A community contra dance for the whole family!
Heart-healthy for all ages!

Contra Dance is easy and fun, the dance about which it is said, "if you can walk, you can dance." The caller will teach each dance before you do it, and then call the steps throughout the dance or until everyone "has it." The dances are a simple combination of basic moves, and the music guides you. If you have danced or watched square dance, you'll recognize many of the dance steps, but contra is much less formal and a lot more fun than square dance. Expect laughter instead of frilly skirts. We also dance a few other traditional American dances, such as circles, reels and even an occasional square.

The dances start promptly at 7:30, unless otherwise noted for some special dances. Doors open 30 minutes before the dance, and you are welcome to come early for a beginner's dance lesson, to help set up the hall, or just to socialize. Experienced dancers are happy to help you learn and welcome you into the dance. The dances become gradually harder throughout the evening, so if you are a new or uncertain dancer, be there on time! By the end of the evening, you'll be a regular dancer.

You can come by yourself, with a friend, or with a group! One of the contra dance traditions is that we change partners for the next dance, so you'll have a chance to meet and dance with a wide variety of people from your community, as well as the person or people you came with. Women ask men, men ask women, and same-sex couples are welcome.

We will have water available, and sometimes snacks. The dance is alcohol, smoking, and drug free.

If you have smooth-soled shoes that are not worn outside, you'll have the easiest time dancing, and protect our dance floor as well. The 1864 historic ballroom was restored in 1998 with a new hardwood floor, and dirt brought in from the outside on shoes wears away the finish and grinds down the wood. However, any shoes are welcome and comfort is the most important criteria. You certainly don't need professional dance shoes to enjoy the dance.

Contra dancing, with people of all ages and backgrounds, builds community. Please join your Carson City and western Nevada community for the music, the laughter, the people, the aerobic exercise, and the positive social experience.

To learn more, check What is contra dance? on the Santa Barbara Country Dance Society's web page.

Tuscson Friends of Traditional Music offers a two page guide to contra dance, called Dance Moves.

If you'd like to see and hear contra dance, check this YouTube video of the 2006 May Madness contra dance weekend in Prescott, Arizona. And there are plenty more on You Tube - search for "contra dance".

 

Fun Family Dances is fortunate to have access to dance musicians who provide lively jigs and reels. The house band is Train Wreck - Chris Bayer, Mary Siders, Cindy Gray, and Tom Dose.

We sometimes bring in other bands. Use the contract form.

Chris also hosts the Fourth Friday Celtic/American Tune Session at Comma Coffee in Carson City. 7 to 9pm. See commacoffee.com for details and session guidelines. The session is an opportunity for people who play the tunes on melody instruments to get together, swap tunes, play and visit. To get on the session email list, send an email to Chris at nevadamusic.com at me.com.

Celtic/American Tune Session at Comma Coffee

If you'd like to hear contra dance music, go to contracast.com subscribe to the podcast or listen to individual shows. There are mostly national or eastern bands, but the music is very similar.

 

The Fun Family Dances are "called." The caller will teach each dance before you do it, and then call the steps throughout the dance or until everyone "has it."

Our callers include:

Darla Bayer

George Grover

Danita Bayer

Dan Allison

Susan Petrick

Tom Thoreau

We welcome traveling callers to get in touch. We have a small, low-budget dance community, but are always willing to talk to you about arrangements. Use the contract form.