Dance calendar printed on May 5, 2026.
| Event | Caller | Band | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 3 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Trillium | This should be a great dance, with one of the top callers in the country and music on violin, winds and piano. |
| May 7 contra Rose Room |
Colleen Liggett | Cattail | Experience the magic of contra dancing, where all are welcome, and no partner or experience is necessary. Bring your friends, family, and fellow dance enthusiasts for a night of lively music, connection, and community. |
| May 14 contra Rose Room |
Margaret Mathews | Gnu Riders of the Rose Room Stage | Community dance with open band at 6:00. Intro lesson at 7:00. All are welcome at the contra dance for an exciting evening of exhilarating fun. |
| May 17 english First Rochester |
Colleen Liggett | Glenrose, Eileen Kalfass | Our caller was in on the beginnings of CDR, as was Glenrose, who started playing for contra dances long ago and expanded into English dances. They play, violin accordion and guitar. |
| May 21 contra Rose Room |
Evan De Smitt | Tryptech | Join us at 7:00 for an intro to contra dancing followed by TECHNO contra at 7:30! Bring your friends and family for a night of lively music, connection, and community. |
| May 28 contra Rose Room |
Kim Thompson | Matt Sloboda, Alex Fortier | Two of Rochester's top contra dance musicians team up for an exhilarating night. Bring your friends and family for an evening of joyful connection. |
| Jun 4 contra Rose Room |
Rachel Ameen | Groove Effect | Experience the magic of contradancing, where all are welcome, and no partner or experience is necessary. Bring your friends, family, and fellow dance enthusiasts for a night of lively music, connection, and community. |
| Oct 31 english First Rochester |
TBA | TBD | Our popular Saturday night Halloween-themed Masquerade Ball. Spooky decorations, enchanting refreshments, masks and costumes admired but not required! $25, $15 students/low income; pay at the door. No dance on Nov 1! |
| Nov 27 - Nov 29 contra Rose Room, German House |
Alex Deis-Lauby, Joanna Reiner Wilkinson, Luke Donforth, Annie Kidwell | Rachel Bell, Karen Axelrod and Audrey Jaber, Jane and Cat, River Road, Missing Lynx feat. Noah VanNorstrand | Celebrating 50 years of community dancing in Rochester, NY. A full weekend featuring contra, English, Fusion, Techno Contra, Waltz, Balfolk and more! |
English dances are the first 4 Sundays of each month at First Rochester (formerly First Baptist Church), 175 Allens Creek Rd, Rochester, 2:30 PM in winter, 6:30 PM in summer (during DST), no dances 2nd or 4th Sundays in July and August. Contra dances are every Thursday at 7:30 pm at The Rose Room, 295 Gregory St, Rochester. We can provide a short introduction for newcomers if you come 30 minutes early. Check for departures from this schedule and get more information at www.CDRochester.org.