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: Tanya Merchant
Band: East Bay Barnstormers with Dan Warrick, Harry Liedstrand, David BrownThe 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: Will Wheeler, Lisa Miklós-Illés, Dorsey CrockerContra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
7:30pm–10:00pm
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: Dane Wallinga
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: Penelope Weinberger
Band: Bryce Druzhin…and friendsThe 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
Band: Patti Cobb, Valerie RoseThe 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: Lindsey Dono
Band: Contranauts with Lee Anne Welch, 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
SF Contra Community Band Night! Contra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: Lark Finnegan
The caller intends to use larks/robins role names.
7:30pm–10:00pm
TECHNO CONTRA!
The Polish Club, 3040 22nd Street, San Francisco.
Caller: Doe Taryn
Band: M’Gilvry AllenThe caller intends to use larks/robins role names.
Contra—beginner lesson at 7:30, dance 8:00–10:00
7:30pm–10:00pm