Utah Contradance Information Page

Last updated January 3, 2024

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What is Contra Dancing?

Is it legal in Provo?

Do you remember having to do square dancing back in grade school?

Have you seen square dancers at the county fair?

Contra dancing is every good thing that you have heard about square dancing, with none of the bad things. We dance in longways sets like a Virginia Reel, but everybody gets to dance instead of just having one active couple. We dance to live music, teach all of the dances, and welcome newcomers. You can walk in off the street knowing nothing about contra dancing and still have a great time.

If it's outlawed in Provo, it must be fun!

Local Dances

January, 2024
11	Country Dancing Tonight, Murray
20	Wasatch Contra, Salt Lake City
25	Country Dancing Tonight, Murray
27	Contra, Salt Lake City
February, 2024
 8	Country Dancing Tonight, Murray
17	Wasatch Contra, Salt Lake City
22	Country Dancing Tonight, Murray
24	Contra, Salt Lake City
March, 2024
 7	Country Dancing Tonight, Murray
16	Wasatch Contra, Salt Lake City
21	Country Dancing Tonight, Murray
23	Contra, Salt Lake City

Special Events

Dance Locations and Times

Contra Dance, Salt Lake City, UT
First Unitarian Church, 569 South 1300 East
Music by Loose Shoes
Chief caller: Brenda Goodwin (usually open mic)
Usually fourth Saturday of the month, September through May.
Beginner Classes 7:30 PM, Dancing 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost $5.00
Contact: Richard Ebling 801-856-6209
rebling329@gmail.com
Wasatch Contras, Salt Lake City, UT
Garbett Center at the intersection of 200 West and Wall Street, Salt Lake City
Possibly also known as "The Old North Church" at 700 N 200 W in Salt Lake City
Park on 2nd West (east side only), Wall Street, or 7th North
Music by a variety of bands
Calling by various callers
Usually third Saturday of the month
Beginner Workshop 7:00 PM, Dancing 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost $10 General Admission, $8 (financial hardship), $5 Youth (7-15)
Contact: Brenda 801-232-2348
info@wasatchcontras.org
Country Dancing Tonight, Murray, UT
English Country and Scottish Country (ceilidh)
Dances led by caller Kim Deacon
Live music for most dances
Location: Little Cottonwood Chapel, 1160 E Vine Street, Murray, UT
Schedule: every other Thursday evening, 7:30 pm to 9:00. (2024 sessions start January 11.)
There is no charge to come and dance. COVID vaccination within past 12 months required.
More information and dance dates found on our Facebook page (County Dancing Tonight).
Contact: Kim Deacon
countrydanceinslc@gmail.com
Contra Dance, Logan, UT
Website currently shows 2021 Dance Schedule Currently on Hold
Whittier Community Center, 290 North 400 East Logan
Music by Leaping Lulu
Chief caller: Kay Forsyth
Usually first Saturday of the month.
Dancing 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost $7, $4 for children under 12
Contact: Kay Forsyth 435-232-2966
forsythkay@gmail.com
Contra Dance, Rockport, UT
Rockport Old Church, Wanship, UT
Music by Loose Shoes and the Rockport Dam Band
Calling by Rob Snow
Held twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall (2019 dates: Saturday, May 4th and Saturday, October 12th)
Beginner Workshop 7:30 PM, Dancing 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost $5.00, Proceeds benefit Friends of Rockport Old Church
Contact Dani or Sharon for more information
Awesome wood floor in a beautifully restored historic building. All dances taught; no partner or experience needed. Located in the Old Church area of Rockport State Park (below the dam), exit 155 off I-80, Wanship, Utah. Sponsored by Friends of Rockport Old Church, Utah State Parks, and Loose Shoes.
Download October flyer (PDF)
Contra Dance, Moab, UT
Moab Arts and Recreation Center (the MARC), 111 E. 1st North, Moab
Music by the Moab Community Dance Band
Various callers, including our own
Usually third Saturday of the month.
Dancing 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM, instruction at 7:30 PM
Cost: We are non-profit and the admission charge is a donation to a worthy local charity of the month (such as the Food Bank, the Youth Garden Project,the Humane Society, etc).
Contact: Miriam Graham 516-376-8003
mir.rangette@gmail.com
Contra Dance, Pocatello, Idaho
Assemble' Learning and Event Center (AKA Miss Tiffin's Dance Studio)
820 East Young, Pocatello, ID
Music by a variety of bands
Calling by various callers
Usually second Saturday of the month, September through May.
Instruction for Beginners starts at 7:00pm
Dancing 7:30 PM - 10 PM
Cost $10.00 per person, $25 per family
Contacts: Luann Claussen and Don Allen
clausslu@gmail.com
alledone@gmail.com

Dance Related Sites on the Web:

Salt Lake Scandinavian Dancing
Bridger Folk Music Society Contra Dance Page
Leaping Lulu, Cache Valley based band
Harp Irish Dance Company
Wasatch Tango Club
Zivio Ethnic Arts Ensemble
Idlewild Recordings
Boise Contra Dance Society
Colorado Contra
Locations and Schedules for Colorado dances
New Mexico Folk Music & Dance Society
Country Dance and Song Society
National Grange
Seattle Folkdancing

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