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Contra Dance and Waltz in Fort Collins

For Waltz Nights, please see the Waltz Nights page. The next Waltz Night is September 13th, 2025.

Contra Dances run most 1st and 3rd Saturdays. See schedule below.

Free Lesson 6:15pm, Dance 7–10 p.m
$10–$20 sliding scale, students $5, age 16 and under free
Family plan 2 for 1 adults with infant or toddler

Public welcome - no tickets needed, just pay at door, cash or check

We dance at the fabulous Masonic Ballroom, with its gorgeous sprung wood dance floor.
225 W. Oak St., Fort Collins: Directions (google maps

Masonic Shoe Policy: Only clean, non-marking shoes are permitted.
Please clean the soles of your shoes at home and change into them when you arrive. We will provide shoe-cleaning tools in the lobby if you need to dance in the shoes you arrive wearing.

Upcoming Events:

Check the CFOOTMAD.org calendar for upcoming dances throughout the Denver area.

  • September 6, 2025 - Contra Dance: Raven & Goose (Corwin & Grace) w/Viki Lawrence
  • September 13, 2025 - Waltz Night
  • September 20, 2025 - Contra Dance: Julia Hays & Teri Rasmusson w/caller TBA
  • October 4, 2025 - Contra Dance: Questionable Decisions w/caller TBA – Masonic unavailable: location to be determined
  • October 18, 2025 - Contra Dance: The Buffleheads w/caller TBA – Masonic unavailable: location to be determined
  • October 25, 2025 - Wild Goose Ball: Avalon Ballroom in Boulder, Denver Pops Orchestra
  • November 1, 2025 - Contra Dance
  • November 15, 2025 - Contra Dance
  • December 6, 2025 - Contra Dance
  • December 20, 2025 - Contra Dance
  • December 25, 2025 - HOLIDANCE! Contra Dance Special Time and Location
  • December 27, 2025 - Waltz Night
  • January 3, 2026 - Contra Dance
  • January 17, 2026 - Contra Dance
  • February 7, 2026 - Contra Dance
  • February 21, 2026 - Contra Dance
  • February 28, 2026 - Waltz Night
  • March 7, 2026 - Contra Dance
  • March 21, 2026 - Contra Dance
  • April 4, 2026 - Contra Dance
  • April 18, 2026 - Contra Dance
  • April 25, 2026 - Waltz Night

Callers and bands: E-mail  FoTD@FoTD.org or call the FoTD hotline at 970-829-8689 with booking inquiries.

What is Contra Dancing?

Contra dancing is a form of American folk dancing, usually danced to live music of Celtic origin. Although it has been done since the eighteenth century, contra dancing is a living tradition. Thousands of people contra dance every week all over the country, and new contra dances are being written all the time. Contra dancers form an informal community locally, regionally, and nationally.

Check out this NPR story on Contra Dancing!

Here's what Contra dancing looks like:

Contra dances are community events. At almost any contra dance you will find people of all ages and all dance skill levels, from young to old, beginner to expert. Contra dancers form a very open and welcoming group of people. And you don't have to come with a partner. At a contra dance, it is customary to dance with a variety of partners. It is perfectly acceptable for either a man or a woman to ask someone they haven't met before to dance. You will find contra dancing a great way to make new friends.

Check out some attempts by Gary D. Shapiro to answer the question, "What Is Contra Dance?"

CONTACT

Let us know if you have questions! We are thrilled to have beginners at all our Fort Collins dances.