Other regional dances: (click map dots for related info)
Next Dance: Feb 18 as part of the
Midwinter Meltdown Weekend: February 17-19 (at the Senior Center)
Our dances start
at 7:30 pm.
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: January 21*, February 18*, March 17, April 21
(Usually Third Saturdays monthly.) Where: Usually the Lawrence Community Building, 11th & Vermont
*(special location in January, February)
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: none this calendar (March 31 cancelled due to regional event nearby)
(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!
Winter / Spring 2012 LBDA Dances
January 21
Saturday
Community DanceAt Woodlawn School, 508 Elm Street 6:45 p.m. Beginner's Lesson, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dance
Caller: Lisa Harris
Music: Calliope
(Chris Martin, Dave Agee, Tom Schroeder, Frank Martin)
3rd Annual MidWinter Meltdown Weekend
February 17-19
Please join us at the Douglas County Senior Center,
745 Vermont in downtown Lawrence for this special weekend of dance (and music) we are presenting in partnership with the Uptown Hoedown and English Country Dance groups and the Kaw Valley Shape Note Singing Association. It will start with an Uptown Hoedown dance and party on Friday, Feb 17, continue with our events on Saturday, Feb 18, and conclude with a potluck brunch, shape note sing, and English country dancing on Sunday, Feb 19..
Feb 17
Friday
Uptown Hoedown Contra Dance at the Senior Center 7:10 p.m. beginner's lesson, 7:30-10:30 p.m. dance
Stay after the dance for potluck snacks at the Senior Center.
Full details at uptownhoedown.org.
Feb 18
Saturday
Dance Workshop at the Senior Center
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. $6 ($3 student)
"Rock Your Blues Away" Dance to alternative music.
(Rock'n'Roll, Swing, and more)
Caller: Caller's Potpourri
Music: Fox on the Run
(Greg Allen, Jill Allen, Mark Franzke)
Callers - contact Jerome at jerome.grisanti -at- gmail.com if you are interested in participating.
Community Dance at the Senior Center, 745 Vermont 6:45 p.m. Beginner's Lesson, 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)
There will be an after-dance potluck party - location to be determined.
Bring a snack to share, and (if you play) instruments to jam!
Feb 19
Potluck Brunch at the Penningtons', 10:00 a.m. to Noon.
Shape Note Sing at the Penningtons', 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (free)
English Country Dance at the Senior Center, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $6
Caller: Caller's Pot-Pourri. Music by Red House (Greg and Jill Allen).
March 17
Saturday
Community Dance at the Community Building, 11th and Vermont 6:45 p.m. Beginner's Lesson, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dance
Caller: Jill Allen
Music: Doc Tyler and his Hoosier String Ticklers
(Paul Tyler, Robert Freeman, Jim Nelson, Dedo Norris)
Note: we will not have a fifth Saturday advanced dance in March due to a regional dance weekend on the same date.
April 21
Saturday
Community Dance at the Community Building, 11th and Vermont 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)
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...
