Southeastern Ohio Traditional Dance Society

          Contra Dancing in Athens, Ohio.                   

Our next contra dance:


February 13, 2010:
Calling by David and Stephanie.
Tunes by The Boys of the Hock.
Held in the Baker University Center (directions). 
Ohio University students admitted free, compliments of the School of Recreation and Sports Sciences.  

What is contra dancing?

In short, it's a type of American folk dance, somewhat similar to squaredance, but done in facing parallel lines. (It is not line dancing, however!) All dances are taught first, and prompted by a caller as needed. 

Contradancing is easy to learn, aerobic, and always uses live music, generally based on oldtime and Celtic fiddle tunes. Anyone may attend a dance, there is no club membership required. In this dance tradition, partners generally change for each dance, so if you arrive solo, it's no problem. Dress in comfy clothes and shoes.

Here's a great descriptive essay on contradance

There is also a nice video.

Can't get enough contradancing to suit you? Check out these other regional dances:

Our contra dances are held from 8:00 to 11:00 pm on the second Saturday of each month (with rare exceptions).    Most dances are held at the Baker University Center in the multi-purpose room on the 2nd floor, which has a beautiful bamboo floor. 

Beginners are always welcome.  We encourage you to take part in the beginner's instruction period at 7:30. 

The cost is $7 for adults,  $3 for students, $15 for families, children 10 and under free. Ohio University students admitted free to dances held in the Baker Center, compliments of the School of Recreation and Sports Sciences. 

Winter/Spring 2010 dance schedule 

January 4th to March 10th, 2010: "Country Dance" class; see below for details.

January 9, 2010: Calling by Eric Conrad. Tunes by the Timbre Wolves.

Held in the Baker University Center (directions).  Ohio University students admitted free, compliments of the School of Recreation and Sports Sciences.  

February 13, 2010: Calling by David and Stephanie. Tunes by The Boys of the Hock. Held in the Baker University Center (directions).  Ohio University students admitted free, compliments of the School of Recreation and Sports Sciences.  

March 13, 2010: Calling by Carol Kopp. Tunes by Rattletrap Stringband.

Held in the Baker University Center (directions).  Ohio University students admitted free, compliments of the School of Recreation and Sports Sciences.  

April 10, 2010: Calling by Kathy anderson. Tunes by The Gypsy Stars.

Held in the Baker University Center (directions).  Ohio University students admitted free, compliments of the School of Recreation and Sports Sciences.  

May 8, 2010: Calling by ?. Tunes by ?.

Held in the Baker University Center (directions).  Ohio University students admitted free, compliments of the School of Recreation and Sports Sciences.  

Winter 2010 "Country Dance" Class

From January 4 to March 10 (except Jan. 18), Mondays and Wednesdays 7:10-8pm there will be a class featuring traditional social dances from North America, Europe and other cultures, including: American contras, circles and short line dances; English and Scottish country dances; Irish ceilidh; Israeli folk dances; and maybe others. The class is held on the Ohio University campus in room E216 Grover Center (#89 on the campus map). Community members are invited to join us to learn, to teach, or both. No partner required.


photo above: board members and friends of SEOTDS meet on the shore of Lake Logan during the annual Mayapple Stomp. (Please note that no Mayapples have been harmed in the15 years we have co-hosted this mini all-volunteer dance weekend! )

Need more info?  Call Adriane Mohlenkamp at  740-590-4102 or email athenscontra (at) gmail (dot) com.



photo credits: Dance photos by Cuong Nguyen.  Fiddler photo by Molly Weiland.  Website problems/suggestions? email athenscontra at gmail dot com 

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