Welcome to Ottawa Contra Dance!

Contra dancing is a joyful, energetic community dance for all ages. We dance to live music – fiddles, guitar, accordions, and more – and talented callers guide us through dance formations. Check out our Schedule page or subscribe to our email newsletter for upcoming dances.

Beginners are very welcome – all dances are taught and no partner or previous experience needed – just bring your smile!

“It was [a] very friendly atmosphere. The instructions were good. The music was fantastic!” “Very welcoming.”

Contra dances take place twice a month on 1st and 3rd Saturday evenings, September through June each season (no dances in July and August).

Doors open at 7 PM
Introductory lesson 7:30-8 PM (highly recommended for new participants)
Dance 8-11 PM
Location: Churchill Recreation Centre, 345 Richmond Road, Ottawa (see our Location page)

Schedule

February 15th, 2025
Band: Greg Brown, Ashley Murray & Justin Theriault
Caller: Catherine Burns
March 1st, 2025Double Dance!
🙂 Additional afternoon dance! 3:30-5:30 PM (door open at 3 PM) 🙂
Band: Stove Dragon – This band is making a big splash throughout New England and we’re lucky to have them play for us!
Caller: Emily Addison – In the afternoon, Emily will call a variety of dances, some of which we don’t get to do in our regular evening dances. There will be surprises and a few moments of learning thrown in!
March 15th, 2025
Band and caller to be announced
April 5th, 2025 – Plus a Waltz Dance!
🙂 Waltz dance from 6:30-7:30 PM. $5 🙂
Band: Magia Vestis Café Orchestra
Caller: to be announced
April 19th, 2025
Easter weekend. Hall is not available. No dance.
May 3rd, 2025
Band: Trio of James Stephens, Ann Downey & Ian Clark
Caller: Catherine Burns

For ticket prices and more information, check out our Schedule page.

Masks are optional. Please stay home if you’re sick.

Dancers are most welcome to wear a mask if they wish to. If you feel unwell, test positive for Covid, or are a close contact of someone with Covid, please do not attend. Staying up to date with vaccination is highly recommended. Please see our full list of Covid measures here.

Hey Fever!

We host our own Dance Weekend, Hey Fever!, Nov 1 to 3, 2024. It’s a blast!

Newsletter

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