Contra Dance

SATURDAYS

LARGE STUDIO

7:30 - 8:00 pm  Lesson
8:00 - 11:00 pm  Dance

Cost:
Live Music: $15 General | $12 Member | $8 Young Adult & Youth (Ages 10 -21)

“Pay What You Choose” first seven days of every month (1st through the 7th)
Recorded Music:  $12 General | $10 Members | $7 Young Adult & Youth (Ages 10 -21)

TECHNO CONTRA

Last Monday of the Month

8 - 10:30 PM | Small Studio

What is Contra Dance?
In a Contra dance, a leader, known as a caller, teaches basic dance steps during an introductory “walk-through” of the dance. Dancers learn by walking through the steps and formations, following the caller’s instructions. The dance figures are similar to those of old-time square dancing except the figures are usually danced in a line, with leaders and followers facing each other.

​These dances are lively, social, easy to learn, and aerobic. Although you will dance with a partner, it isn't necessary to come with one. All dances are taught and are usually done in "long-ways sets" (partners facing in long lines down the hall).  Many of the regular Tapestry Folkdance Center Contra bands play old-time music (similar to bluegrass), but the music at any given Saturday night Contra may reflect a range of music traditions, such as New England, French Canadian, Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton and modern compositions.

​What is Contra Dance Music?
Contra dance music comes from traditional acoustic music traditions, and may feature a variety of instruments. Tapestry Folkdance Center offers live music every Saturday night.  Many local musicians play at Tapestry, and we are delighted when we can host groups from out of town who come to share their gifts with our dancers.

How does Contra Dance Work?
"A contra dance can be thought of as a triangle of energy with the three vertices being the musicians, the dancers and the caller. Magical evenings occur when all three come together, feeding off of each others’ energy to raise and sustain an atmosphere of fun and joy. The caller’s role in this is paramount. Good music and dancers without a good caller may not be magical. Poor teaching, lack of rapport or inappropriately selected dances can lead to frustration. But a good caller can make even new dancers feel like they are good, and by working with the musicians to match music to dances, set the right tempo, and feed off the energy of everyone in the hall, the caller can help make magic."
by Beau Farmer, Tapestry Folkdance Center Contra Caller

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

  • Caller: Beau Farmer
    Band: Trio Enblom Froelich Walser (Members - Bob Walser, Danielle Enblom, Cory Froelich)

  • Caller: Lisa Leedham
    Band: Thistledown
    (Members - Pat O’Loughlin, Ken Steffenson, Ann Benson, Sherry Ladig)

  • Caller:  Qwill DuVall
    Band: Techno Contra, DJ by Mattie Rynkiewicz

  • New Years Eve Dance
    Caller: Beau Farmer
    Band: Mayhaps
    (Members - Mattie Rynkiewicz, Isaiah May, Mason Lunneborg, Lilah Barneson)

  • Caller: Robin Nelson
    Band: Speed Dial
    Members - Mattie Rynkiewicz, David Carrillo

  • Caller: Beau Farmer
    Band: Flour City Doughboys
    Members - Pat O’Loughlin, Art Bjorngjeld, Danny Hansen, Doug Lohman

  • Caller: David Kirchner
    Band: Northern Aire
    Members - Bob Walser, Pat O’Loughlin, Tim Reese

  • Wednesday January 22,
    Workshop, History of Contra

  • Caller: Don Gatheridge
    Band: Compass Rose String Band, Members - Ken Steffenson, Anne Benson, Erin Walsh, Joel Peterson

  • Monday January 27, 2025
    Techno Contra
    Caller: Beau Farmer
    Band: Techno Contra, Bob Walser, DJ Skweez

  • Caller: Ted Hodapp
    Band: Contratopia
    Members - Pat O’Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Tim Reese, Erik Sessions

  • Caller: Mattie Rynkiewicz
    Band: Too Old Cat
    Members -  Helen Forsythe, Mikey Marget

  • Caller: Robin Nelson
    Band: Jump Drive
    Members - David Kirchner, Anna Pfau, Peter Martin

  • Caller: Don Gatheridge
    Band: Anytime English Players Members - Ken Steffenson, Lynn Dixon, David Edminster, Maura Gooden

  • Monday February 24, 2025
    Techno Contra
    Caller: Ted Hodapp
    Band: Techno Contra, DJ Mattie Rynkiewicz

  • Caller: Beau Farmer
    Band: Tunebuggy
    Members - Ken Steffenson, Maura Gooden, Mia Burgstede, Mattie Rynkiewicz

  • Caller: Ted Hodapp
    Band: Contratopia
    Members - Pat O’Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Tim Reese, Erik Sessions

  • Caller: Amy Letson  
    Band: Speed Dial
    Members - Mattie Rynkiewicz, David Carrillo, Josiah Misselt

  • Caller: David Kirchner
    Band: Irish Diplomacy
    Members - Sherry Taplin, Datta Hartman, Mike Ries, Ric Lee, Shawn McBurnie, John Goolsby, Sunil Bawa, Bill Lee

  • Callers: David Kirchner and other volunteer callers
    Band: Community Dance, Patchwork Players

  • Monday March 31, 2025
    Techno Contra
    Caller: Beau Farmer
    Band: Techno Contra, DJ Mattie Rynkiewicz

  • Caller: Lisa Leedham
    Band: Tunebuggy
    Members - Ken Steffenson, Maura Gooden, Mia Burgstede, Mattie Rynkiewicz