Contra Dance

Every Saturday

LARGE STUDIO
7:30-8pm | Lesson
8-11pm | Dance

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

“Pay What You Choose” first seven days of every month (1st through the 7th) -Newcomers especially encouraged to attend!

NOTE: October 11 Contra Dance will be at Charles Thompson  Memorial Hall, 1824 Marshall Ave, St Paul, due to Star of the North English Country Dance Weekend being held at Tapestry.

TECHNO CONTRA

Last Monday of the Month

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

What is Contra Dance?
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.

What should I expect?
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!

What should I wear?
Comfortable, lightweight clothing and soft-soled, non-marking shoes are recommended. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned dancer, you're warmly welcome—just bring your curiosity, your energy, and your dancing feet!

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

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

  • Caller: Amy Letson
    Band: Toot, Squeeze and Strum
    Members: Bob Walser, Cory Froehlich, John McCormick

  • Caller: Don Gatheridge
    Band: Switchboard
    Members: David Edminster, Mattie Rynkiewicz, Maura Goodin, Mia Burgstede

  • Techno Contra
    Calling and DJ by Mattie Rynkiewicz

  • Caller:  David Kirchner
    Band: Tunebuggy
    Members: Ken Steffenson, Mattie Rynkiewicz, Maura Goodin, Xander Nielse

  • DIFFERENT LOCATION: Charles Thompson  Memorial Hall,
    1824 Marshall Ave, St Paul.

    Caller: Mattie Rynkiewicz 
    Band: Northern Aire
    Members: Bob Walser, Pat O’Loughlin, Tim Reese.

  • Caller: Robin Nelson
    Band:   TBD

  • Caller: Amy Letson
    Band: Irish Diplomacy
    Members - Sherry Taplin, Datta Hartman, Mike Reis, Rick Lee, Shawn Mc Burnie, John Goolsby, Sunil Bawa, Bill Lee.

  • Caller: Beau Farmer
    Band:  DJ  Skweez,  Bob Walser     

                                                                

  • Caller: Beau Farmer
    Band: Speed Dial
    Members - Mattie Rynkiewicz, Aria Carrillo

  • Caller: Ted Hodapp
    Band: Box the Gnat - Erin Walsh

  • Caller:  Don Gatheridge
    Band: Compass Rose String Band Members - Ken Steffenson, Anne Benson, Erin Walsh, Joel Petersen

  • Caller: Robin Nelson
    Band: Fiddle Buddies
    Members: Ken Steffenson, Xander Nielson, Rhythm section TBD

  • Caller: Mattie Rynkiewicz
    Band: DJ by Mattie Rynkiewicz

  • Caller:  Open Mic for callers, wrangled  by Don Gatheridge

    Band:  Patchwork Players, Wrangled by Erin Walsh & Xander Nielsen.

  • Caller: David Kirchner   
    Band: Contratopia
    Members:  Pat O’Loughlin, Patrice Pakiz, Tim Reese

  • Caller:  Beau Farmer
    Band: Sugar on the Roof
    Members: Megan Orwig Reynolds, Clancy Ward, Jefferson Reynolds, Jen Krusso

  • Caller: Qwill DuVall
    Band: Flannels & Fishnets
    Members: Mattie Rynkiewicz, Aria Carrillo, Isaiah May

  • Guest Caller: Nancy Staub 
    Band:  Switchboard
    Members: Ken Steffenson, Xander Nielsen, Mattie Rynkiewicz, David Edminster

  • Caller:  Mattie Rynkiewicz
    Band:  DJ Mattie Rynkiewicz.

  • Caller: Ted Hodapp
    Band:  Flour City Doughboys Members:  Pat O’Loughlin, Art Bjorngjeld, Danny Hansen, Doug Lohman