First Saturday and Seasonal Dances
When: Every First Saturday, 7:30 – 11:00pm
Where: Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove Street, Peterborough, NH
Cost: $10 adults, $7 seniors & students, $28 family
Group Rates: $5 each for groups of 10 or more
What Is Contra Dance?
Contra dance is a fun, easy style of folk dance which has flourished in New England since the 1700s. Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors. At the end of the sequence, each couple progresses on to meet new neighbors. Over the course of the dance, each couple travels the length of the line and dances with every other couple.
How Do I Learn?
From 7:30 – 8:00pm before every dance, the evening’s caller offers a workshop on the basic steps used in contra. Then, as the evening progresses, each new dance is taught with a brief walk-through. We also have a wonderful community of friendly, experienced dancers who welcome new dancers.
Do I Need a Partner?
You are welcome to bring a dance partner or a group of friends with you, but it’s not necessary – traditionally, dancers are encouraged to change partners throughout the evening. You can ask anyone you’d like to dance, you can accept a dance invitation from whomever you like, and you can also decline to dance as well.
Is It Difficult?
If you can walk and smile, you can contra dance!
Live Music
Our first Saturday contra dance always features wonderful live music drawn from the Irish, Scottish, English, and French Canadian traditions. Our live contra bands are drawn from regional and national touring groups, usually featuring fiddle, flute, or accordion, backed by piano, guitar, and/or bass.
Google contradance basics!
