Welcome to Calgary Contra Dance   Dances are held at the Unitarian Church of Calgary 1703 - 1st Street N.W. [Enter by side door facing 1st Street, click HERE for map] Beginners' instruction at 7:45 PM Dance from 8:00 - 11:00 PM Cost: $10/person at the door   Upcoming Dances (see the Events page for a full schedule): Saturday, May 12, 8:00 PM Saturday, June 2, 8:00 PM

What is Contra Dance? You can think of Contra Dance as being a descendent of English Country Dances - the stuff of Jane Austin movies - and an ancestor of modern Square Dancing. The dance formation typically consists of partners arranged in two long lines (or "sets") facing each other. Partners will dance with a new couple during each cycle of the music, moving up or down the set. A "caller" prompts the dancers for each move in the dance. Contra Dance is a living folk tradition; new dances are continually being created. Who Can Contra Dance?   If you can walk briskly and know your right from your left (most of the time), you can Contra Dance! Beginners are welcome anytime. Children (accompanied by an adult) and youth are welcome as well. Although you need a partner to Contra Dance, you don't need to come with one; we arrange partners on the spot. About Our Dances   Each dance runs from 8:00 - 11:00 PM, with breaks in between to catch your breath and visit. We are greatly entertained and moved to dance by our house band, the "Sunday Nite Band," and guest appearances by "Mercat Cross." The caller will walk everyone through each dance before we add the music, and then continue calling throughout the dance to remind everyone of the figures. We recommend that you dress in layers, as you can get very warm, and wear comfortable shoes. We are a very forgiving group - we've all been through the process of learning too and always welcome anyone who wants to dance and have fun with the rest of us. We've seldom seen anybody not grin from ear to ear moving through a set, regardless of how talented (or not) they are at this type of dancing!   Many of us bring a bit of finger food to share as a snack between sets, though that is not mandatory. Coffee (regular and decaf), regular black tea and herbal tea are always on the menu at breaks. We have styrofoam cups for those who need them, but in the interest of staying green, please bring your own mug and/or water bottle. At the end of the evening, in your exhausted state, try to remember to take your cup and leftover snacks home with you! What to Bring Soft, comfortable shoes – you will be doing a lot of walking! Water bottle or mug Snack to share (optional) $10 for admission A smile