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).
*** Starting with the March 21st dance, times will shift forward by 30 minutes. Until then, times shown here still apply. ***
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)
Our next two dances…
- February 21st, 2026 – Balfolk dance to0!
- Band: Gregannian Chance (Greg Brown, Ann Downey & Ian Clark)
Caller: June Harman and Laura Simons
*** Plus *** There will be a Balfolk dance, upstairs, from 4:15 to 6:30 PM. It will start with a lesson. New dancers very welcome! - March 7th, 2026 – Also an English Country Dance for Contra dancers!
- Band: The Star Charters
Caller: David Smukler
*** Plus *** There will be an English Country Dance, for Contra dancers, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Music will be by two of the Star Charters plus Grace Hendrickson-Jones. - More upcoming dances…
- See Schedule for more upcoming dances, prices, and more info.
Masks are optional. Please stay home if you’re sick. Dancers are most welcome to wear a mask if they wish to. See our full list of health measures here.
Hey Fever!
We host our own Dance Weekend, Hey Fever!, Oct 30th to Nov 1st, 2026. It’s a blast!
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