What we’re about
Welcome to the Portland Contra Dance Meetup! This is a repeating no-host event which takes place almost every Saturday night at the Fulton Community Center in Portland. All are welcome!
What is contra dancing? It’s a partner dance but you’re also dancing with everyone in the room! It contains elements of square dancing but it’s done in long (contra) lines. It’s similar to English country dancing (think Jane Austen) but it’s much more aerobic. Contra dancing is easy to learn — the basic step is just walking — and we provide a half-hour lesson for newcomers before the start of the dance. The music is always live (fiddle, piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin, etc.) and lively (Celtic, Old-Time, Quebecois, etc.) and there is always a caller who will teach and lead all the dances.
Our community strives to be inclusive and welcoming with an emphasis on creating a culture of consent at our events. It’s fine to come by yourself — there will always be new folks in attendance as well as plenty of experienced dancers who will be happy to show you the ropes. We traditionally swap partners after every dance and anyone can dance with anyone! All of our dances are alcohol and substance free.
The contra dances at Fulton on 2nd, 4th and 5th Saturdays are sponsored by the Portland Country Dance Community (PCDC) and take place year round. Dances on 1st and 3rd Saturdays are organized by two different entities and are on hiatus in July and August. Callers at all Fulton contra dances use non-gendered role terms such as 'larks' (dancer on the left) and 'robins' (dancer on the right). Anyone can dance any role. All Saturday dances start with a beginner lesson at 7, then dancing from 7:30 to 10:30.
What to bring: comfortable clothing appropriate for aerobic (sweaty!) activity, shoes with smooth soles, water bottle, your lovely self. Please do not wear scented products to the dance.
Covid protocols: masks are encouraged but optional. Proof of vaccination not required. Please go to: www.portlandcountrydance.org for more information.
Come join us on the dance floor!
