The New Haven Country Dancers
The Country Dance and Song Society
Beginners are always welcome!

Extreme Tracking Statistics

 

Help Wanted! - NHCD Is An All Volunteer Organization.

We need help desperately!

1. Can you help with the sound system schlepping?  We need to hear the music for the dance!  Please contact Charles McEnally.


Dance Schedule Page

Contra Dance Links Page

New York Times Article

Picture Gallery

Aerial Photos February 20, 2006

Halloween Experienced Dance 2005

September 17, 2005 Branford Dance

June 3, 2001 Branford Dance

November 4, 2000 St. Thomas' Dance

Contra dancing is the oldest form of American traditional social dancing, beginning in colonial times and still going strong after 200 years.

 

Come and find out why!
 

These dances are fun, friendly and easy to learn.

Partners change frequently. It is not necessary to arrive with a partner (unless you want to).
 

Free basics workshop at 7:30 for those wishing a structured introduction.
 

All dances taught in our smoke and alcohol free atmosphere.

Regular New Haven Country Dancers Geoff & Ellen

welcome you to join them on the dance floor!

 

Eyes

Well Hello There!!


NHCD Contra dances are usually held twice a month on Saturday nights, from 8:00 - 11:00 PM.

Admission is $10.00

 

Contra Dancing is not a Spectator Sport - Come Early for the Beginners Lesson at 7:30 and Join Us On The Dance Floor!!

Or

For more information, a complete schedule or directions call: (203) 776-1812.

Dances are held at the Branford Community House (BCH) (all dances in the summer are Air-Conditioned) and the Branford Canoe Brook Center (CBC). The location is noted next to each date on the schedule page. For directions to each location please click on the links.


What Is Contra Dancing?

Contra dancing is a form of traditional American social dancing, dating back to the 1700s in New England; similar to square dancing, with a caller and figures (like "do-si-do" and "swing your partner") but a lot more fun and less corny than what you see on television and in the movies.

Dances are always held to live music, in a smoke and alcohol free environment. Partners are not needed; come alone or with a friend. No experience is necessary, a beginner's session, held 30 minutes before each dance, can teach you everything you need to know to get started. The only requirement is that you wear soft soled shoes (i.e. no soles that would mark up the floor, no high heels).  For a detailed description see the Wikipedia entry for Contra Dance.   OK, do you want to see some contra dance videos at Youtube?  Here are some for your viewing pleasure (Please note these are not from the New Haven dance):

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_514yYNEZS8&NR=1 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3StARgH_fM&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOw1-g_la_I&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9L0dz3qmsc&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsvBiTfY7lI&NR=1

 

OK, so now you need to try it!  See our Schedule Page and our Directions Page.  See you soon!