A young man and woman are dancing closely, holding hands and resting their foreheads together, in a warm indoor setting with blurred background

Contra Dance in Minneapolis | Tapestry Folkdance Center

Experience the joy of Contra Dance. A high energy, community driven social dance where dancers move in long lines through fun, repeating patterns, guided by a caller and lifted by live music. No partner or experience is needed, just bring your enthusiasm and step onto the floor.

UPCOMING EXPERIENCES

Contra Dance Every Saturday

People dancing and socializing in a room decorated with colorful string lights and lamps.

Studio

LARGE STUDIO

7:30-8pm | Lesson

8-11pm | Dance

People dancing and enjoying themselves at an indoor social event with wooden floors, string lights, and everyone appearing to have a good time.

$15 General Admission. $12 Tapestry Member $8 Young Adult (Ages 18-30) $5 Young (Adult Member) $4 Youth (Ages 10-17) Under 10 - Free

Cost

An elderly man with glasses and a white beard dancing with a woman in a pink striped shirt, holding each other's hands and looking at each other.

First seven days of every month (1st through the 7th) - Newcomers and beginners especially welcome!

Pay What You Choose

TECHNO CONTRA

Last Monday of the Month

People dancing and socializing in a dimly lit room with colorful party lights, some wearing glow-in-the-dark accessories, at a lively indoor party event.

SMALL STUDIO

8-10:30pm

Cost: 

$12 General Admission $9 Tapestry Member $8 Young Adult (Ages 18-30) $4 Youth (Ages 10-17) Under 10 - Free

Upcoming Dances

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Experience the joy of movement, music, and community at Tapestry’s weekly contra dance! Rooted in centuries-old English, Scottish, and French dances and strongly influenced by African-American traditions, contra dance is a high-energy, easy-to-learn American folk dance done in long lines of partners moving to live music. Each evening begins with a friendly 30-minute beginner lesson—no partner or experience needed! A caller teaches and guides you through each dance, with steps and figures that keep you connected, moving, and smiling all night.

  • Comfortable, lightweight clothing and soft-soled shoes are recommended; non-marking soles are required.  Whether you're brand new or a seasoned dancer, you're warmly welcome—just bring your curiosity, your energy, and your dancing feet!

  • Featuring live bands that reflect a range of music traditions from Old Time to Irish to modern compositions, every dance is a vibrant celebration of rhythm, community, and joy. Come solo, with friends, or as a couple—everyone is encouraged to join in the fun!

  • If you have any accessibility needs you'd like addressed by Tapestry Folkdance Center, please let us know by emailing staff@tapestryfolkdance.org.

A couple is dancing closely on a wooden floor with a crowd of people watching and dancing in the background.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

  • Caller… Jon Cademy

    Band… Fiddle Buddies, 

    Band Members -  Ken Steffenson, Xander Nielsen, Erin Walsh.

  • Caller…Robin Nelson

    Band: David Kirchner and Friends.

  • Caller…Tommy Van Deusen

    Band…Box The Gnat,

    Band Members - Erin Walsh, Carol Siege, Gerhardt Quas, Suki Sun, Andrew Aldermann, Tom Sather.

                                                                 

  • DJ and Caller,  Mattie Rynkiewicz.

  • Caller…Qwill Duvall

    Band…Northern Aire, 

    Band Members -  Bob Walser, Pat O’Loughlin, Tim Reese 

  • Caller:

    Christine Merryman, Guest caller.

    Band…Flour City Doughboys

    Band Members -  Pat O’Loughlin, Art Bjorngjeld, Danny Hansen, Doug Lohman            

            

  • Caller… Nancy Staub, Guest Caller.

    Band…Fiddle Buddies,

    Band Members - Xander Nielsen, Erin Walsh, Tom Wright, Ken Steffenson

                                                          

  • Caller… Qwill DuVall

    DJ…Beau Farmer

  • Caller…Ted Hodapp

    Band… Pat O’Loughlin and Friends

  • Caller… Don Gatheridge

    Band… Compass Rose String

    Band Members - Ken Steffenson, Anne Benson, Joel Petersen, Erin Walsh.

  • Caller… Beau Farmer

     Band…  Contratopia,  

    Band Members - Pat O’Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Erik Sessions. 

  • Caller… Robin Nelson

     Band … Lauluaika,

    Band Members - Jaana Tuttila, Ralph Tuttila, Dan Kiuru, Lotta Kiuru, Eric Platt, Tamara Baker, Johanna Solem.

  •  Caller… Ted Hodapp

     DJ… Bob Walser.  

  • Caller… David Kirchner

     Band… Tunebuggy,  

    Band Members - Ken Steffenson, Mattie Rynkiewicz, Mara Goodin, Mia Bergstedt.

  • Caller… Beau Farmer

     Band…Sugar On The Roof,

    Band Members - Megan Orwig Reynolds, Clancy Ward, Jefferson Reynolds, Jen Krusso

  • Caller… Amy Letson

     Band…  Northern Aire,  

    Band Members - Bob Walser, Pat O’Loughlin, Tim Reese.

  • Caller… Tommy Van Deusen

     Band… Contratopia,  

    Band Members - Pat O’Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Erik Sessions. 

  • Caller & DJ - Mattie Rynkiewicz.

  • Caller… Robin Nelson

    Band… Bob Walser Trio.