4 couple squares, mountain circles, and contra dances. Dances start at 8pm with a workshop at 7:30pm at the Randolph County Community Arts Center. Directions: The Community Arts Center is on Randolph Ave. (Rt. 33, 219, 25) by the City Park. Contact Greta Fitzgibbon: 304.637.2857 - Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Elkins - Augusta Heritage Center - Evening Dances: As part of the series of folk and music weeks, there are contra dances held on some evenings at various days and times at the Pavilion on the Davis and Elkins College campus. Check site for details. Web site: http://augustaheritagecenter.org.
Elkins (near) - Dare to be Square: Learn how to call mountain circle and traditional four couple set square dances in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. Dance workshops are for aspiring and experienced callers, dancers and musicians. Admission is $40 for the entire weekend and $15 for camping. Volunteer positions are available. To learn more call 304.637.1349 or email beckyhill@augustaheritagecenter.org - Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Elkins (near) - Dare to be Square - Public Dances: Public dances in the evenings as part of the Dare to be Square weekend. Dances at 8pm. Admission is $5. Music by West Virginia’s finest old-time dance bands. To learn more call 304.637.1349 or email beckyhill@augustaheritagecenter.org - Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Elkins - Squares: Dances at the Randolph County Community Arts Center, 2 Park St Elkins, WV 26241, starting at 8pm. Admission is $6. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Fairmont - Folklife Center: A square dance and cakewalk will be held from 7:00 – 8:30 pm in the Great Room of Cultures at the Frank and Jane Gabor WV Folklife Center on the campus of Fairmont State University. The dance is free and open to the public and has become an annual event that is enjoyed by old and young alike. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to attend in order to experience an old-time dance event. Web site: http://www.fairmontstate.edu/folklife/.
Fairmont - Pattyfest: One-day festival to honor Patty Looman. Includes workshops, jammin', open stage and a square dance in the day's activities. Location: East Fairmont High School. Web site: http://www.pattyfest.org.
Fayetteville - Footmad Jamboree: The Friends of Old Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD) sponsor the Fall Fling in September which features dancing, music, potluck, camping and fun at beautiful Fayette County Park/4H camp. Web site: http://www.footmad.org/_start.html.
Fayetteville - Fall Fling: The Friends of Old Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD) sponsor the Fall Fling in September which features dancing, music, potluck, camping and fun at beautiful Fayette County Park/4H camp. Web site: http://www.footmad.org/_start.html.
Franklin - Squares: Mountain circle-style dances are held in Franklin during Spring Fest in April and Treasure Mountain Festival in September. Caller Larry Arbaugh from Cherry Grove leads the dancing, with music provided by various musicians in the region. Directions: The dance during the Treasure Mountain Festival will be held in downtown Franklin. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Franklin - Squares - Treasure Mountain Festival: Old-Time Street Music and Dancing is one of events during this four-day festival in mid-September. Web site: https://treasuremtnfestival.com/.
Glenville - Squares: Glenville Square Dance at the Gilmer County Recreation Center at 7pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Glenville - West Virginia State Folk Festival: Four day folk festival in June with a variety of events including square dancing. Web site: http://www.wvstatefolkfestival.com/.
Glenville - West Virginia State Folk Festival Benefit: Square Dance to benefit the WV State Folk Festival from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Admission is just $5 at Club 33, a few miles northeast of Glenville on 33/119. For more information call 304-784-3622. This building was the old skating rink, and the dance is in the former skating part. There's a restaurant attached, so come early and have supper before the dance. Nothing fancy, just good food. Web site: http://www.morgantowndance.com/.
Green Bank - Squares - Space Race Rumpus: Square dance on Saturday night as part of a bicycle festival at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank Science Center, 155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, WV 24944. Web site: http://www.spaceracerumpus.org.
Harman - Squares: The town of Harman has held dances as long as anyone remembers. At one time the Harman high school prom was a square dance! Fiddling has been a strong tradition in Harman, best exemplified by Stony Cooper who with his wife, Wilma Lee, were mainstays on the Grand Ole Opry. Jack Hedrick, of nearby Dry Fork, often fiddles and Alan Crossland of Canaan Valley contributes rhythm guitar. Dances start at 7pm at the VFW Hall in Harman on Route 33. Directions: At the intersection where Rt. 32 and Rt. 33 meet, take an immediate left onto Water Street. The VFW Hall is on the corner of Railroad and Water Street. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Helvetia - Squares: Adults $5. Age 12 and under, $2. Dance starts at 8:00 p.m. Star Band (Red) Hall or Community Hall. Fund-raiser for hall renovations. 304.924.6435. Web site: http://www.footmad.org or http://www.helvetiawv.com/.
