Contra Dancing in Graz

Contra dancing is a folk dance of mixed English and American tradition that currently has a reputation for being diverse, inclusive and open. Dances are done in long lines and can be with or without partners. The steps are simple figures that a caller combines together to create a longer pattern that is repeated until the music ends.

Pros:

anyone can dance (lead or follow)
easy to learn. if you can walk, you can dance!
great social interactions
open minded group of people
live music (american folk fiddle)

Currently we are trying a kind of mini-contra dance evening which works as follows:

17:30 INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO STEPS AND DANCES (no experience required)
18:00 MIXER (circle dance for everybody)
18:15 A FEW SIMPLE CONTRA DANCES
19:00-20:00 SNACK BREAK - DINNER/POTLUCK bring 5€ OR food to share
20:00-21:30 A FEW SIMPLE AND A FEW RICKIER CONTRA DANCES

We end all sets with a slow waltz - you may dance alone or as a couple or with a group - as you like!

Am Glacis Kulterverein
Glacisstrasse 61a/Hinterhof, 1.Stock
8010 Graz

Nearby transit: Maiffredygasse (100m / 2min walk), Jakominiplatz (500m / 7min walk)

First Fridays of the month:

7. Feb 2025
7. March 2025
4. April 2025
2. May 2025
13. June 2025 (Join us the week before for a contra dance weekend in Normandy!)
4. July 2025
1. August 2025
5. September 2025
3. October 2025
31. October 2025 (Halloween Special - no dance in November)
5. December 2025

Caller: Brian Roberts

Band: Woodcut [Band Members: Irma Servatius (Fiddle), Philip Daniel (Banjo)]

Guest Callers and/or Bands will be announced separately

English Language Wikipedia - CONTRA DANCE
German Language Wikipedia - CONTRA DANCE
Contra Dance Steps (JUST FYI - you won't need to know these - we tell you every dance what to do! :) )
A Brief History of Contra Dancing