
What we’re about
**These social dances are fun for all ages, and benefit the body and mind. A fun way to exercise and make friends. You can bring a friend, but you don't need a partner. Typically 60 to 90 of us are dancing many Sunday nights. See Schedule at https://www.sbcds.org** A 20-minute orientation lesson is before each dance
They were not started on Meetup. So you won't see very high RSVP counts since most people attend without RSVPing on Meetup.
Contra Dancing: You love live music, to move to it, to get exercise, to make friends.
This is a great place for non-dancers to explore a new kind of fun, for experienced dancers new to contra dance, and of course returning contra dancers. No experience necessary!
Our live music includes all kinds of instruments depending on the band. Typical instruments include fiddle, guitar, piano, mandolin, accordion, flute.
We offer a 20-minute orientation lesson before each dance where you'll learn the basic structure of a contra dance and the most common figures. The caller teaches the sequence for ach dance before the music starts, and then prompts the figures for a while. The moves are about 30 seconds but then the sequence repeats several more times, and each time you meet another pair of dancers. How sociable!
It's perfectly okay to come to the dance by yourself. Everybody asks everybody to dance.
What to wear: comfortable, smooth-sole (if possible) shoes, lightweight clothing or layers when it's cold. Maybe bring an extra shirt in case you work up a sweat...Let's Dance!
2 of 2: English Country Dancing
The Grandparent of contra dancing, English Country Dancing appeals to your love of variety, excitement, elegance, energy, and even a bit of challenge. Come with friends or come by yourself. Everyone dances.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- CONTRA 💃 Dance this Sunday $10 May 25 6-9pm Frank Hoppe bandSB Carrillo Recreation Center, Santa Barbara, CA$10.00
CONTRA DANCE SUNDAY
-$10, from 6-9pm--LIVE BAND! May 24th (in 4 days)
SB Carrillo Recreation Center 100 E Carrillo in the large sprung-floor ballroomThe band: Frank Hoppe Band
The caller: Jean Gorrindo
$10 Cash/Visa/MC/Venmo
Beginners are welcome, cherished even. No need to bring a partner.
We urge all newcomers to dance with experienced dancers for the first few dances. It helps make if fun and easy for everyone!
Dress: for comfort. We recommend low or flat shoes that don't stick.The caller is Jean Gorrindo, is a favorite caller with a confident, easy going style. Hailing from San Luis Obispo County, she is a pro at looking out for the needs of the hall, and will bring a fun assortment of dances. Jean's strong teaching and musical skills, combined with her rhythmic vocal quality, help her deliver flowing, challenging choreography in a fun and accessible way! She has a particular knack for collecting dances with exceptional flow designed to enhance the connectedness between us all. In her mind, that feeling of connection is what it is all about.
CONTRA DANCE: SB Country Dance Society, co-sponsored by the SB Park and Rec Department
- Fun social dance
- A live band and a caller
- Enjoyable
- Great Exercise
- Good for the body and brain
- You don't need a partner
Future 2025 Contra Dances
(1st, 3rd, Sundays $10, quarterly free dance :)
DATE BAND CALLER COST
May 25: Frank Hoppe Band w Jean Gorrindo $10June 1: Whole Hog w. Chris Page $10
June 15: Corwin & Grace w. Jeff Spero $10June 29: WHOLE HOG and Andy Shore FREE DANCE
Sponsored by Peter Glatz and Mary Ballard as part of their Wedding Celebration
For info check out https://www.sbcds.org/contradance/schedule/
Video of one of our dances
A big smile for your body, mind, and soul
NO English Country Dance this Sunday