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.
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 SUMMER/FALL 2025
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: DJ Contra with callers Denali and Crystal. Recorded Music mixed by Crystal Melton, Denali Relles, Alex Wilder, and Eric Blevins. Beginner lesson at 7:30. Dance at 8pm. Second Presbyterian Church.
Sept 5: Cathy Hollister calling with Emma Rushton and Friends - Jeff Rohrbough, Alan O’Bryant, Andy Smith and John Fabke; 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.