Name: Valentine's Day Contra Dance!
Start: 2026-02-14T19:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-14T22:30:00-05:00
Location: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Traverse City

Join Bayside Travellers for another contra dance! See FAQ's below!
We hold dances on the second Saturday of each month, October through June! Dances are currently scheduled to be at this location through June 2026! Put us on your calendar!
DETAILS:
Saturday, February 14th, 2026
Beginner Workshop 7pm
Dances 7:30 - 10:30pm
LOCATION:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1050 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City MI 49686
TALENT:
Live music by Pearl Street String Band
Caller TBA
COST:
Dance By Donation!
A range of $10-20 / person is suggested, but all donation amounts are welcome.
Bayside Travellers is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers, and all donations received go directly into putting these dances together. It costs money to have dances, and we wouldn't be able to do this without you! We are able to accept cash or Paypal, but unfortunately not cards at this time.
Thank you for supporting traditional music & dance!
SNACKS:
Snacks to share during the dance are always welcome! There is a drinking fountain for water in the building, and we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle - we will no longer be providing water to reduce waste!
FAQ'S:
-What is Contra Dancing?-
Contra is a type of traditional folk partner dancing, similar to square dancing in many ways but set up in long lines down a hall (we often have some square dances thrown into the mix too!). There are no specific steps, only walking to the beat of the music in the order that the caller directs. Our dances always feature live music by local folk bands and artists!
-Do I Need to Know How to Dance?-
No! All dance experience levels are welcome, from beginner on up. We have a beginner workshop at 7pm that teaches you everything you need to know, and all dances are guided by the caller. If it's your first time, make sure to join us at 7pm for the workshop and you'll be good to go! If you can walk, you can contra dance!
-Do I Need a Partner?-
Contra is partner dancing, but you don't have to bring one of your own! We encourage groups, couples, and individuals to join us! If you don't have someone to dance with we will pair you up with someone, and it's very common to dance with different people through the night - you learn something from each person!