| Event | Caller | Band | Details | 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 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 |
| Jun 29, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Sister Haggis | The nationally touring duo, Sister Haggis, will be on stage with a lively mix of New England contra, Breton, and quebecois tunes. Calling by Bob Nicholson. | More info |
| Jun 25, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Sister Haggis | Wow -- the incredible fiddling of Eileen paired with Rochester's doyenne of country dance piano. Don't miss this one. | More info |
| Jun 22, 2023 contra Harmony House |
David Smukler | Lake Effect | Lake Effect (Chuck Abell and Matt Sloboda) bring lively New England contra dance music and jazzy stylings. Calling by David Smukler. | More info |
| Jun 18, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Molly, Jenna and Jane | Strawberry Shortcake night! Fine dance music on violin, clarinet and piano, along with Richard's talent for picking dances should make for a thrilling evening! Volunteers needed at 6 PM for slicing berries. | More info |
| Jun 15, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Tailwind | Masks required this week. Curt Osgood and friends visit us from Binghamton. His hammered dulcimer evokes the sprightly lilt of earlier contras. Bob Nicholson will be calling. | More info |
| Jun 13, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Pat Donaldson | English Planning Committee | Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. | More info |
| Jun 11, 2023 english First Rochester |
Katy Heine | Jane & Katie | A rare visit from one of the Ithaca area's most popular callers, with music on violin / viola and piano | More info |
| Jun 8, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Mary Collins | The McKenzies | Masks are optional! Woody & Marcia McKenzie are coming by from Virginia packing Expect a fine mix of traditional music of southern Appalachia and the British Isles. Mary Collins comes to call from Buffalo. | More info |
| Jun 4, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler | Whimsy | This should be a great dance, what with David's skillful teaching and exciting music. | More info |
| Jun 1, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | PossumTone String Band | Masks required this week. Chugging quickstep old-time music with the PossumTone String Band and dances called by Margaret Mathews. | More info |
| May 25, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Fabinski | Mad Robin | The Mad Robin duo plays for us with Bob Fabinski teaching the dances. Masks are optional on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays at Contra. | More info |
| May 22, 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 | |
| May 21, 2023 english First Rochester |
Richard Sauvain | Laurel and Barbara | Syracuse wind virtuoso Laurel pairs up with pianist Barbara from the Southern Tier to make the music tonight, with calling by Rochester's own Richard. A true geographic confluence! | More info |
| May 20, 2023 meeting Margaret Mathews, Zoom |
Margaret Mathews | Contra Planning Committee | Meeting at Margaret's house, with coffee, tea and a home cooked treat provided. Google Meet is available on request. Join us to plan great contra for everyone. | More info |
| May 19, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Pat Donaldson | English Planning Committee | Country Dancers of Rochester meetings are free and open to the public. | More info |
| May 18, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Bob Nicholson | Sister Haggis | Masks required this week. Jane Knoeck and Eileen Kalfass are nationally known as Sister Haggis. It's always a joyful evening when they take the stage. Bob Nicholson will be calling. | More info |
| May 14, 2023 english First Rochester |
Carmen Giunta | Molly, Mark & Chris | What could be better than dancing with friends on a fine May evening? Carmen is coming over from Syracuse to teach us the dances, and we'll have fine music on violin, flute, mandolin, and piano. | More info |
| May 11, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Margaret Mathews | Catherine Sloboda, Matt Sloboda, Tom Santarsiero | Exciting music by the Catherine, Matt and Tom with Casey Carr teaching the dances. Masks are optional on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays at Contra. | More info |
| May 7, 2023 meeting Zoom |
Cindy Culbert | CDR Board | CDR board meetings are open to the public. | More info |
| May 7, 2023 english First Rochester |
Dan Seppeler | Serendipity | CDR is lucky to be able to rotate through many different bands and callers. This pairing shows up nearly every month, reliably giving us beautiful music and energetic calling. | More info |
| May 4, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Chuck Abell | Audrey Potter, Jane Knoeck | Masks required this week. Sweet New England contra dance music with Audrey Potter and Jane Knoeck. | More info |
| Apr 29 - Apr 30, 2023 english MAG Ballroom, First Rochester |
Tom Amessé | Shandy | Our annual Jane Austen Ball weekend in Rochester on April 29 & 30, 2023 includes top notch performers, a Regency period Ball, an experienced English dance, and two Ball practice sessions. | More info |
| Apr 29, 2023 experienced-english-dance First Rochester |
Tom Amessé , Richard Sauvain | Shandy | For experienced English dancers (see details): challenging but rewarding dances with two callers and extremely good nationally known musicians. | More info |
| Apr 27, 2023 contra Harmony House |
Mary Collins | Jane & Katie | MASKS OPTIONAL this week. Classic New England contra dance music with Katie Marshall and Jane Knoeck. | More info |
| Apr 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 | |
| Apr 23, 2023 ball-prep First Rochester |
David Smukler, Richard Sauvain | Pat & Mark | The last of our afternoon practice sessions for our Jane Austen Ball on April 30. Come get familiar with the dances we will be doing there! | More info |
| Apr 23, 2023 english First Rochester |
David Smukler, Richard Sauvain | Eileen, Laurel & Meg | David and Richard are once again sharing the calling, with sweet music on violin, winds, piano & concertina. Last regular dance before Ball weekend. Don't miss this one! | More info |