Promoting traditional English and American music and dance

Berkeley Contra Dance

Christ Church East Bay, formerly known as Grace North Church
1st, 3rd, & 5th Wednesdays
We always dance to live music, and there is an open band on most evenings—musicians are welcome to play along with the band!
New to contra dancing? Come early at 7:30pm for an introductory lesson.
Role Names: This a gender-neutral series.
We usually use the role names “Larks” and “Robins.”

About Contra Dancing

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!

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