Past Events

Event Caller Band Details More Info
Apr 25, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Rich Goss Lake Effect Join us at 6:00 for waltz followed by contra dancing at 7:30, where all are welcome. Bring your friends, family, and fellow dance enthusiasts for a night of lively music, connection, and community. More info
Apr 21, 2024
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Whimsy Joyful music on violin, an amazing collection of wind instruments, and piano will inspire our dancing, further facilitated by a caller who picks fun dances and who really knows now to teach. More info
Apr 18, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews Esteemed Clams Dance clothing swap in the coat room starting at 6:00. Waltz workshop at 6:30. Bring your friends & family for a night of lively music, connection, and community. More info
Apr 11, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews Ostara Honoring the light from the sun and the awakening of the earth, Ostara brings us music from New England, Quebec and France. Join us for Balfolk at 6:00 PM! More info
Apr 7, 2024
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Bellamira Welcome Bellamira - a new trio of exceptionally talented ECD musicians. David's skilled calling and wide repertoire will make this a dance to remember long after the eclipse is past. More info
Apr 4, 2024
contra
Rose Room
David Smukler Catherine, Laurel & Meg, Trillium Dance to the tunes of Cat, Laurel, and Meg, guided by the expert calling of David Smukler. Plus a 6:30 Contra Connection workshop with Stephen! Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and the magic of contradance! More info
Mar 28, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews PossumTone String Band Waltz with Clara & Zak at 6:00 & Contras with the PossumTone String Band at 7:30. No partner or experience is necessary. Bring your friends, family, and fellow dance enthusiasts for a night of connection and community. More info
Mar 24, 2024
english
First Rochester
Bob Nicholson Jane and Cat, Jim Sloboda It will be great to have the genial Bob Nicholson back calling for us, and music by the supremely talented Jane Knoeck and the very popular violinist Cat Sloboda, with special guest Jim Sloboda. Invite a friend! More info
Mar 21, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Evan De Smitt Lake Effect 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. More info
Mar 19, 2024
meeting
Margaret Mathews
Margaret Mathews Contra Planning Committee We have fun planning both regular and special Contra dances in Rochester. Join us for cookies and coffee at Margaret's. More info
Mar 17, 2024
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Laurel, Cat & Meg Celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Expert teaching awaits you, along with a very experienced band. Bring a friend! To further lure you, our refreshment theme is Pie. More info
Mar 14, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Katy Heine Sister Haggis 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. More info
Mar 10, 2024
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Jane and Cat Experience the incredible connection of music and movement, with clear instruction and prompting, and moving music by one of our most skillful violin / piano duos. More info
Mar 7, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews Esteemed Clams 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. More info
Mar 3, 2024
english
First Rochester
Carmen Giunta Jane and Cat A variety of dances expertly taught and prompted, music to lift your heart, amiable company and sumptuous refreshments. More info
Mar 2, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Katy Heine Tim Ball and Helen Kuhar Whether you're up for a challenging afternoon or a lively evening, join us for a day of contradancing bliss with Katy Heine calling and the spirited tunes of Tim and Helen. Let's dance our way into March with joy! More info
Feb 29, 2024
cancelled
Tonight's contra will be moved to Saturday. Check out Groove Juice Swing's Sadie Hawkins dance! More info
Feb 25, 2024
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Mark & Chris, Jenna Moving to music - so fun and so good for you! Our live music (featuring flute, clarinet and piano for this dance), along with supportive teaching and prompting will make for a satisfying afternoon of dancing. More info
Feb 22, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Nancy Spero Lake Effect Come at 6:00 for waltz to the music of the Lake Effect Trio and stay for contra dance at 7:30 with Nancy Spero calling the dances. More info
Feb 18, 2024
meeting
Zoom
Pat Donaldson English Planning Committee Help plan future English dance events and set policies. Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. More info
Feb 18, 2024
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Whimsy Enjoy fine teaching from David and inspiring music from Molly, Laurel & Meg. AND our amazing refreshments will feature CHOCOLATE! More info
Feb 15, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews Countercurrent Don't miss this opportunity to dance to the tunes of Countercurrent and the expert calling of Margaret Mathews. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and the magic of contradance! More info
Feb 11, 2024
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity The flute & piano duo of Laurie and Barb are treasured for their simply glorious music. Come 20 minutes early for a short lesson if you're new to English dance. More info
