What we’re about
LIVE MUSIC, friendly people, and an aerobic high...who could want more? Join us for high-energy contra dancing!
Contra is easy to learn. You don't need to bring a partner. We'll teach you everything, starting with a FREE beginner workshop before each dance! We're inclusive, so we don't use gender-role terms in our dances. Check out https://orlandocontra.org/ for videos, FAQs, and details on all our dances, as well as links to our communities on Facebook and Discord.
STUDENTS (K-PhD), job seekers, and second-time (ever) dancers get in FREE at all our dances!
What's contra? Some quick answers (see video, more on the website):
- It's a fast, modern version of America's original non-native folk dance!
- If you've heard of speed dating, this might be called speed dancing. You dance with everyone in the room, every dance!
- Intergenerational community dancing fun! No leading or following. Experts and newbies all dance together, so you learn quickly. All dances are taught.
- It's as much a community of fun friends as an activity. We often go for ice cream after dances.
- WE WELCOME BEGINNERS! Bring friends or come alone and make some!
- Dances get more challenging after 9pm, so there's something for everyone.
We dance most 1st and 3rd Fridays in Winter Park. This dance often has LIVE MUSIC and professional dance teachers, thanks to a grant from United Arts of Central Florida!
We sponsor a student-only dance at UCF, called Contra Knights, which is open to all students (not just UCF). If you're a UCF student interested in reviving this group, come to a dance and talk to us. We're happy to advise clubs at other local schools, too!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- LIVE MUSIC! Contra Dance with Sam Sharpless and Kettle of FishWinter Park Ballroom Dance Co., Winter Park, FL
Join us for a lively evening of social dancing to live music sponsored by the Orlando Contra Dance!
Caller (teacher): Sam Sharpless (Orlando) - Calling is gender-neutral.
Band:
Kettle of Fish (Space Coast):
Robin Osgood – fiddle
Tiffany Boucher – fiddle
Norman Rodham – guitar and percussionThis event is open to everyone looking to make new friends and enjoy the vibrant community of Orlando. Whether you are a seasoned contra expert or entirely new to dancing, our inclusive and welcoming atmosphere will have you twirling and swinging in no time. No partner? No problem! We encourage singles to join in the fun and meet fellow dance enthusiasts. Our dance calling is gender-neutral.
We use Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, and many other media to invite new dancers. Typical attendance is 20+, including about 5 new dancers. Don't worry if you only see a few people interested here. You'll be in good company.
Join us at the Winter Park Ballroom Dance Co., just 15 minutes from UCF and 100 yards east of Jeremiah's Italian Ice.
Admission is $15. Students and job seekers are FREE! If it's your second contra ever: FREE!
Contra dance is great exercise and loads of fun besides, so bring a water bottle and dress for cardio. This is an alcohol-free event.
Check out the videos, FAQ, and links to socials on our website:
https://orlandocontra.org/6:30 Doors open
7:00 Beginner lesson (everyone can join)
7:00 Intermediate lesson (if you've come at least once)
7:30 Beginner/Intermediate dancing
9:00 Intermediate/Advanced dancing
10:30 Dessert at Jeremiah's Italian IceDances start easy and get more challenging as the evening progresses. BEGINNERS SHOULD COME FOR THE LESSON before the dance starts. All dances in the beginner session are taught.
Starting at 9, expect the full catalog of contra moves, interaction along diagonals, and the occasional no-walkthrough dance. If these dances are a bit more than you're ready for, you're invited and very welcome to stay and enjoy the music and fellowship of the dance community, and to join us for ice cream afterwards. Don't worry, you'll be dancing in the second half soon enough! Our free Technique Workshop will help you get there.
Intermediate lesson: For dancers who have come at least once. We'll work on adding zing to our swings, flowing smoothly into and between moves, styling and flourishes, communicating with our partners, and/or emotional and physical safety. Let us know you're coming in the event comments!
Click GOING and we'll see you there!
Orlando Contra Dance is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, your local agency for the arts. We thank them for sponsoring this event's live talent and sound tech.
