Wonder what Contra Dance is all about?
Watch this example from our 2010 dance weekend:
Watch this little animation or visit What is Contra Dance to learn more. Or come to our dances and see! No partner, costume, or fancy footwork needed. We always dance to live music. We have a short lesson beforehand (6:45pm) that will teach you the essentials - don't be shy - it's easy! All ages welcome.
In addition to special events, we organize two series of dances in Lawrence, Kansas:
Community Dances (mostly contra)
Cost: Usually Adult $8, Student $3 Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. When: May 19*, June 16, July 21, August 18
(Usually Third Saturdays monthly.) Where: Usually the Douglas County Senior Center, 745 Vermont Street
*(special price and location in May)
Join us at 6:45 (sharp!) before regular dances for a Contradance Basics
Workshop: Learn the basic steps and movement patterns you will be using
that evening. Even if you can't attend the workshops, beginners are always
welcome. Please come early in the evening as we begin with comfortable dances
for newcomers.
Bloo Moon Advanced DancesCost: Adult $8, Student $3 Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. When: June 30
(Fifth Saturdays of the month.)
Are you ready for an advanced dance? Are you comfortable with contra corners, heys for fours, and can you keep the dance going after the caller has stopped calling? Advanced dances are held on the fifth Saturday when months have them, and feature faster, more complex dances with minimal walkthroughs and no beginner instruction. Beginners, please come to the regular dances first.
General Notes:
No Partner Necessary. Please wear soft-soled shoes!
All dances are taught and prompted and feature live music.
Dress cool and casual - dancing is energetic activity!
Community Friendly:
Most dancers switch partners throughout the evening.
Please be sure to dance with newcomers as well as
your friends. Look for folks sitting out on the sides
who haven't had a chance to dance. They'll be happy you did!
Late Spring / Summer 2012 LBDA Dances
May 19
Saturday
Community Dance at Stony Point Barn, 1514 N 600 Rd Get a map... 6:00 p.m. Potluck 6:45 p.m. Beginner's Lesson
7:30-10:30 p.m. Dance ($10 donation suggested for this special location)
Caller: Otis Watson
Music: Fox on the Run (Greg Allen, Jill Allen, Mark Franzke)
June 16
Saturday
Community Dance at the Senior Center, 745 Vermont Street 6:45 p.m. Beginner's Lesson, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dance $8 ($3 student)
Caller: Lisa Harris
Music: The Euphoria Stringband
(Reva Friedman, Pat Dickey, Richelle Basgall, Dick Powers, Pete Gilbreath)
June 30
Saturday
Bloo Moon Advanced Dance at the Senior Center, 745 Vermont Street 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dance $8 ($3 student)
Caller: Terry Rouse
Music: The Shortleaf Band
(Michael Fraser, Joseph Conklin, Roger Fox, and Tenley Hansen)
July 21
Saturday
Community Dance at the Senior Center, 745 Vermont Street 6:45 p.m. Beginner's Lesson, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dance
Caller: Jerome Grisanti
Music: Calliope
(Chris Martin, Dave Agee, Tom Schroeder, Frank Martin)
August 18
Saturday
Community Danceat the Senior Center, 745 Vermont Street 6:45 p.m. Beginner's Lesson, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dance
Caller: Jill Allen
Music: The Grey Eagles
(Greg Allen, Mark Franzke, Mike Horan)
Plan ahead for our Pilgrim's Progression Dance Weekend, November 16-18, 2012 featuring the Groovemongers, with caller Susan Kevra.
Download a flier for it here.
Some non-LBDA music and dance events of likely interest...
Shape Note (Sacred Harp) singing in the Northeast Kansas area.
This singing is to music as contra dance is to dance – community-centered.
More info at www.kawshapenote.org.
Help celebrate 28+ years of LBDA dances:
If you have a fond recollection or favorite moment from a past LBDA
dance, jot it down and email it to: .
See what some people have shared...