Feb 10, 2024
meeting
Bob Fabinski's house
Margaret Mathews Contra Planning Committee We have fun planning both regular and special Contra dances in Rochester. Join us for cookies and coffee at Margaret's. More info
Feb 9, 2024
meeting
Pat Donaldson English Planning Committee Initial planning for JAB 2025 More info
Feb 8, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Evan De Smitt Molly & Jane Evan De Smitt calling fun contradances to the merry and infectious music of Molly Wilson & Jane Knoeck. More info
Feb 4, 2024
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Sister Haggis, Catherine Sloboda Wow - a powerhouse of a band this afternoon, and David's skilled and supportive teaching will make it easier for us dancers. This will be a good one! More info
Feb 1, 2024
contra
Rose Room
David Smukler Catherine, Laurel & Meg, Trillium Don't miss this opportunity to dance to the tunes of Cat, Laurel, and Meg, guided by the expert calling of David Smukler. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and the magic of contradance! More info
Jan 28, 2024
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Molly, Mark & Chris, Annie Simpson Molly, Mark & Chris are one of our favorite bands, and they will be joined by Annie on guitar (coming all the way from Greene, NY). Come on out and dance! More info
Jan 25, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Nancy Spero Lake Effect 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. More info
Jan 21, 2024
meeting
Zoom
Pat Donaldson English Planning Committee Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. More info
Jan 21, 2024
english
First Rochester
Pamela Goddard Catherine Sloboda, Meg Grindrod, Silvia Sörensen Catherine wowed us in December with her violin expertise and we are happy to have her back, working with flute and piano. Pamela is a great dance leader who has high expectations and the skill to help us achieve them. More info
Jan 18, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Evan De Smitt Sister Haggis Prepare to be swept off your feet by the infectious energy of Sister Haggis and the fine calling of Evan DeSmitt More info
Jan 14, 2024
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Barbara Seppeler Enjoy Barb's always gorgeous & moving music this afternoon, and a caller who has the knack of pushing our dancing abilities just to the right degree. New to this? Just show up 20 minutes early for an orientation. More info
Jan 14, 2024
meeting
Zoom
Cindy Culbert CDR Board CDR board meetings are open to the public. More info
Jan 13, 2024
meeting
Margaret Mathews
Margaret Mathews Contra Planning Committee Join us to plan great contra for everyone. Margaret will provide coffee, tea and a delicious home baked snack. More info
Jan 11, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Casey Carr Ostara Honoring the light from the sun and the awakening of the earth, Ostara brings us music from New England and Quebec. Casey Carr will be calling. More info
Jan 7, 2024
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Kaia Megiel, Laurel Sharp, Meg Grindrod Welcome in the new year with an expert caller and energizing music. Bring a friend! More info
Jan 4, 2024
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews PossumTone String Band 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. More info
Dec 30, 2023
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Serendipity Turning of the Year Ball, an elegant English dance to celebrate the old year and welcome in the new, in a beautifully decorated hall. Dressy attire suggested. Pay at the door ($25 / $15). More info
Dec 28, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews Lake 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. More info
Dec 21, 2023
contra
Rose Room
David Smukler Audrey Potter, Jane Knoeck Get ready to groove to the rhythm and immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of New England Contras. More info
Dec 19, 2023
meeting
Margaret Mathews
Margaret Mathews Contra Planning Committee Join us to plan great contra for everyone. More info
Dec 17, 2023
english
First Rochester
Carmen Giunta Catherine Sloboda, Jane Knoeck Expert calling and stirring music on this last regular English dance in December. Bring a friend! No dance on Dec. 24. More info
Dec 17, 2023
meeting
Zoom
Pat Donaldson English Planning Committee Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. More info
Dec 14, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews Esteemed Clams 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. More info
Dec 10, 2023
cancelled
We tried hard but could find no performers who could make this date, so we are cancelling our dance. Instead, we suggest attending Mr. Fezziwig's Ball in Skaneateles, run by the Syracuse Country Dancers. More info
Dec 7, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Bob Nicholson Arugula 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. More info
Dec 3, 2023
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Recorded Music Fun, satisfyingly dances taught by the founder of our English dance series. Due to an unusual shortage of musicians, music will be recorded but excellent, featuring top bands like Bare Necessities and Alchemy. More info
Nov 30, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews Lake 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. More info
Nov 26, 2023
english
