Contra dance is a New England folk social dance of mixed English and American tradition
that has earned a reputation for being fun, diverse, inclusive and open to all.
Dances are done in long lines and the steps are simple figures that a Caller combines together to
create a longer pattern that is repeated until the music ends.
The Pros of Contra
Easy to learn: if you can walk, you can dance, no extra lessons needed
Dance any part: lead or follow
Great social interactions
Open minded group of people
Arrive alone or with friends
Live music: Appalachian folk fiddle and banjo/guitar
ablauf of our dances
Admission is free of charge, but we ask you to kindly donate to the band for their hard work!
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 time - Potluck: bring food to share
20:00-21:30 A few simple and a few trickier contra dances, we walk you through everything
We end all sets with a slow waltz - you may dance alone or as a couple or with a
group - as you like!
Heilandskirche, Kaiser-Josef-Platz 9, 8010 Graz (Enter courtyard via gate on Kaiser-Josef-Platz and go in first door
on left). We are working on a new permanent location.
Tennenmälzerei, Reininghaus (link and Stadtteilbüro)
Google Maps use address Am Steinfeld 9. Tram 4 / Bus 65 (Reininghausstrasse or Reininghauspark/tim).
Bike via Alte Poststraße to Am Steinfeld
Parking garage in nearby Green Tower.
When do we meet?
First Fridays of the month (with a few exceptions):
Halloween Special with guest caller Jen Werfelman (Paris / USA)
at Tennenmälzerei, Reininghaus
Google Maps use address Am Steinfeld 9. Tram 4 / Bus 65 (Reininghausstrasse or Reininghauspark/tim).
Bike via Alte Poststraße to Am Steinfeld
Parking garage in nearby Green Tower.
November - no dance
5. December 2025 at 17:30
at Heilandskirche, Kaiser-Josef-Platz 9, 8010 Graz
Austria (Vienna): Zeitentanz has historical (Renaissance through Biedermeier) contra dance classes and occasional dances,
Höfischen Tanz does social dances from 16th to 19th century including contra dances,
Kultureulenwelt has regular medieval and renaissance "Reigentänze" dances and practice sessions which are sometimes similar to contra dances.
Austria (Scottish Ceilidh Vienna): Cafe Henriette (Vienna) has monthly small ceilidhs with recorded music,
Vienna Pipes and Drums has a yearly Ceilidh with live music as well as Ceilidh music at a Burns Supper
Czechia:
Prague (regular country dances/clasess and every two years a tour culminating in a weekend festival)