Try Contra Dance in San Francisco
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Hate to work out? One way to exercise is to plan activities you enjoy. Contra Dancing is one enjoyable and aerobic activity you might want to try.
Contra dancing is a form of American folk dance similar to square dancing. Partners dance two parallel lines that run the length of the hall. Each dance consists of a pattern completed with another couple before moving to dance with another couple. By the end of the dance you have met every dancer in your line.
The basic moves are ones you probably remember from childhood: swings, promenades, dos-à-dos, and allemandes. Each evening session is preceded by a lesson and each dance is guided by a caller who teaches the dance before the music begins.
The music is performed by a live band, usually a string band. The dances have a relaxed atmosphere and are alcohol-free. The contra dance community attracts friendly, active people. Dancers of all ages are welcome; many dancers are over age 50.
The custom in contra dancing is to change partners with each dance, so it is no problem to come to a dance without a partner. Many people come to a contra dance alone and those who come with a partner generally are searching for a new one at the end of the first dance.
The dress is informal, though most people find that light, comfortable clothing works best. Wear soft-soled or dance shoes that will not mar a wood floor.
San Francisco Contra Dance sponsored by Bay Area Country Dance Society. BACDS also sponsors English country dance events in San Francisco.
First and third Saturdays and fourth Fridays of the month
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church
43rd and Judah
7:30 beginners lesson
8:00 dance begins
Non-members $10, members $8, students $5
Street parking available; Muni N line stops across the street
For more information call
BACDS sponsors contra and English country dances throughout the Bay Area. For more information go to the website.
Contra dancing is a form of American folk dance similar to square dancing. Partners dance two parallel lines that run the length of the hall. Each dance consists of a pattern completed with another couple before moving to dance with another couple. By the end of the dance you have met every dancer in your line.
The basic moves are ones you probably remember from childhood: swings, promenades, dos-à-dos, and allemandes. Each evening session is preceded by a lesson and each dance is guided by a caller who teaches the dance before the music begins.
The music is performed by a live band, usually a string band. The dances have a relaxed atmosphere and are alcohol-free. The contra dance community attracts friendly, active people. Dancers of all ages are welcome; many dancers are over age 50.
The custom in contra dancing is to change partners with each dance, so it is no problem to come to a dance without a partner. Many people come to a contra dance alone and those who come with a partner generally are searching for a new one at the end of the first dance.
The dress is informal, though most people find that light, comfortable clothing works best. Wear soft-soled or dance shoes that will not mar a wood floor.
San Francisco Contra Dance sponsored by Bay Area Country Dance Society. BACDS also sponsors English country dance events in San Francisco.
First and third Saturdays and fourth Fridays of the month
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church
43rd and Judah
7:30 beginners lesson
8:00 dance begins
Non-members $10, members $8, students $5
Street parking available; Muni N line stops across the street
For more information call
BACDS sponsors contra and English country dances throughout the Bay Area. For more information go to the website.
Contra dance in San Francisco
Photo: Photo courtesy of Dan Vilter Slideshow: Contra Dancing in San Francisco
Video: Dancing Contras
This clip shows contra dancing in action
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