Click play to view a slideshow of the February 9 dance,
with music by the Hoosier Uprights.
Welcome to St. Louis Contra Dancing
Click here for the regular Dance Schedule.
This coming Saturday, May 10, the band will be Mickey Soltys, Jeff Miller and Jim Nelson.
The caller on Saturday is Jerome Grisanti, of extreme northwestern Missouri. Jerome will be giving the Intermediate workshop "Hey there" (You with the Stars in your eyes) at 7:30pm.
Sunday, there's a Waltz Party - lots of waltzing to celebrate Mothers' Day. Kent Koeninger, of New England and St. Louis, will give a Waltz Workshop from 6:00-7:00pm, followed by dancing to the Halcyon Light Orchestra from 7:00-9:00pm
If you're new to contra dancing, read Greg's article about contradancing. If you've been dancing a while and are having a hard time explaining to your friends why it makes you so happy, send them this link.
When and Where are the Dances
Sunday Dances
We generally dance on the 1st, 3rd & 4th Sundays of the month. Check the schedule for the dates. Free workshop at 6:30, dance from 7-10pm. $5.
Occasionally we have a special dance on the 5th Sunday. Check the Schedule for times, places and fees.
Saturday Dances
2nd Saturday, every month. Free workshop at 7:30. Dance runs from
We dance at the Monday Club, 37 S. Maple, Webster Groves, MO.
Here's a schedule, and a map to the Monday Club.
Waltz Parties
If you come on a 2nd Sunday, you'll find a Waltz Party, an entire evening of waltzes and other social dances. Workshop
What Do I Need to Know
What is Contra Dance?
It's a communal style folk dance that is fun and easy to learn. No partner or experience is necessary. A caller leads the dancers though a series of moves. The patterns are easy to learn. If you can walk, you can contra dance. Read more...
Do I need to bring a partner?
No. Most people come without partners. Since it's a communal dance, most people change partners after each dance.
What if I've never done this before and have no idea what I'm doing?
You're in for a treat. You'll find a style of dance where it's more important to have fun than do it “right”, where people are friendly and welcoming, and where others will be glad to help you learn the basic steps. A 30-minute workshop is held before the dance for newcomers who would like a quick introduction to the dance figures. The simplest dances are at the beginning of the evening so that people learn the figures easily. Coming early in the evening is the easiest way to learn.
Take the music home!
Remember the good times with music by some hot Missouri contradance bands.
The CD page shows what's available from Childgrove, Dave Landreth, Stringdancer, the Ill-Mo Boys, The Buckhannon Brothers, Rick Thum, Boney Goat, Bob Holt, and Rhys, Jim & Jeff.
What if I have 2 left feet?
No problem. Contra Dancing uses a walking step so it doesn't matter which left foot you start on.
Do I have to wear a funny outfit?
No, you're confusing Contra Dance with other styles of dance. Dress comfortably. Many people wear jeans and tennis shoes. Most women wear flowing skirts because they're fun to dance in. Since the dances are energetic and you can get very warm, you may want to dress in layers. Tennis shoes or leather soled shoes will work well.
Can I come and just listen to the music?
Sure. If you prefer, you can watch the dances and enjoy the great live music. You may have to reject a dozen invitations to dance, though.
What if I have other questions?
Send e-mail to mac@childgrove.org.
The Folk School
Play the music we dance to. See the Folk School web site at www.folk-school.com for jam sessions, special events, and workshops. Lessons, too.
St. Louis Youth Contra
St Louis Youth Contra - Monthly dances for Twenties and Teens at Focal Point. Call Larry Boyer 314-909-8889 for info. Read more at the St Louis Youth Contra web site. (http://youthcontra.googlepages.com/) The next dance is Friday, May 30 at Focal Point.
Calling Parties
Informal, supportive environment for learning to call dances. First, third and fifth Wednesdays. Dance, call, talk. http://dancecaller.blogspot.com. Ask Martha.