What is Contra Dancing ??
There are lots of definitions of what is contra dancing. I know that its fun!!, you get lots of exercise and during the dances you'll get to dance with everbody else who is on the floor, not just your partner. The caller will explain each dance and walk the dancers through the forms before the music starts so that even inexperienced dancers can quickly join in on the fun.
Check out the following sites for more information.
What is Contra Dancing #1?
What is Contra Dancing # 2?
Contra Dance Info
Where can you contra dance in central Virginia? Check out my favorite below - the Dayton Contra Dance.
Where can you find a contra dance in North America?
What is a dance gypsy? Resources to locate a(many) dance(s) in your neighborhood or for all of your travel destinations!
Where can you go Contra Dancing in the Shenandoah Valley?
There are contra dances all around Virginia and the closest one to me is the Dayton Contra Dance. The dance happens on the second Saturday of each month in Dayton, VA. It is organized by a local group of dancers who volunteer their time to have a caller and band and a sound system set up and ready to go for the 100 or so dancers who come out each month. The upcoming 2010/2011 schedule includes some great bands and callers as listed below.
We will shut down for the summer months - you can find us at the fiddler's conventions most any weekend.
Help us to care for our floor; please wear soft-soled shoes. No heels unless they are dance shoes! We don't want you hurt! Thanks!
The dance begins with a beginners workshop from 7:15-8:00 PM. The dance runs from 8:00-11:00 PM. The dances will shut down for the summer and restart on Saturday 13-September-2009 at the Dayton Learning Center. The Learning Center is located in the middle of Dayton at 290 Mill St. - Map Directions
Driving Directions from Interstate 81
- Take Exit #240 Bridgewater/Mt. Crawford from I-81 and go West
- Continue on this road to the intersection with Rt. 42 in Bridgewater
- Turn right on Rt. 42 (MAIN STREET) and travel North to the town of Dayton
- Turn Left on MASON ST
- Turn Right on SUMMIT ST and go up the hill
- Turn Right on MILL ST and the Dayton Learning Center is an old school on your left. Parking is at the rear of the building.
| Date | Caller | Band | |
| 2011 | |||
| 10-Sep | Valerie Helbert | Rhythm Road - - Joe Dockery (percussion), Jim Harrington (accordion), Buddy Thomas (guitar), Kevin Walsh (bass) | |
| 08-Oct | Dave Colestock | Contra Rebels | |
| 12-Nov | Perry Shafran | The McKenzies Woody and Marcia McKenzie have been playing music together since 1983. | |
| 10-Dec | Tom Hinds | Janet Muse & Mike Dunn ***SPECIAL WALTZ starting at 6:00pm. We will have a lesson from 6:00-6:30 with Doug Carter who studied extensively with & has been waltz certified by waltzer extraordinaire.....Gaye Fifer . Followed by OPEN WALTZING (a.k.a. practicing ) with beautiful live music from 6:30 to 7:30. Doors will open at 5:30pm / $5 Admission includes lesson ! | |
| 2012 | |||
| 14-Jan | Will Martin |
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| 11-Feb | TBA |
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| 10-Mar | Gaye Fifer |
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| 14-Apr | Bill Wellington | The Keezletones | |
| 12-May | Valerie Herbert |
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