Helvetia - Helvetia Fair: Square Dance as part of this weekend fair. Web site: http://www.helvetiawv.com/.
Helvetia (near) - Dare to be Square: Learn how to call mountain circle and traditional four couple set square dances in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. Dance workshops are for aspiring and experienced callers, dancers and musicians. More information to come - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/161612907668582/.
Helvetia - Squares - Helvetia Hoot: Looking for a Labor Day Weekend adventure? This weekend, formally known as Dare to be Square Helvetia, is designed for aspiring and advanced callers, dancers, musicians, singers and those eager to try something new. Foodways, craft, and mountain culture sessions are also in the works. Workshops will be held Saturday and Sunday. Come up for just a day, or the whole weekend! Come experience a local West Virginia square dance Friday night at the Jackson Mill Jubilee in Weston. Camping will be available Friday – Monday morning. Centered around the The Hutte Restaurant, 1 W Main St, Helvetia, West Virginia 26224. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/661652307617330/.
Henderson - Squares: The community hall in Henderson is just across the Kanawha River from Point Pleasant. Square dances alternate with country two-steps or waltzes sung by the caller. Dances begin at 7pm on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Fridays of each month at the Henderson Community Center. Doors open at 5pm with refreshments available. Directions: Head north on Route 35 and get off at Route 2. Turn right onto Old Route 35, and go four blocks. Turn right into the parking lot. Contact George McCarty: 304.562.6995. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
High View - Football Dance Weekend: An annual dance weekend in mid-September at the Timber Ridge Camp, High View, West Virginia. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.footfalldance.com/.
High View - CDSS Camp at Timber Ridge: Week-long music and dance camp for families and adults at the Timber Ridge Camp in High View held in August. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.cdss.org.
High View - CDSS Camp at Timber Ridge - Singing Squares Callers Course: Week-long callers workshop on singing squares at the Timber Ridge Camp in High View held in August. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.cdss.org.
High View - CDSS Camp at Timber Ridge - Leadership in Dance & Music for Young Adults: The course offers lots of opportunities for young adults to develop music and dance skills, discuss important issues, learn from staff and from each other, and make connections with other young people from elsewhere in the country. With the combination of class time and social time the course will enable participants to get know each other, share ideas and experiences, and create lasting connections, giving them the skills, confidence and resources to take on leadership roles wherever they live and wherever they go. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.cdss.org.
High View - CDSS Camp at Timber Ridge - Community and Classroom Dance Leaders Course: Week-long workshop at the Timber Ridge Camp in High View held in August. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.cdss.org.
High View - CDSS Camp at Timber Ridge - Square Dance Callers Course: Week-long workshop at the Timber Ridge Camp in High View held in August. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.cdss.org.
Huntington - Heritage Museum: Dance at the Heritage Farm Museum and Village, 3300 Harvey Rd, Huntington, West Virginia 25704 on the new dance floor at the pavillion. Old time music and dance. Come join us for a rousting good time. A $5.00 donation is requested but not mandatory. College students and children under 12 are free. 7pm to 10pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Huntington-Old-Time-Dance-and-Music-619647688385264/ or https://www.heritagefarmmuseum.com.
Huntington - Squares: Location: Trinity Episcopal Church at 520 11th Street, Huntington, WV. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Ireland - Squares: The community center in Ireland used to be an old two room schoolhouse. At dances, the band would play in the center hall and if the crowd was too big, two different dances took place in opposing rooms at the same time to the same music! Since renovations, one large hall hosts the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Ireland; it concludes with a square dance. Local callers instruct from the floor and you will normally find Rock Garten on fiddle, Jenny Smith on banjo, and "Tater" Blake on guitar. Dances start at 7pm at the Ireland Community Center. Directions: The center is right off of old Route 19 on 65 Community Drive. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Kingwood - Preston Community Arts Center: Dance from 6 PM - 9 PM at the Preston Community Arts Center, 123 S Price St, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537. The family oriented Appalachian traditional music and dance experience starts at 6 p.m. for all ages. Then, at 7 p.m., the dance kicks into gear for ages 8 and up. The price is $5 per person or $10 for a family, payable at the door. Kids under 12 are free. No partner or experience is necessary. If you have never done contra or square dance, we will help you learn the basic steps. Contra and Square dancing is energetic and you will get warm so wear comfortable clothes. Causal dresses, jeans, t-shirts or shorts are common attire. Bring your water bottle to keep hydrated. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Preston-Community-Arts-Center-210119495677479/.
