LIVE MUSIC! Contra Dance with Joe Harrington and Sandy Back Porch

Fri Apr 17 2026 at 07:00 pm to 10:30 pm UTC-04:00

6904 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792-7003, United States | Winter Park

LIVE MUSIC! Contra Dance with Joe Harrington and Sandy Back Porch
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Join us for an exciting evening of social dancing to live music sponsored by the Orlando Contra Dance!
To learn more about contra, check out the videos, FAQ, and links to socials on our website:
https://orlandocontra.org/
Caller (teacher): Joe Harrington (Orlando) - Calling is gender-neutral.
Live band:
Sandy Back Porch (Orlando):
Freddy Burky – fiddle
Ted Strauss – guitar
Sandy Holdeman – bass
6:30 Doors open
7:00 Beginner lesson (everyone can join)
7:00 Intermediate lesson (if you've come at least once)
7:30 Beginner/Intermediate dancing
9:00 Intermediate/Advanced dancing
10:30 Dessert at Jeremiah's Italian Ice
Dances start easy and get more challenging as the evening progresses. BEGINNERS SHOULD COME FOR THE LESSON before the dance starts. All dances in the beginner session are taught. You'll have plenty of company and the teaching continues throughout the night.
Intermediate lesson topic: Swings with Zing!
This workshop teaches a well balanced, stable, comfortable swing, as well as how to communicate with your partner to keep both of you safe and having the maximum possible fun! If we have time, we'll throw in a few variations, too.
This event is open to everyone looking to make new friends and enjoy the vibrant community of Orlando. Whether you are a seasoned contra expert or entirely new to dancing, our inclusive and welcoming atmosphere will have you twirling and swinging in no time. No partner? No problem! We encourage singles to join in the fun and meet fellow dance enthusiasts. Our dance calling is gender-neutral.
Join us at the Winter Park Ballroom Dance Co., just 15 minutes from UCF and 100 yards east of Jeremiah's Italian Ice.
Admission is $15. Students and job seekers are FREE! If it's your second contra ever: FREE!
Contra dance is great exercise and loads of fun besides, so bring a water bottle and dress for cardio. This is an alcohol-free event.
Starting at 9, the dance level increases. If these dances are a bit more than you're ready for, you're welcome to just listen and enjoy the music and fellowship of the dance community, and to join us for ice cream afterwards. Don't worry, you'll be dancing in the second half soon enough! Our free Intermediate Lesson will help you get there.
We use Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, and many other media to invite new dancers. Typical attendance is 20+, including about 5 new dancers. Don't worry if you only see a few people interested here. You'll be in good company.
Click GOING and we'll see you there!
Orlando Contra Dance is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, home of the Arts & Culture Calendar, UA Arts Education, and Artistry magazine. #unitedarts
Orlando Contra Dance is funded in part by a generous donation from Joe Rush.
#orlandocontra #contradance #contradancers #socialdance #dance #orlando #orlandoflorida #orlandofl #dancelessons #livemusic #UnitedArtsCFL #UnitedArts #MakeArtThrive
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6904 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792-7003, United States

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