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Next dance will be Saturday, July 26, 2025

Potluck + Contra!

Live Music: Sherlock's Meow
Caller: Victor Gascon (using role terms Ladies & Gents)

In July, we'll be dancing at Arsenal Hill Park in Columbia, SC. The July dance will offer a time of community fellowship around a potluck meal at 6pm, followed by a short review of contra dance basics for new and out-of-practice dancers starting at about 6:30pm. The first contra will be at 7pm. (The doors open at 5:45pm to allow setup for the potluck.)

For the potluck, bring a dish to share and any needed serving utensils. Water and cups will be provided. The contra dance basics review will start once everyone has finished eating.

We are currently searching for a venue. For up-to-date info and late-breaking news, signup for our newsletter and text messages.

Starting in February, we'll be dancing at Arsenal Hill Park in Columbia, SC, generally on 4th Saturdays. For up-to-date info and late-breaking news, signup for our newsletter and text messages.

Schedule:

• 5:45pm Doors open
• 6:00pm Socializing and potluck! Bring a dish to share.
• ~6:30pm Review of contra dance basics
• 7pm-10pm Contras

Where: Arsenal Hill Park, 1800 Lincoln St., Columbia, SC 29201
Suggested donation: $10 (details below)

For up-to-date info and late-breaking news, signup for our newsletter and text messages.

Contra dancing is a great way to get some exercise, meet new people, and enjoy live music in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment! No partner necessary. Every dance is taught before you do it. Invite your friends. Bring your family.

Remember to dress comfortably and bring clean, soft-soled, non-marking shoes. Bring water to stay hydrated and feel free to bring a snack to share. The first half-hour will include time for socializing and a short review of contra dance basics for new and out-of-practice dancers.

Note: Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times. Children who are not participating in the dance must stay off the dance floor.

Donations and Reservations

Donations enable us to offer dances - donations pay for the dance hall, the caller, the sound reinforcement, and the musicians. More dancers for more fun - invite your friends! The suggested donation is $10 per dancer. You can pay at the door by cash, credit card, ApplePay, Paypal, or check - or use Venmo and pay $10.50 to @contracola-sc. We don't expect donations for children age 12 and under.

You can also donate ahead of time and reserve your space on the dance floor. Per City of Columbia fire regulations, space is limited at Arsenal Hill to 49 occupants, and reservations help us keep track of how many people are in attendance. If you want to reserve, visit our July Donate/Reserve page.

If you can't attend but still want to contribute money toward paying for the caller and the music and other costs of putting on the dance, you can do that also at our July Donate/Reserve pageSupport Columbia Traditional Music and Dance page. All donations are tax-deductible.

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