First Rochester
Colleen Liggett Kaia Megiel, Barbara Seppeler We're especially looking forward to the pairing of Kaia's violin & viola and Barb's luscious piano playing. Come work off those Thanksgiving dinner calories! More info
Nov 25, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Will Mentor River Road Will Mentor calls to the music of River Road in our double dance event. More info
Nov 19, 2023
english
First Rochester
Carmen Giunta Molly, Mark & Chris Carmen always picks enjoyable dances, and one of our long standing musical trios will make exciting music for us. Beginners always welcome; come 20 minutes early for a quick orientation. More info
Nov 19, 2023
meeting
Zoom
Pat Donaldson English Planning Committee Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. More info
Nov 18, 2023
meeting
Margaret Mathews
Margaret Mathews Contra Planning Committee Join us to plan great contra for everyone and get ready for the big Thanksgiving Double Dance. More info
Nov 16, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Nancy Spero Tim Ball and Helen Kuhar A rare visit by a regional fiddle favorite, Tim Ball, with guitarist Helen Kuhar and the expert calling of Nancy Spero. More info
Nov 12, 2023
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Whimsy David and Whimsy, back once more to lend their considerable talents to our Sunday afternoon English dance. More info
Nov 9, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Bob Nicholson Glenrose Bob Nicholson will be calling with Glenrose Band More info
Nov 5, 2023
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Jane Knoeck, Kaia Megiel We've switched to our winter afternoon dance time -- sunlight while dancing and no driving home in the dark! Very experienced performers provide teaching and music. More info
Nov 2, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews Lake Effect Prepare to be swept off your feet by the infectious swingin' energy of Lake Effect and Margaret's expert calling. More info
Oct 28, 2023
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Molly & Jane Our annual Masquerade Ball, a Halloween English dance with spooky decorations, enchanting refreshments and exciting music. Masks and costumes admired, but not required. This is a fund raiser for our regular dance series. More info
Oct 26, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Bob Fabinski Sister Haggis Prepare to be swept off your feet by the infectious energy of Sister Haggis and the expert calling of the colorful Bob Fabinski. More info
Oct 24, 2023
meeting
Cindy Culbert All are welcome to discuss how racism has affected the history of contra and English country dance and to consider how we might acknowledge the effects and broaden our audience. More info
Oct 22, 2023
english
First Rochester
Pamela Goddard Barbara Seppeler We love it when Pamela makes the trek up from Ithaca to call for us, with her in-charge personality and wry humor. Expect glorious solo piano by Barb! More info
Oct 22, 2023
meeting
Margaret Mathews
Margaret Mathews Contra Planning Committee Join us to plan great contra for everyone and get ready for the big Thanksgiving Double Dance. More info
Oct 21, 2023
contra
Alan Fish's Barn
Casey Carr PossumTone String Band This is a rare Saturday contradance in the Greater Rochester area, so grab your friends, family, and fellow dance enthusiasts for an afternoon of music, laughter, and community in Al Fish's barn in Bloomfield. More info
Oct 19, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Vikki Armstrong Better Weather String Band Join us for an unforgettable night of contra dancing this Thursday with the return of the fantastic caller Vikki Armstrong and the lively Southern tunes of the Better Weather String Band. More info
Oct 15, 2023
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Mark & Chris, Annie Simpson Come on out, dance with friends (or make new ones), enjoy our famous break refreshments (it's apple dessert night), and move to glorious live music! More info
Oct 12, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Margaret Mathews Esteemed Clams Prepare for an exciting evening of contradancing at our new Southwedge venue. We're amped to introduce you to the dynamic pairing of caller Margaret Mathews and The Esteemed Clams. More info
Oct 8, 2023
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Catherine, Laurel & Meg Good music, good calling, and you can often be in on trying out one of David's new dances - he is a prolific dance composer as well. More info
Oct 8, 2023
meeting
Zoom
Cindy Culbert CDR Board CDR board meetings are open to the public. More info
Oct 5, 2023
contra
Rose Room
David Smukler Laurel & Meg, Catherine Sloboda David Smukler calling fun contradances to the music of Meg Grindrod and Laurel Sharp More info
Oct 1, 2023
english
First Rochester
Carmen Giunta Sister Haggis Wow -- music by an amazing, nationally known duo who are experts at playing music that somehow makes you want to dance with energy and grace, and a caller with great taste in dances. You will have a good time. More info
Sep 28, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Margaret Mathews Lake Effect Get ready to groove to the rhythm and immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of New England Contras. More info
Sep 26, 2023
meeting
Cindy Culbert All are welcome to discuss how racism has affected the history of contra and English country dance and to consider how we might acknowledge the effects and broaden our audience. More info
