Colorado Friends Of Old Time Music And Dance is a non-profit organization that runs nearly 100 community participatory dances per year - such as contra dances - with live music and calling in the Denver and Boulder metro area of Colorado. No prior dance experience is necessary, and almost all of our dances are preceded by a lesson. Community dances are very social by nature - married and unmarried couples, singles accompanied with friends or arriving alone, and anyone from age 9 to 109 who enjoys dancing are welcome. See you there! or call Paul at: 970-353-6340.
For additional info, see contact/website below.
All events, both regular and special, for this group follow below:
Contra dancing is participatory American folk dancing - vigorous and enthusiastic. Contra dances feature live music every time - Irish fiddle music, Old Time fiddle music or some wild derivation. Fun and easy to do, each dance is taught before the music begins. Our typical Friday night dance is held 2nd and 4th Fridays with an easy lesson beginning at 7:15 p.m. All are welcome and no partner is needed.
Denver's Contra Hall, Highlands Masonic Center
See calendar at cfootmad.org for last-minute event changes/cancellations
Contra dancing is participatory American folk dancing - vigorous and enthusiastic. Contra dances feature live music every time - Irish fiddle music, Old Time fiddle music or some wild derivation. Fun and easy to do, each dance is taught before the music begins. Our typical evening dance is held 1st and 3rd Fridays with an easy lesson beginning at 7:15 p.m. All are welcome, and no partner is needed.
See calendar at cfootmad.org for last-minute event changes/cancellations
An evening mix of contras and waltzes. Contra dancing is participatory American folk dancing — vigorous and enthusiastic. Contra dances feature “live music” every time — Irish fiddle music, Old Time fiddle music or some “wild derivation.” Fun and easy to do, each dance is taught before the music begins. All are welcome, and no partner is needed.
2018 Schedule:
Mar 30th: Band - Royston Hunget (fiddle), Sherilyn Urban (cello), Teri Rasmusson (piano) ; 7pm Waltz lesson - Robert Warden
Jun 29th: Caller - Rick Smith; Band - Step in Time; 7pm Waltz lesson - Tom Masterson
Aug 31st: Caller - Paul Somlo; Band - Sandra Wong & Rodney Sauer; 7pm Waltz lesson - Tom Masterson
Nov 30th: Band - TBA; 7pm Waltz lesson: TBA
The Westminster Grange Hall dance features squares, reels, circles, contras, waltzes and other couples dances. Live American old-time music is provided with Southern, Northwest and Northeast influences. Beginning dancers are always welcome and supported. Callers and musicians seeking to gain experience should contact the dance organizers for information on calling and participating in a band at this dance. Casual dress, no partner needed, all dances are taught, beginners and well-behaved youngsters are welcome.
Zesty Contras are for dancers with enough experience to successfully do contra corners, hey-for-four, half-figure-eight above, California twirl, and similar moves with only occasional explanation from the caller. Zesties are danced with little caller instruction and minimal walk-throughs. Emphasis is on good timing, good manners, and smooth moves. Dancers help each other so we can all have a great time. If you have been dancing for a while, check out the Zesty Contras - you will be in for the time of your life - fun and engaging!
**Special Contra Dance**
The band that started it all makes a rare Colorado appearance: Presenting Wild Asparagus!
(with George Marshall calling)
Wild Asparagus is a five-person band from Western Massachusetts. Drawing upon music from New England, the British Isles, and Canada, as well as classical sources, Wild Asparagus takes an original approach to the traditional dance music of our folk heritage. Using their unique blend of instruments, creativity, and skills, they offer a sensitive and powerful performance. Since 1984, Wild Asparagus has been highly successful in bringing their music to dances and concerts throughout the United States.
(Waltzing from 1-2pm)
See calendar at cfootmad.org for last-minute event changes/cancellations
An evening mix of contras and waltzes. Contra dancing is participatory American folk dancing — vigorous and enthusiastic. Contra dances feature “live music” every time — Irish fiddle music, Old Time fiddle music or some “wild derivation.” Fun and easy to do, each dance is taught before the music begins. All are welcome, and no partner is needed.
Band - TBA; 7:00 p.m. Waltz lesson: TBA
**Special Contra Dance**
The band that started it all makes a rare Colorado appearance: Presenting Wild Asparagus!
(with George Marshall calling)
Wild Asparagus is a five-person band from Western Massachusetts. Drawing upon music from New England, the British Isles, and Canada, as well as classical sources, Wild Asparagus takes an original approach to the traditional dance music of our folk heritage. Using their unique blend of instruments, creativity, and skills, they offer a sensitive and powerful performance. Since 1984, Wild Asparagus has been highly successful in bringing their music to dances and concerts throughout the United States.
See calendar at cfootmad.org for last-minute event changes/cancellations
An evening mix of contras and waltzes. Contra dancing is participatory American folk dancing — vigorous and enthusiastic. Contra dances feature “live music” every time — Irish fiddle music, Old Time fiddle music or some “wild derivation.” Fun and easy to do, each dance is taught before the music begins. All are welcome, and no partner is needed.
Caller: Paul Somlo
Band: Sandra Wong and Rodney Sauer
7pm Waltz lesson: Tom Masterson