
What we’re about
So you think you can't dance? Think again!
Contra dancing is a wonderful activity for anyone who enjoys live music, dance, socializing, fun, etc. We hold dances twice each month at the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula. All skill levels and ages are welcome. No prior dance experience is necessary, and every dance is preceded by a lesson. The dances are very social by nature and all are welcome here — married and unmarried couples; singles, alone or with friends; people of all ages! Children are also welcome at dances if supervised by a responsible adult.
We occasionally have special themed dances, potlucks, and dance workshops. Our motto is: "If you're having fun, you're doing it right!"
Dances are sponsored by the Monterey Country Dance Community – an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to keeping traditional live music and dance thriving on the Monterey Peninsula.
Please note our updated COVID policies, which are in force for every in-person event put on by the Monterey Country Dance Community:
- Open to vaccinated dancers only. Boosters are not required.
- Proof of vaccination will be checked at the door (photos of vaccination card ok), and will be noted for easy admission to future dances.
- Well-fitting masks must be worn throughout the dance whenever indoors, except briefly while taking a drink. Acceptable masks: N95, KN95, KF94, or P1000 with exhaust filter. Masks will be available at the door for those who need them.
- Water will be offered outdoors during the break. Sorry, no potluck snacks yet.
More information at: montereycontradance.org
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Contra Dance! Rodney Miller, Daniel & Ezra Steinberg, with Erik Hoffman calling!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA$1.00
## May 4th- Rodney Miller, Daniel & Ezra Steinberg, with Erik Hoffman calling!
Fiddle legend and national treasure Rodney Miller returns to lighten our feet and our hearts!
Sunday Afternoon Schedule:
3:30pm Doors open
3:40pm Learn How to Contra Dance
4-7pm Dance!
~5:30pm Potluck Snacks on the Porch :-)***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on 1st Sundays & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!Each evening features a different live band and dance caller, so be sure to check out our website to see who is playing this month: www.montereycontradance.org
Saturday Schedule: Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Sunday Schedule: Lesson at 3:40, Dance starts at 4pmBeginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.
Vaccinations & masks recommended.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES (Sliding Scale):
$15-$30, General Admission
$10-$25 Members of MCDC, BACDS, CDSS or other sister organizations;
$5 active military & full-time students, with ID;
FREE! for children 12 & underSee our website for the most up to date information: www.montereycontradance.org
Please note our updated COVID policies:
-COVID vaccinations and masks are encouraged, but not required.
-Masks will be available at the door for those who need them.
-PLEASE stay home if you are feeling sick.But what is a Contra Dance?
Contra is a form of community folk dance made up of long lines of couples dancing in sequence. A contra dancer gets to dance with their partner and everyone else in their line! Each individual dance is taught and called by a 'caller' with music provided by a live band.
Still confused? Check out our website or facebook page, look it up on youtube, or just show up at one of our events!Worried about being new?
Don't be. Prior experience is not expected! Before each evening begins, the night's caller offers a lesson for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher. In addition, contra is a walking dance, so no fancy footwork is required. Contra tradition is to change partners at the end of each dance, so bring your friends and get ready for a great time! The dance is open to all ages, newcomers are always welcome, and it is not necessary to bring a partner with you to the dance.What should I bring?
No particular style of clothing is worn, though as the dancing is energetic, lightweight attire and low-heeled dance shoes with non-marking soft soles are considered more comfortable. Don't forget your reusable water bottle!See you on the dance floor!
- Saturday Contra Dance! Live Music by FORGERY, with Kelsey Hartman calling!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA
## May 17th- Saturday Night Contra - music of FORGERY, with Kelsey Hartman calling!
They blew our minds last time. You will not want to miss the return of FORGERY, with Ben Jackson's fiddling & Will Wheeler's driving guitar & foot percussion! There's nothing quite like the alchemy of these two together!
Saturday Night Schedule:
6:30pm Door open
6:40pm Learn How to Contra Dance
7-10pm Dance!