Sep 23, 2023
english
First Rochester
Lisa Brown Molly & Jane A light-hearted, novice friendly afternoon dance with plenty of flirtatious figures. More info
Sep 21, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Bob Nicholson Audrey Potter, Jane Knoeck Get ready to groove to the rhythm and immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of New England Contras. More info
Sep 17, 2023
english
First Rochester
Richard Sauvain Kaia, Silvia & Barb An experienced and patient caller tonight, with violin, flute and piano magically trading melody, counter melody, and harmony. Come on out and dance! More info
Sep 16, 2023
meeting
Zoom
Margaret Mathews Contra Planning Committee Meeting online this month using Google Meet. Join us to plan great contra for everyone and get ready for the move to our new dance hall. More info
Sep 14, 2023
contra
Harmony House
David Smukler Sister Haggis Get ready to groove to the rhythm and immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music and dance with David Smukler and the electrifying band, Sister Haggis! More info
Sep 10, 2023
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Molly, Laurel & Chris One of our most accomplished callers leading the dances. Tonight we will enjoy Molly's zesty fiddling and Laurel's astounding versatility on winds, with Chris' solid piano providing a foundation. Dont miss this one! More info
Sep 8 - Sep 10, 2023
contra
Rose Room
Nils Fredland, Katy Heine Elixir, Ostara 4 contra dance communities have united for a weekend of stellar music and dancing. Experience “transcendance” with Elixir and Nils Fredland along with regional talent Ostara and Katy Heine. Registration required. More info
Sep 7, 2023
cancelled
There is no contra dance on September 7. We're getting ready for the (sold-out) Contravana Weekend. More info
Sep 3, 2023
english
First Rochester
Dan Seppeler Serendipity We're happy to welcome back Dan and Serendipity after a summer hiatus. Expect beautiful music and interesting dances. More info
Aug 31, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Margaret Mathews Esteemed Clams Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy the rich tradition of country dancing in the company of fellow enthusiasts. Grab your dancing shoes, bring your friends and family, and let's have fun. More info
Aug 29, 2023
meeting
Cindy Culbert All are welcome to discuss how racism has affected the history of contra and English country dance and to consider how we might acknowledge the effects and broaden our audience. More info
Aug 27, 2023
english
First Rochester
David Smukler Whimsy This should be a great dance, what with David's skillful teaching & exciting music. It's also Ice Cream Sundae Night! More info
Aug 24, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Evan De Smitt Matt Sloboda, Catherine Sloboda, Jane Knoeck Solid New England tunes with The Sloboda Sibs and Jane Knoeck. More info
Aug 20, 2023
meeting
Zoom
Pat Donaldson English Planning Committee Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. More info
Aug 17, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Mary Collins Matt Sloboda, Catherine Sloboda, Meg Grindrod Meg Grindrod on piano joins Catherine Sloboda on fiddle and Matt Sloboda on accordion and fiddle in a new combination on our stage. More info
Aug 13, 2023
english
First Rochester
Bob Nicholson Alyssa, Silvia and Meg Veteran caller Bob Nicholson from Syracuse is teaching the dances. We're having only two English dances a month in July and August due to limited availability of bands and callers. No dance on August 20! More info
Aug 10, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Bob Nicholson Birch Trio Casey & Molly are visiting from Boston to reunite with Daphne in Birch Trio for a delightful evening with Bob Nicholson calling. More info
Aug 3, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Chuck Abell Ostara Honoring the light from the sun and the awakening of the earth, Ostara brings us music from New England and Quebec. Chuck Abell will be calling. More info
Jul 27, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Nancy Spero Clinton’s Folly Mountain music with Clinton's Folly, a new Rochester string band. Calling by Ithaca's Nancy Spero. More info
Jul 23, 2023
english
First Rochester
Carmen Giunta Jane, Kaia & Meg An experienced caller with fine taste in dances and thrilling music that features a new violinist, piano, concertina, and accordion! Come enjoy this dance, as we will not have dances on July 30 or August 6. More info
Jul 20, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Evan De Smitt Lake Effect Lake Effect (Chuck Abell and Matt Sloboda) bring lively New England contra dance music and jazzy stylings. Calling by Evan De Smit. More info
Jul 16, 2023
meeting
Zoom
Cindy Culbert CDR Board CDR board meetings are open to the public. More info
Jul 13, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Margaret Mathews Esteemed Clams Fast moving old-time music with the Esteemed Clams More info
Jul 9, 2023
english
First Rochester
Pamela Goddard Molly, Mark & Chris We are lucky to have Ithaca's Pamela Goddard calling for us, with an exciting band. Our English dances are twice a month in July and August due to limited availability of band and callers, so no dance on July 16! More info
Jul 6, 2023
contra
Harmony House
Mary Collins Mad Robin Mad Robin duo (Alaina Reed & Dennis Reed, Jr.) with Mary Collins calling the dances. More info