About the MCD

WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING?

Contra dancing brings joy and laughter and friends into your life. It is fun beyond words. Contra dancing is done to live music — guitar and fiddle and other instruments, playing jigs and reels. A caller teaches each dance, and tells you what to do. You just need to know how to walk! No need to bring a partner. Our dance uses gender-neutral role terms, and we strive to be a safe place for everyone to dance. 

HOW DOES CONTRA DANCING WORK?

Contra dances are done in lines of couples. Beginners, singles, and all ages are welcome; all dances are taught. Each couple follows the calls, dancing with another couple. After you and your partner have done the dance figures with one couple, you do them with the next couple in line. By the end of the dance you have danced with everyone in your set.

There are about 8 or 9 dances in an evening. The convention is to ask a different partner for each dance and to ask people you don’t know to dance. You get to hear lively music, enjoy some exercise, meet your neighbors, and participate in a lively folk community and living tradition. 

We are a friendly and open dance community. Whoever you are, we invite you to come share the joy of dancing with us!

Helpful hints: For new or experienced dancers, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips and dance etiquette.

WANT TO DANCE ELSEWHERE?

For a listing of other dances, visit Try Contra: trycontra.com.

OUR MISSION

The Montpelier Contra Dance’s mission is to run a welcoming and consistently high-caliber dance. We are committed to:

• Promoting and nurturing dancing for people of all ages and levels of experience in an environment that feels open and safe

• Providing a variety of musicians and callers that represent a compelling mix of local, regional, and national talent; and

• Encouraging the dance community to support the Capital City Grange as a great place to dance.

WANT MORE INFO?

Sign up to get email reminders about dances, notifications about cancellations, and other dance info. No information is shared or sold from this list!  Click on THIS LINK, to fill out a sign-up form.  Questions?  Email Tim Swartz:  cdu.tim@gmail.com.

For more information about the Montpelier Contra Dance, call Tim at 802-225-8921, or email him at the address above.

For information about booking bands and callers, contact Dana at danadwya@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

The Montpelier Contra Dance organizing team is a volunteer group of Montpelier dancers. If you have questions, concerns, suggestions, or want to know more about the Montpelier dance at any time, feel free to talk with one of these folks:

•     Will Cleland

•     Dana Dwinell-Yardley

•     Kurt Giavara

•     Patty Giavara

•     Noah Harrison

•     Alice Smolinsky

•     Tim Swartz

•     Thomas Weiss