Contra Dance in Minneapolis | Tapestry Folkdance Center

Experience the joy of Contra Dance. A high energy, community driven social dance where dancers move in long lines through fun, repeating patterns, guided by a caller and lifted by live music. No partner or experience is needed, just bring your enthusiasm and step onto the floor.

UPCOMING EXPERIENCES

Contra Dance Every Saturday

Studio

LARGE STUDIO

7:30-8pm | Lesson

8-11pm | Dance

$15 General Admission. $12 Tapestry Member $8 Young Adult (Ages 18-30) $5 Young (Adult Member) $4 Youth (Ages 10-17) Under 10 - Free

Cost

First seven days of every month (1st through the 7th) - Newcomers and beginners especially welcome!

Pay What You Choose

TECHNO CONTRA

Last Monday of the Month

SMALL STUDIO

8-10:30pm

Cost: 

$12 General Admission $9 Tapestry Member $8 Young Adult (Ages 18-30) $4 Youth (Ages 10-17) Under 10 - Free

Upcoming Dances

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Experience the joy of movement, music, and community at Tapestry’s weekly contra dance! Rooted in centuries-old English, Scottish, and French dances and strongly influenced by African-American traditions, contra dance is a high-energy, easy-to-learn American folk dance done in long lines of partners moving to live music. Each evening begins with a friendly 30-minute beginner lesson—no partner or experience needed! A caller teaches and guides you through each dance, with steps and figures that keep you connected, moving, and smiling all night.

  • Comfortable, lightweight clothing and soft-soled, non-marking shoes are recommended. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned dancer, you're warmly welcome—just bring your curiosity, your energy, and your dancing feet!

  • Featuring live bands that reflect a range of music traditions from Old Time to Irish to modern compositions, every dance is a vibrant celebration of rhythm, community, and joy. Come solo, with friends, or as a couple—everyone is encouraged to join in the fun!

  • If you have any accessibility needs you'd like addressed by Tapestry Folkdance Center, please let us know by emailing staff@tapestryfolkdance.org.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

  •  Callers… Beau Farmer

     Band… Switchboard,

    members - Ken Steffenson, Xander Nielsen, Maura Gooden, David Edminster

  •  Caller...Ted Hodapp

     Band... Techno Contra, DJ Bob Walser

  • Guest Caller: Robin Nelson
    Band: Northern Aire,

    Members : Bob Walser, Pat O’Loughlin,Tim Reese

  • Call Of The Loon Special Weekend Dance

    Callers: Guest caller Gaye Fifer, Beau Farmer

     Bands… 

    Toss the Possum - Members - Laura Zisette, Rob Zisette.

    Toot Squeeze & Co, Members - Bob Walser, Danny Diamond,  John McCormick, Cory.

                      

  • Caller… Don Gatheridge

    Band… Irish Diplomacy,

    Band Members - Sherry Taplin, Datta Hartman, Mike Reis,  Rick Lee, John Goolsby, Sunil Bawa, Bill Lee, Shawn McBurnie,

                                                                  

                                                                   

  • Caller…David Kirchner

    Band… Contratopia,

    Band Members - Pat O’Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Tim Reese

  • Caller… Beau Farmer

    Band… DJ Skweez, Bob Walser 

  • Caller… Ted Hodapp

    Band… Lauluaika,

    Band Members - Jaana Tuttila, Ralph Tuttila, Eric Platt, Tamara Baker, Johanna Solem, Lotta Kiuru, Dan Kiuru.

                                                           

  • Caller… Mattie Rynkiewicz

    Band… Clementines,

    Band Members - Moon Clemetson, Willy Clemetson

  • Caller… Beau Farmer 

     Band…Flannels & Fishnets,

     Band Members - Mattie Rynkiewicz, Aria Carrillo, Isaiah May.

     

  • Caller… Lisa Leedham

    Band … Switchboard,

    Band Members - Xander Neilson, Maura Goodin, David Edminster, Mia Burgstede,

                                                               

  • DJ and Caller…Beau Farmer

  • Band Leaders,… Xander Nielsen, Ken Steffenson

     Caller coordinator, Mattie Rynkiewicz   

    Band…Patchwork Players, Community band

  • Caller… David Kirchner

    Band… Speed Dial,

    Band Members - Mattie Rynkiewicz, Aria Carrillo, Micah Winter.

  • Caller… Jon Cademy

    Band… Fiddle Buddies, 

    Band Members -  Ken Steffenson, Xander Nielsen, Erin Walsh.

  • Caller…Robin Nelson

    Band…New Band, David Kirchner and Friends.

  • Caller…Tommy Van Deusen

    Band…Box The Gnat,

    Band Members - Erin Walsh, Carol Siege, Gerhardt Quas, Suki Sun, Andrew Aldermann, Tom Sather.

                                                                 

  • DJ and Caller,  Mattie Rynkiewicz.

  • Caller…Qwill Duvall

    Band…Northern Aire, 

    Band Members -  Bob Walser, Pat O’Loughlin, Tim Reese