Lewisburg - Square Dance: At Carnegie Hall, 105 Church Street from 7pm to 9pm. Circle dances, four-couple squares, the Virginia Reel — the dances are family-friendly, easy to learn, and always a good time. Admission $5. Web site: http://www.carnegiehallwv.com.
Marlinton - Squares: At one time Pioneer Days in downtown Marlinton held large square dances in the street. Today the Pocahontas County Opera House hosts several dances throughout the year. Including an annual square dance and an hour-long beginner workshop organized by the Pocahontas 4-H club in March. Juanita Fireball and the Continental Drifters provide music with local callers Tom Sharp, Jim Carpenter, and Ellen & Eugene Ratcliffe calling big circle square dances. All dances start at 8pm. Admission is $4 for adults, and free for students. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Marlinton - Squares - Music in the Mountains: Local musicians, artisans, community members and visitors come together to experience and celebrate mountain music, craft and dance in the making. Includes a square dance. All activities take place at the Pocahontas Opera House, 818 Third Avenue, Marlinton, WV 24954 Web site: http://www.pocahontasoperahouse.org.
Martinton - Allegheny Echoes: Week-long old-time and bluegrass oriented music camp with a square dance. Also includes singing and writing classes. Web site: http://www.alleghenyechoes.com/index.html.
Monterey - Squares - Highland Street Dance: The Highland County Lions Club hosts a street dance downtown Monterey in July with a chicken barbecue dinner, bluegrass music, cakewalks, clogging and square dancing. The evening square dance will get underway at roughly 7pm. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Monterey - Squares - Ruritan Club: Monterey and Bluegrass have had a long history of square dancing. For many years the Ruritan Club has held Saturday night square dances and recently started it up again. The Ruritans fundraiser square dance will be held in January at the Bluegrass Ruritan Club located across the street from the post office in Bluegrass. Admission is $6 for adults and refreshments will be available. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Monterey - Squares - Highland County Fair: The Highland County Fair has been holding square dances since 1951. This year’s square dance will be held at 7:30pm Wednesday evening on the asphalt lot behind the school kitchen. The fair will take place at 240 Myers Moon Road just outside of Monterey town limits. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Monterey - Squares - Highland County Old Time Fiddlers Convention. Square dancing is one of the activities at this event. Location: Highland High School, 210 Myers Moon Road, Monterey, VA 24465. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/HCOTFA/.
Monterey - Squares - Highland County Square Dance: Highland County Square Dance from 7-10pm at the Highland County School Cafeteria in Monterey. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Monterey - Squares - Highland Center: Highland County Square Dance starting at 8pm at the Highland Center, Highland Center Drive, Highland Center Dr, Monterey, VA 24465. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Monterey - Squares - Highland County Maple Festival: A square dance on Saturday night from 7pm to 9:30pm is part of the activities during this festival over two weekends in March. Dance is at the Highland Center, Highland Center Dr, Monterey, VA 24465. Web site: http://www.highlandcounty.org.
Morgantown - Squares: The Morgantown Friends of Old-Time Music invite you to come dance with us. Beginners and singles are encouraged to attend. Each dance is taught with a brief walk through before the music begins. Dances are generally a mix of old time squares, contras, circle dances and waltzes. Dress is casual and children are welcome. We dance with strangers! Dances are from 8:00 pm-10:30 pm at the Marilla Center (unless otherwise noted). Dances are held September-May. Cost is $7.00, $5/students, $15/family. For more information call Cindy at 304.296.4954. Web site: http://www.morgantowndance.com/.
Morgantown - Contradancers Delight Holiday: Five Nights and Four Full Days at the Lakeview Resort in late December. Comfortable accommodations at a reasonable, affordable price! Great music, fantastic callers, fine food, and friendly dancers! Truly wild and wonderful! Register in advance. Web site: http://www.warrendoyle.com.
Morgantown - Gardner Winter Music Festival: is a two-day music festival in late February with a square dance on Saturday night at the South Middle School. Web site: http://www.gwmf.org/.
Morgantown - June Moon Dance Weekend: is held annually in June with dances and workshops. Camping (hotels nearby). Friday night potluck. Web site: http://morgantowndance.com/weekend.htm.
Morgantown - Benefit for West Virginia Wilderness Coalition: Contra/square dance begins at 7:30pm at the June Moon Dance Pavilion. Cost: $10. Food and beverages will be available. In addition to the dance, activities will include a silent auction, raffle and 50/50 drawing. Web site: http://www.morgantowndance.com/.
