What we’re about
So you think you can't dance? Think again!
Contra dancing is a wonderful activity for anyone who enjoys live music, dance, socializing, fun, etc. We hold dances twice each month at the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula. All skill levels and ages are welcome. No prior dance experience is necessary, and every dance is preceded by a lesson. The dances are very social by nature and all are welcome here — married and unmarried couples; singles, alone or with friends; people of all ages! Children are also welcome at dances if supervised by a responsible adult.
We occasionally have special themed dances, potlucks, and dance workshops. Our motto is: "If you're having fun, you're doing it right!"
Dances are sponsored by the Monterey Country Dance Community – an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to keeping traditional live music and dance thriving on the Monterey Peninsula.
Please note our updated COVID policies, which are in force for every in-person event put on by the Monterey Country Dance Community:
- Open to vaccinated dancers only. Boosters are not required.
- Proof of vaccination will be checked at the door (photos of vaccination card ok), and will be noted for easy admission to future dances.
- Well-fitting masks must be worn throughout the dance whenever indoors, except briefly while taking a drink. Acceptable masks: N95, KN95, KF94, or P1000 with exhaust filter. Masks will be available at the door for those who need them.
- Water will be offered outdoors during the break. Sorry, no potluck snacks yet.
More information at: montereycontradance.org
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Contra Dance w/ The Corn Likkers, & Celia Ramsay calling!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA
## May 5th - The Corn Likkers return, with Celia Ramsay calling!
That hot Bay Area Old-Time family band, The Corn Likkers (Ray Chen, Lael Sigal, Lauren Graves, Elijah & Eleanor Chen), returns! Enjoy the calling of longtime Bay Area caller Celia Ramsay.
***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on 1st Sundays & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!Join us most 1st Sundays and 3rd Saturdays of the month for live music and contra dancing!
Each evening features a different live band and dance caller, so be sure to check out our website to see who is playing this month: www.montereycontradance.org
Sundays: Lesson at 3:40, Dance starts at 4pm
Saturdays: Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Vaccinations & masks recommended.
Beginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES:
$20 Contra Angels
$12 General
$10 Members of MCDC, BACDS, CDSS or other sister organizations
$5 active military & full-time students, with ID.
FREE - Kids 12 and under
See our website for the most up to date information: www.montereycontradance.orgPlease note our updated COVID policies:
-COVID vaccinations and masks are encouraged, but not required.
-Masks will be available at the door for those who need them.
-Water will be offered outdoorsBut what is a Contra Dance?
Contra is a form of community folk dance made up of long lines of couples dancing in sequence. A contra dancer gets to dance with their partner and everyone else in their line! Each individual dance is taught and called by a 'caller' with music provided by a live band.
Still confused? Check out our website or facebook page, look it up on youtube, or just show up at one of our events!Worried about being new?
Don't be. Prior experience is not expected! Before each evening begins, the night's caller offers a lesson for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher. In addition, contra is a walking dance, so no fancy footwork is required. Contra tradition is to change partners at the end of each dance, so bring your friends and get ready for a great time! The dance is open to all ages, newcomers are always welcome, and it is not necessary to bring a partner with you to the dance.What should I bring?
No particular style of clothing is worn, though as the dancing is energetic, lightweight attire and low-heeled dance shoes with non-marking soft soles are considered more comfortable. Don't forget your reusable water bottle! Bring a snack to share, if you'd like.See you on the dance floor!
- Contra Dance w/ The Monterey Monster Open Band and Jean Gorrindo calling!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA
## May 18th- The Monterey Monster Open Band returns, anchored by The Crabapples with Jean Gorrindo calling!
It's time for everyone's favorite annual tradition, the Monterey Monster Open Band dance! With over two dozen local musicians onstage, this band will definitely move you! Bring your family & friends, and if you play an instrument, consider joining the band! Email programmer@montereycontradance.org to join the fun.
(Regular Saturday night dance schedule)
***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!Join us most 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month for live music and contra dancing!
Each evening features a different live band and dance caller, so be sure to check out our website to see who is playing this month: www.montereycontradance.org
Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Vaccinations & masks recommended.
Beginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES:
$20 Contra Angels
$12 General
$10 Members of MCDC, BACDS, CDSS or other sister organizations
$5 active military & full-time students, with ID.
FREE - Kids 12 and under
See our website for the most up to date information: www.montereycontradance.orgPlease note our updated COVID policies:
-COVID vaccinations and masks are encouraged, but not required.
-Masks will be available at the door for those who need them.
-Water will be offered outdoorsBut what is a Contra Dance?
Contra is a form of community folk dance made up of long lines of couples dancing in sequence. A contra dancer gets to dance with their partner and everyone else in their line! Each individual dance is taught and called by a 'caller' with music provided by a live band.
Still confused? Check out our website or facebook page, look it up on youtube, or just show up at one of our events!Worried about being new?
Don't be. Prior experience is not expected! Before each evening begins, the night's caller offers a lesson for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher. In addition, contra is a walking dance, so no fancy footwork is required. Contra tradition is to change partners at the end of each dance, so bring your friends and get ready for a great time! The dance is open to all ages, newcomers are always welcome, and it is not necessary to bring a partner with you to the dance.What should I bring?
No particular style of clothing is worn, though as the dancing is energetic, lightweight attire and low-heeled dance shoes with non-marking soft soles are considered more comfortable. Don't forget your reusable water bottle!See you on the dance floor!
- Contra Dance w/ The Little Big Band, with Tanya Merchant calling!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA
## June 2nd- The Little Big Band, with Tanya Merchant calling!
You know Bob and Marta team up to make one of our favorite bands, so come dance with us and be reminded why! Tanya Merchant will lead the fun...
Sunday Afternoon Schedule:
3:40pm Beginners' Orientation
4-7pm Dance***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on 1st Sundays & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!Join us most 1st Sundays and 3rd Saturdays of the month for live music and contra dancing!
Each evening features a different live band and dance caller, so be sure to check out our website to see who is playing this month: www.montereycontradance.org
Sundays: Lesson at 3:40, Dance starts at 4pm
Saturdays: Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Vaccinations & masks recommended.
Beginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES:
$20 Contra Angels
$12 General
$10 Members of MCDC, BACDS, CDSS or other sister organizations
$5 active military & full-time students, with ID.
FREE - Kids 12 and under
See our website for the most up to date information: www.montereycontradance.orgPlease note our updated COVID policies:
-COVID vaccinations and masks are encouraged, but not required.
-Masks will be available at the door for those who need them.
-Water will be offered outdoorsBut what is a Contra Dance?
Contra is a form of community folk dance made up of long lines of couples dancing in sequence. A contra dancer gets to dance with their partner and everyone else in their line! Each individual dance is taught and called by a 'caller' with music provided by a live band.
Still confused? Check out our website or facebook page, look it up on youtube, or just show up at one of our events!Worried about being new?
Don't be. Prior experience is not expected! Before each evening begins, the night's caller offers a lesson for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher. In addition, contra is a walking dance, so no fancy footwork is required. Contra tradition is to change partners at the end of each dance, so bring your friends and get ready for a great time! The dance is open to all ages, newcomers are always welcome, and it is not necessary to bring a partner with you to the dance.What should I bring?
No particular style of clothing is worn, though as the dancing is energetic, lightweight attire and low-heeled dance shoes with non-marking soft soles are considered more comfortable. Don't forget your reusable water bottle! Bring a snack to share, if you'd like.See you on the dance floor!