Contra Dance in Graz

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.

Easy to learn: if you can walk, you can dance
Dance any part: lead or follow
Great social interactions
Open minded group of people
Arrive alone or as a couple
Live music: Appalachian folk fiddle and banjo/guitar

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!

A typical contra dance in Worcester, Massachusetts

(source: youtube.com/@northborocontradance)

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.

First Fridays of the month (with a few exceptions):

13. June 2025 at 17:30 (Facebook event )
Yes, our dance is still happening. In light of the recent tragedy in our city, our hearts are with all who are affected. We’ve thought carefully about whether to move forward, and we believe it can be meaningful to offer a space for connection and community and that traditional music and movement can offer comfort in difficult times. We completely understand if some choose not to attend and respect whatever feels right for you at this time.
(Join us the week before as we travel to a contra dance weekend in Normandy!)
Location: 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.
4. July 2025 at 17:30 (Facebook event )
at Heilandskirche, Kaiser-Josef-Platz 9, 8010 Graz
1. August 2025 at 17:30
5. September 2025 at 17:30
3. October 2025 at 17:30
31. October 2025 at 17:30

(Halloween Special - no dance in November)
5. December 2025 at 17:30

Caller: Brian Roberts

Band:

Irma Servatius (Fiddle)

Philip Daniel (Banjo)

Guest Callers and/or Bands will be announced separately

A typical contra dance in Worcester, Massachusetts
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

Denmark: Gentofte, Gladsaxe
Germany: Aachen, Karlsruhe, Leipzig area, Munich, Stuttgart
Switzerland: Zurich area, Geneva
France: Paris
Lists of events: Folkdance.page