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 dance 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 or pancakes after dances.
- WE WELCOME BEGINNERS! Bring friends or come alone and make some!
- Dances get more challenging in the last hour, so there's something for everyone.
We dance most 2nd and 4th 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). Join the Discord for this dance: https://discord.gg/JBvbxGmk7q
Upcoming events (1)
See all- LIVE MUSIC! Contra Dance with Kenny Greer and Hands FourWinter Park Ballroom Dance Co., Winter Park, FL
This dance is for EVERYONE: beginner, experienced, old, and young. All dances are taught. Bring friends or come alone and make some! Click GOING!
6:30 Doors open
6:40 Technique workshop (if you've come at least once)
7:00 Beginner lesson (everyone can join)
7:30 - 10:30 Dance!
10:30 Dessert at Jeremiah's Italian IceAdmission is $15. Students are FREE! If it's your second contra ever: FREE!
Join us at the Winter Park Ballroom Dance Co., just 15 minutes from UCF and right next to Jeremiah's Italian Ice.
What is contra dancing? See: https://orlandocontra.org/ for videos, FAQ, and more!
No partner or experience required. Dances start easy and get more challenging as the evening progresses. BEGINNERS SHOULD COME FOR THE LESSON before the dance starts.
We advertise on many platforms, and usually get just a few new dancers from Meetup. We typically have 20-30 dancers, including 2-5 who have never danced any kind of dance before. Don't worry if you're the only one to reply on Meetup, you'll be in good company, and we're super friendly to new members!
Caller: Kenny Greer (Berea, KY) – Calling is gender-neutral.
LIVE Music:
Hands Four (Boca):
Robin Osgood – fiddle
Norman Rodham – guitar and percussion
Cindy Wagman – flute
Dan Wagman – bouzouki and guitarContra dance is great exercise and loads of fun besides, so bring a water bottle and dress for cardio.
Click "Going" and we'll see you there!