Dance Workshops |
Welcome to Contra Dance!
Contra dance has been enjoyed in this country since before the America Revolution. Contra dance is similar to square dancing, but is done in long lines or circles of couples (like the Virginia Reel) rather than in squares. You do not need to know how to dance to enjoy this community activity. It is accessible to everyone.
Singles, couples and families (including children) are all welcome. All dances are taught and prompted by a caller with a live band playing lively traditional jigs and reels.
There is usually a workshop for beginners before the dance. The workshop will familiarize you with the dance moves and their names. It’s easy and fun right from the start. This New England living tradition has been passed on for generations by the dancers, callers and musicians who want to preserve this traditional and social activity. The tradition encourages everyone to change partners after each dance, though this is not a "forced" tradition.
The Spokane Folklore Society hosts contra dances every Wednesday evening from 7:30 - 9:30 pm (September thru June) at the Spokane Woman’s Club Hall, 1428 W 9th Ave. There is an introductory workshop on Saturday at 7:15 pm. Please join us!
Contra dance has been enjoyed in this country since before the America Revolution. Contra dance is similar to square dancing, but is done in long lines or circles of couples (like the Virginia Reel) rather than in squares. You do not need to know how to dance to enjoy this community activity. It is accessible to everyone.
Singles, couples and families (including children) are all welcome. All dances are taught and prompted by a caller with a live band playing lively traditional jigs and reels.
There is usually a workshop for beginners before the dance. The workshop will familiarize you with the dance moves and their names. It’s easy and fun right from the start. This New England living tradition has been passed on for generations by the dancers, callers and musicians who want to preserve this traditional and social activity. The tradition encourages everyone to change partners after each dance, though this is not a "forced" tradition.
The Spokane Folklore Society hosts contra dances every Wednesday evening from 7:30 - 9:30 pm (September thru June) at the Spokane Woman’s Club Hall, 1428 W 9th Ave. There is an introductory workshop on Saturday at 7:15 pm. Please join us!
Dancing at the Festival
English Country Dance – Spokane English with Mitchell Frey (Sunday, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm in the Cafeteria)
Come dance the contra dances of merry old England! All dances taught by dancing master, Mitchell Frey. Live music is provided by Margie Heller on violin, Emily Faulkner on recorder and Steve Riggan on keyboard. Jane Austin loved these dances and wrote about them. Come dance with us.
Family Dance with Susan Dankovich (Saturday, 2:30 - 3:15 pm in the Cafeteria)
Old-fashioned barn dance for families and dancers of all ages. Circles, sets, lines and easy international dances. Fun for everyone.
International Folk Dance with Karen Wilson-Bell (Saturday, 4:30 - 5:30 pm)
Easy folk dances from around the world.
New England Contra Dance (Saturday, 7:30-8:00 and Sunday, 3:30 - 3:45 pm)
Learn the basics of this community dance tradition that has been bringing communities together in New England for hundreds of years and has spread across the country. Both workshops are followed by a dance.
Square Dance with Spokane Area Square Dancers and caller Doug Davis (Sunday, 1 - 2 pm)
Demonstration and participatory dance.
Come dance the contra dances of merry old England! All dances taught by dancing master, Mitchell Frey. Live music is provided by Margie Heller on violin, Emily Faulkner on recorder and Steve Riggan on keyboard. Jane Austin loved these dances and wrote about them. Come dance with us.
Family Dance with Susan Dankovich (Saturday, 2:30 - 3:15 pm in the Cafeteria)
Old-fashioned barn dance for families and dancers of all ages. Circles, sets, lines and easy international dances. Fun for everyone.
International Folk Dance with Karen Wilson-Bell (Saturday, 4:30 - 5:30 pm)
Easy folk dances from around the world.
New England Contra Dance (Saturday, 7:30-8:00 and Sunday, 3:30 - 3:45 pm)
Learn the basics of this community dance tradition that has been bringing communities together in New England for hundreds of years and has spread across the country. Both workshops are followed by a dance.
Square Dance with Spokane Area Square Dancers and caller Doug Davis (Sunday, 1 - 2 pm)
Demonstration and participatory dance.
