Friday Night Contra Dances
All are welcome to come and dance and you don’t need to come with a partner. Contra dancing is easy to learn. If you’re new or want a refresher, we have beginner lessons at the start of each event.
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 can find lively dance communities all over the United States, across the world, and right here in Nashville, TN.
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
7:30 PM - Beginner/Refresher lesson
8 - 10:30 PM - 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.
Callers’ Workshop is taking a break for November and December. See you again in February!
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: 45 PM
Beginner lesson (for new dancers or those wanting a refresher) 7 PM
Dancing 7:30 - 9:30 PM
SCHEDULE WINTER/SPRING 2025/6
Dec 12: Sorry, no Callers’ Workshop this month! We will resume in February.
Dec 19: Cathy Hollister calling with The East Nashville Serenaders; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Jan 2: Susan Kevra calling with Sami Braman & Friends; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Jan 9: Emma Rushton calling with Fiddle & Pick Weekend Band; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Jan 16: Elijah Jaime and Crystal Melton calling with Alex Wilder and Evan Snoey; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Feb 6: Ed Wilkinson calling with Rafe Stefanini & Friends; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Feb 13: Free: 7.30-9.30pm - Callers’ Workshop Dance with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton. St John’s Lutheran Church.
Feb 20: Kendal Broadie calling with Tyler Andal & Friends; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
March 6: Cathy Hollister calling with The John Hartford Project; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
March 13: August 8: Free: 7.30-9.30pm - Callers’ Workshop Dance with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton. St John’s Lutheran Church.
March 20: Charlie Chessman calling with The Mountain Laurels; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
April 3: Anna Claire Camp calling with The East Nashville Serenaders; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
April 10: Free: 7.30-9.30pm - Callers’ Workshop Dance with Cathy Hollister and Crystal Melton. St John’s Lutheran Church.
April 17: Crystal Melton calling with John Fabke & Friends; 2nd Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.