= 2)) { echo "

"; echo $DaysRemaining; echo " more days until Contra College!

"; } if (($DaysRemaining <= 1) && ($DaysRemaining >= 1)) { echo "

Contra College starts tomorrow morning!

"; } if (($DaysRemaining <= 0) && ($DaysRemaining >= -1)) { echo "

Contra College is happening right now!

"; } if (($DaysRemaining <= 7) && ($DaysRemaining >= 1)) { echo "

There is still space and financial aid available. Please print out and fill in the registration form, then contact us to determine the best way to complete your registration.

"; } if ($DaysRemaining == 0) { echo "

Join us for Palo Alto Contra Saturday night.

"; } } ?>

Welcome

Pen Drawing of Women's Club of Palo Alto by Richard Elmore

Contra College (November 10-11, 2012) will be an urban weekend focused on teaching Contra dance to new and intermediate dancers in a beautiful and historic location in downtown Palo Alto, CA. Experienced dancers can improve their skills, help newer dancers, or practice the other gender role.

The Woman’s Club of Palo Alto is a lovely and historic building located in easily-accessible downtown Palo Alto, with available parking and excellent facilities. Out-of-town dancers are encouraged to inquire about housing with local dancers.

The weekend will run all day on Saturday including Saturday night at the Palo Alto Contra Dance and Sunday until 4:00 PM, and will include breakfast and lunch both days.

An integrated curriculum and careful pacing will allow dancers to build skills slowly over the course of the weekend and to internalize what they’ve learned as they go along. There will be plenty of explanations and question-and-answer time. The group’s small size will allow for individualized attention and the dances will be selected to help everyone gain confidence and feel at ease. The carefully-crafted curriculum will emphasize dances that are simple while still being varied and well-choreographed.

The cost of the weekend is $150, which includes the beautiful venue, music and teaching, as well as four meals. Early registration (postmarked by September 15th) is $125. Some financial assistance is available.

Our caller/teacher for the weekend is Susan Petrick, a local caller known for her clear explanations and charming manner. Live music for the weekend will be provided by a variety of excellent local musicians including Jim Oakden, Michelle Levy, and Ben Schriber. Nick Cuccia will be the sound technician and teaching assistant, and will provide a workshop on square dancing (which are often included in an evening of contra dance).

For more information on the staff, schedule, program, or registration process, please select the appropriate topic at the top of the page.


The pen drawing of the Woman's Club of Palo Alto was created by Richard Elmore.