Contra dancing is a simple yet lively social dance form that's part of the New England dance scene, transported to the melting pot of San Francisco. Contra dancing is easy to learn, the music is live, and the event is a great social mixer. Come alone or bring a guest or more! Contra dances are done in long lines of couples. Pairs of couples dance together as a group of four, going through a sequence of moves or figures, for one round of the dance, until the two couples change places up and down the line and are facing the next couple, ready to start another round of the dance.
The mood of a Contra dance is upbeat and quick-tempo, but the music isn't as fast as it sounds. You can do every figure at a walking pace. You get a chance to walk through each figure under the caller's direction before the dance starts, and both the caller and your fellow dancers will help you remember what to do at each point in the dance. The dance repeats, so, after only a few times through, you'll be amazed how quickly your body starts to remember what to do, and you can fully enjoy the music!
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: Harris Lapiroff
Band: Magic Reelism with Sue Jones, David Wright, Cheryl McKinney, Del EckelsThe caller intends to use larks/robins role names.
Contra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00-10:00
7:30pm–10:00pm
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: John Little
Band: The New Vintage Revelers with Dan Warrick, Harry Liedstrand, Paul KotapishThe caller intends to use larks/robins role names.
Contra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
7:30pm–10:00pm
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: Sarah Trop
The caller intends to use larks/robins role names.
Contra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
7:30pm–10:00pm
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: Doe Taryn
Band: Raven & Goose with Corwin Zekley, Grace FellowsThe caller intends to use larks/robins role names.
Contra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
7:30pm–10:00pm
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: Koren Wake
Band: Audrey Jaber, Alex CummingThe caller intends to use larks/robins role names.
Contra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
7:30pm–9:30pm
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: Dane Wallinga
The caller intends to use larks/robins role names.
Contra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
7:30pm–10:00pm
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Band: The New Vintage Revelers with Dan Warrick, Harry Liedstrand, Paul KotapishContra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:30
7:30pm–10:00pm
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: Sarah Trop
The caller intends to use larks/robins role names.
Contra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
7:30pm–10:00pm
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Band: Raven & Goose with Corwin Zekley, Grace FellowsContra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
7:30pm–10:00pm