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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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
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Callers… Beau Farmer
Band… Switchboard,
members - Ken Steffenson, Xander Nielsen, Maura Gooden, David Edminster
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Caller...Ted Hodapp
Band... Techno Contra, DJ Bob Walser
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Guest Caller: Robin Nelson
Band: Northern Aire,Members : Bob Walser, Pat O’Loughlin,Tim Reese
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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.
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Caller… Don Gatheridge
Band… Irish Diplomacy,
Band Members - Sherry Taplin, Datta Hartman, Mike Reis, Rick Lee, John Goolsby, Sunil Bawa, Bill Lee, Shawn McBurnie,
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Caller…David Kirchner
Band… Contratopia,
Band Members - Pat O’Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Tim Reese
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Caller… Beau Farmer
Band… DJ Skweez, Bob Walser
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Caller… Ted Hodapp
Band… Lauluaika,
Band Members - Jaana Tuttila, Ralph Tuttila, Eric Platt, Tamara Baker, Johanna Solem, Lotta Kiuru, Dan Kiuru.
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Caller… Mattie Rynkiewicz
Band… Clementines,
Band Members - Moon Clemetson, Willy Clemetson
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Caller… Beau Farmer
Band…Flannels & Fishnets,
Band Members - Mattie Rynkiewicz, Aria Carrillo, Isaiah May.
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Caller… Lisa Leedham
Band … Switchboard,
Band Members - Xander Neilson, Maura Goodin, David Edminster, Mia Burgstede,
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DJ and Caller…Beau Farmer
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Band Leaders,… Xander Nielsen, Ken Steffenson
Caller coordinator, Mattie Rynkiewicz
Band…Patchwork Players, Community band
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Caller… David Kirchner
Band… Speed Dial,
Band Members - Mattie Rynkiewicz, Aria Carrillo, Micah Winter.
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Caller… Jon Cademy
Band… Fiddle Buddies,
Band Members - Ken Steffenson, Xander Nielsen, Erin Walsh.
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Caller…Robin Nelson
Band…New Band, David Kirchner and Friends.
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Caller…Tommy Van Deusen
Band…Box The Gnat,
Band Members - Erin Walsh, Carol Siege, Gerhardt Quas, Suki Sun, Andrew Aldermann, Tom Sather.
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DJ and Caller, Mattie Rynkiewicz.
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Caller…Qwill Duvall
Band…Northern Aire,
Band Members - Bob Walser, Pat O’Loughlin, Tim Reese