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, no extra lessons needed
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):

5. September 2025 at 17:30 Facebook event
at Heilandskirche, Kaiser-Josef-Platz 9, 8010 Graz
3. October 2025 at 17:30 Facebook event
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.
31. October 2025 at 17:30 Facebook event
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
Friday 9. January 2026 - Location TBD
Friday 6. February 2026 - Location TBD
Friday 6. March 2026 - Location TBD
Friday 3. April 2026 - Location TBD
Friday 1. May 2026 - Location TBD
Friday 5. June 2026 - Location TBD
Friday 3 July 2026 - Location TBD
August - no dance
Friday 11 September 2026 - (just before school start) Location TBD
Friday 2 October 2026 - Location TBD
Friday 6 November 2026 - Location TBD
Friday 4 December 2026 - Location TBD

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

Czechia: Prague (regular country dances/clasess and every two years a tour culminating in a weekend festival)
Denmark: Gentofte, Gladsaxe
France: Paris
Germany: Aachen, Karlsruhe, Leipzig area, Munich, Stuttgart
Switzerland: Zurich area, Geneva
Europe-wide: European Callers and Teachers Association (ECTA) (yearly contra dance convention as well as other events containing contra, square, round and clogging dancing), European Association of American Square Dancing Clubs e.V. (occasional contra dances).
UK: London Barn Dance (monthly modern urban contra), and many, many, more...
Lists of events: Folkdance.page