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Contra Dance and Waltz in Fort Collins

Contra Dances run most 1st and 3rd Saturdays. See schedule below.
April 5 - Contra Dance: Questionable Decisions w/Sam Smith

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 thoroughly clean the soles of the shoes you will use for dancing and carry them in. Then change in the lobby so we don’t track in grit or dust from outside.


Upcoming Events:

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

  • March 1 - Contra Dance: Ben Cohen & Royston Hunget w/Tina & Ed
  • March 15 - Contra Dance: Rodney Sauer & The Buffleheads w/Viki Lawrence
  • April 5 - Contra Dance: Questionable Decisions w/Sam Smith
  • April 19 - Contra Dance: Rodney & The Coffee People w/?
  • April 26 - Waltz Night at Club Tico in City Park, 7:30-10:30
  • May 3 - Contra Dance: Teri Rasmussen & Friends w/?
  • May 17 - Contra Dance: The Rhythm Rangers w/?

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.