WHAT IS CONTRA DANCE:
A contra dance event is a social dance that one can attend with or without a partner. No previous experience is needed. The dancers form couples, and the couples form sets of two couples in long lines starting from the stage and going down the length of the dance hall. Throughout the course of a dance, couples progress up and down these lines, dancing with each other couple in the line. The dance is led by a caller who teaches the sequence of figures in the dance before the music starts. Callers describe the series of steps called “figures”, and in a single dance, a caller may include anywhere from six to twelve figures which are repeated as couples progress up and down the lines. Each time through the dance takes 64 beats, after which the pattern is repeated. The essence of the dance is in following the pattern with your set and your line; since there is no required footwork, many people find contra dance easier to learn than other forms of social dancing.
Our contra dances are danced to live music.
WHERE TO DANCE:
The Norfolk Contra Dance is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month Sept.-May at the First Lutheran Church 1301 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA, our normal venue
In June, the dance is usually held at the Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown for the lovely weather and wonderful view.
COST: $15 for non-members; $12 for members and $10 for active military and students. “Members” are members of the TCDC (see calendar page for more detail.)
Please see our calendar for exact dates.
Norfolk Contra Dance 