Friday Night Contra Dances
All are welcome to come and dance! You don’t need to bring a partner. Contra dancing is easy to learn. We have beginners lessons for anyone who hasn’t done it before, or wants a reminder.
Contra dance is a social dance – You’ll see a lot of faces, smile a ton, and dance up and down the lines with multiple dance “partners,” “neighbors,” and maybe even “shadows.”
Onstage with the musicians is a dance caller who teaches and walks you through each dance before the music begins. He or she also calls the dance figures during the music to keep you on top of things.
What kind of music can you expect? Most bands have a fiddle, guitar or piano. Bass, mandolin, sometimes winds, even percussion.
Contra dance originated in New England, with roots in French, Scottish, and English traditional dances. You will now find lively dance communities all over the United States, across the world, and right here in Nashville, TN.
The BEST way to learn about contra dance is to jump in and go to one.
FIRST AND THIRD FRIDAY CONTRA DANCE TO LIVE MUSIC
FIFTH FRIDAY WILD CARD DANCE (EITHER OPEN BAND OR DJ CONTRA)
2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 3511 Belmont Blvd Nashville, TN 37215
7.30pm Beginner/Refresher lesson
8 - 10.30pm Dance
Pay at the door: Sliding-scale admission: pay whatever you can afford, $7 to $25 per person. We take cash, checks, and Venmo.
(This money pays the band, caller, sound technician and hall rental. Any extra goes towards NCD’s on-going expenses.)
SECOND FRIDAY CALLERS WORKSHOP DANCE with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton.
St John’s Lutheran Church 3259 McGavock Pike, Nashville 37214.
Try calling, or brush up your calling! Get helpful feedback! Or just come to dance and support your callers. Recorded music. For more information, email ncdwebteam@gmail.com. FREE!
Doors open 6.45pm
Beginner lesson (for new dancers or those wanting a refresher) 7pm
Dancing 7.30 - 9.30pm
SCHEDULE SUMMER/FALL 2025
June 20: Rachel Bergin calling with Southwind; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
June 27: Michael Hamilton (Akron, Ohio) calling with Countercurrent (Seattle, WA); 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
July 4: Wendy Graham (Brasstown, NC) calling with John Fabke & Friends; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
July 11th: Free: 7.30-9.30pm - Callers’ Workshop Dance with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton. St John’s Lutheran Church
July 18: Cathy Hollister calling with Ed Baggott & Elsie Peterson (Huntsville, AL); 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
August 1: Susan Kevra calling with Matt Combs & Family; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
August 8: Free: 7.30-9.30pm - Callers’ Workshop Dance with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton. St John’s Lutheran Church.
August 15: Sarah Kaiser (St. Louis, MO) calling with Cambia (St. Louis, MO); 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
August 29: TBA
Sept 5: Cathy Hollister calling with The Mountain Laurels; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Sept 12: Free: 7.30-9.30pm - Callers’ Workshop Dance with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton. St John’s Lutheran Church.
Sept 19: Crystal Melton calling with John Fabke & Friends; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Oct 3: Anna Claire Camp calling with Rafe Stefanini & Friends; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Oct 10: Free: 7.30-9.30pm - Callers’ Workshop Dance with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton. St John’s Lutheran Church.
Oct 17: Emma Rushton calling with Larry Unger and Jenny Monfore; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Oct 31: Open Band, caller TBA.
Nov 7: Kendal Broadie calling with Southwind; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Nov 14 Free: 7.30-9.30pm - Callers’ Workshop Dance with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton. St John’s Lutheran Church.
Nov 21: Rachel Bergin calling with Alex Wilder & Evan Snoey; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Nov 28: Susan Kevra calling with Turnip the Beet (Thanksgiving Friday); 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.Dec 5: Emma Rushton calling with Ed Baggott & Elsie Peterson (Huntsville)
Dec 12: Free: 7.30-9.30pm - Callers’ Workshop Dance with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton. St John’s Lutheran Church.
Dec 19: Cathy Hollister calling with The East Nashville Serenaders; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.