Name: Edinburgh Contra Dance - December 2025
Start: 2025-12-06T19:45:00+00:00
Location: Columcille

Contra dance comes all the way from America and is cousin to the familiar Scottish ceilidh. Contra is a little smoother and gentler, the figures are a little different, and the music has a different accent.
Live music from Sam Baxter (fiddle) and Heather McAslan (piano). Sam can be found playing fiddle in the Newcastle Based folk-dance collective ‘DIY Ceilidh’, with folk-singer / song-writer ‘Catch the Sparrow’ and in duo with Scottish violinist Merle Harbron, and others! Heather is a piano player and caller based in Glasgow, working in various musical projects spanning the UK and across the Atlantic Ocean. Heather is known for her creative piano playing, which never fails to get first-time dancers and seasoned festival-goers on the floor.
All dances will be called by local favourite, Rachel Shapiro Wallace. Rachel is Edinburgh resident and internationally renowned contra dance caller, who's called across the USA and English folk festivals. Rachel will make sure everyone knows where to be when, with style.
All are welcome, family friendly, no partner needed, no experience necessary, all dances taught. 15-minute welcome session for new dancers starts at 7:45pm. Dance runs 8:00pm until 10:30pm including a break. Children 12 and under are free. Edinburgh Contra Dance have been running occasional dances since 2016. Come along and give it a go!
Inclusiveness In order to make our dance as inclusive and welcoming as possible our callers use gender neutral terms and calling styles.
Covid Safety Information: we ask that you only attend the dance if you are feeling well - we'll be happy to refund advance tickets if you can't make it on the day due to illness. We don't require masking but respect those who wish to dance masked. We have handwashing facilities on site and will ventilate the hall as much as possible.
We strive to make our dance as welcoming and as safe as possible.