Morgantown - Squares - West Virginia University: Concert with square dance following in the Mountain Lair Ballroom on WVU’s campus. For more information call 304.296.4954. Event is listed to begin at 9pm. Web site: http://www.wvu.edu.
Morgantown - 4 Days of Joy: One of the stops on CDSS' Centennial Tour with workshops, concerts, dances, etc. Locations: Marilla Center and St. John Parish Hall. Web site: http://morgantowndance.com.
Morgantown - Thursday: Dances at the Wesley United Methodist church gymnasium, entrance on North High St. across from Panera. Cost of the contra dance is $10/$7 for WVU students. Feel free to bring a snack to share at the break. An introductory lesson begins at 6:30 and will be taught by the caller. Dance begins at 7pm to 10 pm. Web site: http://morgantowndance.com.
Morgantown - Squares - WVU Council of International Programs (CIP) Fundraiser: Morgantown Friends of Old Time Music and WV Council of International Programs (CIP) are hosting an old time square dance from 7 to 9:30 pm at Marilla Center. Enjoy international refreshments prepared by our participants from Cuba, China, Germany, Nigeria and Turkey. All dance skill levels are welcome: Come celebrate our community and our visitors from other lands. Adults $5, students $3, Families $10 This fundraiser benefits CIP. For more information: Web site: http://international.wvu.edu/cip.
Morgantown - Squares - Monongalia Arts Center: The MAC is proud to host a square dance as part of its Gwyl Calan Mai / Welsh May Day Festival! The Squaredance will be held from 8-10 pm in the MAC's historic Tanner Theatre, 107 High Street, Morgantown. Tickets are $10 for individuals and $15 for families with children under 18. Web site: https://www.monartscenter.com/.
Newburg: Dance in Newburg, WV with from 7 to 9 pm at 3189 Yorks Run Road, Newburg WV. Donations accepted at the door. Web site: None.
Parsons - Squares - Tucker County Fair: Dance at 9pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tucker-County-Fair/186171944763364.
Pickens - Squares - Maple Syrup Festival: During the Maple Syrup Festival the small town of Pickens is bustling with people. Throughout the day you can find a buckwheat pancake feed, live music, demonstrations and activities. On Saturday evening an annual square dance is held in the American Legion Hall at 8pm. The Helvetia Star Band provides music and local square dance callers lead the dance. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Pipestem Culturefest World Music and Arts Festival: Artisan vendors, workshops, a children's village and 4 stages of music and dance performances and a contra dance. Web site: http://www.culturefestwv.com.
Pipestem - Resort State Park: Circle up! It's an evening of squaredancing. The outdoor amphitheater is the place to be at 8:00 p.m. this evening for squaredancing and some line dancing fun. If you know your left from your right, you can squaredance at any age or stage in life. Let's dance starting at 8:00 p.m. There is no charge to attend. Presentation is open to the public. Young to the young at heart welcome. Contact: 304-466-1800. Web site: http://www.wvdnr.gov.
Ripley - Mountain State Art and Craft Fair: Multi-event/activity/show at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center near Ripley. FOOTMAD has been invited to display some dancing and get the fair-goers to join in the fun in the village of the Americas (Appalachian style dancing) and the German village. Demonstration dancing on Wednesday from noon-1 pm, take a break and dance 4-5 pm and Thursday, dance 10-11 am, then immediately after 11 am-noon. Contact - David Mould at DavidHMould at gmail dot com or, Becky Park at RebeccaMasonPark at gmail dot com or Call 304-729-4382 to talk to Becky. Web site: http://msacf.com/.
Riverton - Squares: This little town on the North Fork holds dances at the Clinton Hedrick Community Building. Pete Simmons of Leads Creek calls the figures from the floor and sticks to traditional mountain circle dances. [There is no admission fee, but donations are encouraged.] Dances run from 7pm to 10pm on the first Saturday of the month, except for July, August and September. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Riverton - Squares - New Year's Eve: Special New Year's Eve dance at this little town on the North Fork holds dances at the Clinton Hedrick Community Building. Pete Simmons of Leads Creek calls the figures from the floor and sticks to traditional mountain circle dances. [There is no admission fee, but donations are encouraged.] Dances run from 7pm to 10pm. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Shepherdstown: This dance series is sponsored by Shepherdstown Music and Dance and is held on the first Saturday of each month and occasionally on a fifth Saturday. Unless otherwise noted below, all dances are held at 8 p.m. at the War Memorial Building at the corner of German and King Street in Shepherdstown, West Virginia (see map). Visit our contacts page to link to a real human being if you have questions. Contra dance workshops begin at 7:30. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes for the dance. Admission is: $8 for members over age 12 (become a member); $12 for nonmembers over age 12; $5 for dancers under age 12. Web site: http://smad.us/.
