
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 (4+)
See all- Saturday Evening Contra Dance in Monterey!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA$15.00
Music by Mike Lewinski & Daniel & Ezra Steinberg, with Dane Wallinga calling! Hoppin' tunes & sweet dances... don't miss it!
Saturday Night Schedule:
6:30pm Doors open
6:40pm Learn How to Contra Dance
7-10pm Dance!
~8:30pm Potluck Snacks on the Porch :)***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on 1st Sundays & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!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!
Saturday Schedule: Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Sunday Schedule: Lesson at 3:40, Dance starts at 4pmBeginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.
Vaccinations & masks recommended.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES (Sliding Scale):
$15-$30, General Admission
$10-$25 Members of MCDC, BACDS, CDSS or other sister organizations;
$5 active military & full-time students, with ID;
FREE! for children 12 & underSee 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.
-PLEASE stay home if you are feeling sick.But 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!
- FREE ANNIVERSARY CONTRA DANCE! Ben Jackson & Jeff Spero, with Susan Petrick!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA
FREE SPONSORED ANNIVERSARY DANCE!!
Music by Ben Jackson & Jeff Spero, with Susan Petrick calling!You remember Ben Jackson's fiery fiddle from Forgery, and you probably know Jeff Spero from The Syncopaths. This first-ever meeting of these musical titans is going to be epic! The amazing Susan Petrick returns to call this unforgettable afternoon! This dance is FREE for everyone, in celebration of the 5th wedding anniversary of Laura Arnow & Matthew Englund! (Enjoy cake with us at the break :)
Sunday Afternoon Schedule:
3:30pm Doors open
3:40pm Learn How to Contra Dance
4-7pm Dance!
~5:30pm Potluck Snacks on the Porch :-)***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on 1st Sundays & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!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
Saturday Schedule: Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Sunday Schedule: Lesson at 3:40, Dance starts at 4pmBeginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.
Vaccinations & masks recommended.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES (Sliding Scale):
This one is FREE for all! Bring your friends!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.
-PLEASE stay home if you are feeling sick.But 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!
- Saturday Evening Contra Dance in Monterey!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA$15.00
Music by Raven & Goose, with Doe Taryn calling!
Raven & Goose are a nationally touring contra duo. With fiery fiddlin' from Corwin Zekley and foot stompin' piano by Grace Fellows, they play original compositions and breathe new life into traditional tunes, all delivered with a passion that will get you up and dancing!Saturday Night Schedule:
6:30pm Doors open
6:40pm Learn How to Contra Dance
7-10pm Dance!
~8:30pm Potluck Snacks on the Porch :)***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on 1st Sundays & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!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!
Saturday Schedule: Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Sunday Schedule: Lesson at 3:40, Dance starts at 4pmBeginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.
Vaccinations & masks recommended.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES (Sliding Scale):
$15-$30, General Admission
$10-$25 Members of MCDC, BACDS, CDSS or other sister organizations;
$5 active military & full-time students, with ID;
FREE! for children 12 & underSee 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.
-PLEASE stay home if you are feeling sick.But 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!
- 1st Sunday Afternoon Contra Dance in Monterey!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA$15.00
Music by Frank Hoppe & Friends, with Sarah Trop calling!
We're lucky have Frank Hoppe spend half his time in Monterey. Come find out why Frank has been a hot pick at SoCal contras for years! Sarah Trop joins us for her first calling outing to Monterey, don't miss out!
Sunday Afternoon Schedule:
3:30pm Doors open
3:40pm Learn How to Contra Dance
4-7pm Dance!
~5:30pm Potluck Snacks on the Porch :-)***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on 1st Sundays & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!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!
Saturday Schedule: Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Sunday Schedule: Lesson at 3:40, Dance starts at 4pmBeginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.
Vaccinations & masks recommended.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES (Sliding Scale):
$15-$30, General Admission
$10-$25 Members of MCDC, BACDS, CDSS or other sister organizations;
$5 active military & full-time students, with ID;
FREE! for children 12 & underSee 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.
-PLEASE stay home if you are feeling sick.But 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!