~8:30pm Potluck Snacks on the Porch :)***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on 1st Sundays & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!Each evening features a different live band and dance caller, so be sure to check out our website to see who is playing this month: www.montereycontradance.org
Saturday Schedule: Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Sunday Schedule: Lesson at 3:40, Dance starts at 4pmBeginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.
Vaccinations & masks recommended.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES (Sliding Scale):
$15-$30 General Admission
FREE for MCDC members!
$5 full-time military & students
FREE for children 12 & under
No one turned away for lack of funds!See our website for the most up to date information: www.montereycontradance.org
Please note our updated COVID policies:
-COVID vaccinations and masks are encouraged, but not required.
-Masks will be available at the door for those who need them.
-Water will be offered outdoorsBut what is a Contra Dance?
Contra is a form of community folk dance made up of long lines of couples dancing in sequence. A contra dancer gets to dance with their partner and everyone else in their line! Each individual dance is taught and called by a 'caller' with music provided by a live band.
Still confused? Check out our website or facebook page, look it up on youtube, or just show up at one of our events!Worried about being new?
Don't be. Prior experience is not expected! Before each evening begins, the night's caller offers a lesson for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher. In addition, contra is a walking dance, so no fancy footwork is required. Contra tradition is to change partners at the end of each dance, so bring your friends and get ready for a great time! The dance is open to all ages, newcomers are always welcome, and it is not necessary to bring a partner with you to the dance.What should I bring?
No particular style of clothing is worn, though as the dancing is energetic, lightweight attire and low-heeled dance shoes with non-marking soft soles are considered more comfortable. Don't forget your reusable water bottle!See you on the dance floor!
- Erika's 70th Birthday Dance, FREE to everyone!! Little Big Band & Jean Gorrindo!YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, Monterey, CA$1.00
## FREE SPONSORED DANCE!!
SUNDAY AFTERNOON DANCE
June 1st- Erika's 70th Birthday Dance, FREE to everyone!!
Music by the Little Big Band, with Jean Gorrindo calling!There's nothing better than celebrating our important milestones with dance friends, and this is your chance to invite family and friends to come dance with us to celebrate Erika's 70th birthday! Marta Lynch and Bob Silberstein will play those lively tunes to Jean Gorrindo's expert calling, don't miss out!
Sunday Afternoon Schedule:
3:30pm Doors open
3:40pm Learn How to Contra Dance
4-7pm Dance!
~5:30pm Birthday Cake & Potluck Snacks on the Porch :-)***
Live music and livelier dancing since 1999! We host public contra dances on 1st Sundays & 3rd Saturdays in Monterey, CA.
Beginners are always welcome!Each evening features a different live band and dance caller, so be sure to check out our website to see who is playing this month: www.montereycontradance.org
Saturday Schedule: Lesson at 6:40, Dance starts at 7pm
Sunday Schedule: Lesson at 3:40, Dance starts at 4pmBeginners are always welcome!
Calling will be Larks & Robins.
Vaccinations & masks recommended.Location:
Monterey YMCA
600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940PRICES (Sliding Scale):
This is a FREE dance! Bring your friends!See our website for the most up to date information: www.montereycontradance.org
Please note our updated COVID policies:
-COVID vaccinations and masks are encouraged, but not required.
-Masks will be available at the door for those who need them.
-PLEASE stay home if you are feeling sick.But what is a Contra Dance?
Contra is a form of community folk dance made up of long lines of couples dancing in sequence. A contra dancer gets to dance with their partner and everyone else in their line! Each individual dance is taught and called by a 'caller' with music provided by a live band.
Still confused? Check out our website or facebook page, look it up on youtube, or just show up at one of our events!Worried about being new?
Don't be. Prior experience is not expected! Before each evening begins, the night's caller offers a lesson for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher. In addition, contra is a walking dance, so no fancy footwork is required. Contra tradition is to change partners at the end of each dance, so bring your friends and get ready for a great time! The dance is open to all ages, newcomers are always welcome, and it is not necessary to bring a partner with you to the dance.What should I bring?
No particular style of clothing is worn, though as the dancing is energetic, lightweight attire and low-heeled dance shoes with non-marking soft soles are considered more comfortable. Don't forget your reusable water bottle!See you on the dance floor!