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Kelsey Hartman calls to live music of Magic Reelism - David Wright (fiddle and mandolin), Sue Jones (concertina and recorders), Cheryl McKinney (piano), and Del Eckels (percussion).Day: Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Time: 7 to 10 PM with a free beginners’ lesson at 6:30 PM.
Venue: Second floor, First United Methodist Church Palo Alto, 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Cost: Pay what you can. Recommend $15 for BACDS members, $20 for non-members, $10 for students. Purchase in person or online (https://paloaltocontradance.org/calendar/).
Values: Hosting inclusive dances is a priority. Bringing a partner is not necessary, and dancers are encouraged to switch partners after each dance. Dances are called in a gender-free format, and emphasis is on safe and respectful dancing.
Share the joy: Invite family and friends to join the dance. Share the event with your community. Links to the dance event across multiple platforms are at the bottom.
What is Contra Dancing?
Contra dancing is a partner dance that features live music and long lines of dancers. An evening features multiple contra dances and usually a couple of waltzes. Contra dancing is a fantastic introduction to dancing because the basic steps are based on walking and are taught at the start of every dance and called throughout each dance. It is also a fun dance for experienced dancers because the dances are rather flexible, allowing people to add flourishes (like twirling or skipping) around the basic walking steps.
Is Contra dancing for me?
YES! We welcome people old and young, of all genders, races, nationalities, and other identities, and strive to create an inclusive dance floor. Notably, our dances are called/announced using gender-free terms.
Can I come without a partner?
YES! Dances have a mix of people who come with partners and those that don’t. Typically, everyone switches partners through the course of the evening to meet new people and experience the dance and energies of different people.
But I’m hesitant to try something new! How can I ease in?
Every dance hosts a 30-minute free beginner’s lesson covering the different ways of walking (Contra dance moves). Come check it out! If you like it, stay on. Otherwise, you’ll be in downtown Palo Alto with lots of good food, music, and desserts on a Saturday evening. Classic win-win situation.
Okay! What do I need to go dancing?
a. Wear comfortable, supportive, clean non-marking shoes.
b. Wear comfortable clothes, because the dance room can get warm. If you’d like, wear a flowy garment so the twirls are more fun.
c. We are no longer requiring participants to wear a mask. You may bring an N95 or KN95 mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens.
d. Bring cash to pay for the dance or pre-purchase online at https://paloaltocontradance.org/calendar/
e. Bring a water bottle. We do have a water fountain at the venue.
Upcoming dances: Keep an eye out
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/pacontra/
Nextdoor - https://nextdoor.com/profile/01ffXhCmgRMnqFf5J/
Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/o/palo-alto-contra-dance-68454741223
Website - https://bacds.org/series/contra/palo_alto/
Google calendar - https://bacds.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e43d9ae80f2c76e051c6354b&id=966d71e390&e=49d0fa43e6
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Event Venue
First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, CA, 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301-2016, United States
Tickets
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