SF Bay Contra
Our regular dances are held at the
Hill and Valley Club
1808 ‘B’ Street, Hayward, CA.
See our calendar below for dates and times.
Partner Up: A Friendly and Inclusive Atmosphere
You can ask anyone to dance! Contra encourages you to partner with various individuals throughout the evening, fostering community and connection.
Contra dances begin with groups of four with participants next to their partners facing a second pair. These groups form two parallel lines stretching the hall’s length. The dance unfolds with smooth walking steps, guided by the rhythm of the music.
Live Music: The Heartbeat of Contra
We’re fortunate to have talented musicians who provide the driving force behind our dances. Expect to hear fantastic fiddle tunes, energetic Celtic rhythms, old-timey melodies, and hints of Eastern European and swing influences.
Get Moving: A Fun and Healthy Activity
Contra dance provides moderate exercise, so come prepared to move! Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and low, smooth-soled shoes. Remember to bring water and enjoy shared snacks available during the break.
Your Invitation: Come and Dance!
Whether you bring friends and family or come alone, you’ll find a welcoming community at our contra dances. We understand that taking the first step can be daunting. Embrace this piece of American heritage and experience the joy of contra in a setting that echoes the spirit of old-fashioned barn dances.
Additional videos:
Contra Dancing – Six Bands – Short Clips of Each
Contra Dancing – Atlanta Dance Weekend – Will Mentor & Nova – Mad Slice
Contra Dance in the Desert with Groovemongers, Tucson AZ
Learning is a Breeze
New to contra? No problem! A friendly caller guides you through each dance, teaching the steps and providing clear instructions. We offer a free beginner’s lesson before every dance, ensuring you’re comfortable with the basics. You’ll quickly discover that “if you can walk, you can do this dance.” Online resources, like the excellent tutorials by Cis Hinkle of Georgia, are also fantastic starting points.
NOTE to beginners:
Contra dancing is easy to learn. If you want a lesson, ask at the door 20 minutes before one of our dances.
To Register, click on the link on the upper left corner of this page.
The Cost of most of our dances is $15 with registration & prepayment, $20 at the door… (nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.) Please note on the PayPal payment form the event for which your payment is intended.
NOTES:
1. Registration closes the morning of the dance to give us time to prepare our paperwork.
2. The link for each dance is different and there is often a delay before the link is updated to our next dance.