Rochester Freedom Dance
contra

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We're taking some time to regroup and build a team that can make our dance all it can be!  If you'd like to be a part of this team, please reach out to us. Even if you aren’t sure how, we can find a way for you to help.  We look forward to working with you and to getting back on the dance floor with you all again!

Contra is a traditional community dance, reminiscent of the types held in local grange halls. Dancers form long lines facing each other (hence the name "contra") and each pair of dancers gets to dance up and down the line, sharing smiles and laughter with all the other dancers as they go. Dances are taught and led by a caller. Dancers usually change partners after each dance, and have no need to come with one.  Talented local musicians perform dynamic and lively tunes that add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Join us for the fun at our twice-monthly dances!

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and a couple reminders as it gets closer.
Looking forward to seeing you at a dance soon!

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Get ready for our next contra dance!

Stay tuned for date-specific information in your inbox;
in the meantime, here's what our contra dance is all about.

 

WHO

All ages welcome!
Contra is for everyone -- if you can walk you can do contra!
Please supervise any kids young enough to need supervision.  There are chairs and tables adjacent to the dance area where non-dancers can watch and do quiet activities.

We value the face-to-face experience as a curative to a cyber-centric world. We dance mask-free to allow us to see people's expressions. There are other local dance groups that allow masks.

Your medical information is none of our business. If you're not feeling well, we expect you'll stay home, rest, and recover. (We look forward to seeing you next time!)

 

WHEN

First AND third Friday of every month, 6:30-9:30pm

5:30-6:30pm BYO dinner, socializing, informal practice

6:00pm Refresher session / intro for newbies: recommended!

6:30pm Dance begins!


WHERE
The Well Church
335 Helendale Rd. 14609

Near the intersection of Empire Blvd. & Rt. 590 in Rochester, NY.

DETAILS

Wear comfortable clothing -- layers advisable. Bring a pair of clean, dry shoes (to protect the dance floor), or dance in stocking feet.

Please bring a simple snack or sweet treat to share at the break!

No alcoholic beverages, please.

Admission payable in cash at the door: $8 student, $10 adult; group max $40.  Kids under 5 free.

Additional donations to help sustain our organization will be gratefully accepted!

 

ABOUT CONTRA

  • All dances are called -- you don't need to know them ahead of time.
  • Each time the caller announces that it's time for a new dance you'll find a new partner -- we mix it up throughout the evening!
  • We'll start out with very simple dances to help you learn the terms and moves.
  • The experienced dancers are friendly and happy to help!
  • Your smile muscles could be sore by the end of the night!
  • We'll have a waltz right before the break and at the very end.
  • Most videos of contra don't do justice to how much fun it is, but this one comes close to conveying the way contra feels!  This one, from a huge annual dance, is pretty good, too.
  • If you're wondering where contra dancing comes from, this brief history will give you the scoop!

Questions?
Contact us at:  r o c c o n t r a @ p m . m e !

 

About us

Rochester Freedom Dance was born during the social discord of Covid-19.  We objected to the forced masking and tracking of vax status that other dance groups were doing. We believe in medical freedom, and trust you to manage your health as you see fit. If you are sick, we want you to stay home, rest, and recover. If you are feeling well, we hope you'll join us for fun, smiles, and laughter in a mask-free environment.  We started with a handful of experienced dancers and dozens of friends who were willing to give it a try. After humble beginnings, with the addition of faithful, experienced, and enthusiastic musicians and callers, we've got ourselves a dance we can be proud of. We're building a whole new dance community of freedom-focused people, with talented local musicians! We hope you will join us and give contra a try!

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Looking forward to seeing you at our next dance!
~ Jeanie