Shepherdstown - Upper Potomac Scandinavian Fiddle and Dance Weekend: An annual music and dance (mostly Scandinavian, but with a contra dance) with workshops in Scandinavian dance, fiddle, mixed-instrument repertoire and ensemble at Shepherd University. Register in advance. Web site: http://upmw.smad.us/scanfiddle/index.html.
Shepherdstown - Cape Breton Fiddle Fest: An annual music and dance (a mix of Cape Breton and Celtic, but with a contra dance) with workshops in dance, fiddle, mixed-instrument repertoire and ensemble at Shepherd University. Held in mid-October. Web site: http://upmw.smad.us/celticfiddle/.
Shepherdstown - Fiddle Retreat: An annual (mostly) music weekend with workshops in fiddle and a variety of instruments along with a contra dance during the weekend. Held in late January. Web site: http://upperpotomacmusic.info/.
Shepherdstown - Spring Music Weekend: An annual (mostly) music weekend Workshops, classes, concerts and jam sessions for hammered dulcimer, fiddle, banjo and mixed instruments with special guest instructors. Held in early March. Web site: http://upperpotomacmusic.info/.
Shepherdstown - Upper Potomac Appalachian Music Weekend: Weekend in January of music workshops and performances with some dancing. Register in advance. Web site: http://upmw.smad.us/appalachian.
Shepherdstown - Upper Potomac Dance Musicians Bootcamp: Concert on Friday and all-day workshop in Saturday. Web site: http://upmw.smad.us.
Shepherdstown - Squares - Appalachian Heritage Festival: A square dance is one of the activities during this two-day festival of music, forms of dancing, tours, jams, exhibits, etc. Web site: http://www.shepherd.edu/passweb/.
Springfield - Squares - Milleson's Campground: Dance at Milleson's Walnut Grove Campground 1971 Milleson Road, Springfield, WV 26763 starting at 8pm. Admission is free. Web site: http://www.millesonscampground.com.
Sutton - Squares: Braxton County was a hotbed of dancing through the 1980s while fiddler Sarah Singleton was alive. Occasionally Wilson Douglas and Ernie Carpenter were guest fiddlers. Four couple sets are the normal form in Braxton County and points west and will be called by Mack Samples of Clay County. Dances start at 7pm at the Sutton Community Building on the 2nd Floor. Directions: The building is located on Courthouse Square at 450 4th Street, right off Main Street in Sutton. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Thomas - Squares: Dance, $5 Cover at the door. At Tangled Up, on Front Street next to Tip Top Coffee Shop in Thomas, WV. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org/.
Upper Tract - Squares: Square dances are held in the old Upper Tract schoolhouse between Petersburg and Franklin on Route 220. Local musicians are featured and dances are called by local square dance callers including Lou Maiuri and Dana Keplinger. There is always a cakewalk! An old-time jam starts at 5pm, with the square dance kicking off at 7pm. Refreshments are provided by Upper Tract Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Various locations - West Virginia State Parks Square Dance: Series of dances in various state parks with long-time caller Lou Maiuri. Dances are free and begin at 8pm. Check press releases for details. Web site: http://www.wvcommerce.org/travel/journal/loumaiuri.aspx.
Weston - Terpsichore's Holiday: The Lloyd Shaw Foundation sponsors this dance camp in late December/early January at the Stonewall Resort. Terpsichore's Holiday is a folk dance and music camp for ages *4 and up. Join us 5 days and nights of dancing, singing, music-making, crafts, nature hikes, meals and 4 star accomodations. The camp typically features classes in Contras and Squares, Waltz, Couples Dances, Longsword, Morris, English Country Dances, Dance Band and more. Our goal is to introduce, promote, and teach these unique traditional dances in a fun and engaging way so that they may be carried on for generations to come. Web site: http://www.danceholiday.net/.
Weston - Squares: Square Dances are held almost every Tuesday evening, weather permitting, at the Lewis County Senior Center from 6 -8pm. Big Circle Dances are called by David Russell, Mark Crabtree, and Doyle Gillium. If you attend please plan to make a small donation. No dances are held in June, July or August. The Lewis County Senior Center is located at 171 West 2nd Street, Weston. Web site: http://mountaindancetrail.org.
Weston - Squares - Jackson's Mill Jubilee: A square dance is one of the activities during this weekend celebration of Appalachian Heritage including educational demonstrations, dancing, music, crafts, exhibits, and food. Web site: https://jmjubilee.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.