Monthly Contra Dance Locations, Schedule, & Times

Jump down to the schedule.

Location #1: We usually hold our dances on the beautifully maintained wooden floor in the assembly hall at the Central United Methodist Church (CUMC), 215 N. Capitol, in downtown Lansing, Michigan. Click here for a map to the CUMC.

Location #2: Our alternate location is at the Dewitt Township Community Center, at 16101 Brook Rd, Lansing, Michigan, which is off State Rd east of Old US-27. We will clearly label all dances held here. Click here for a map to the DTCC.

Lansing dances are held the first and third Saturday evenings starting mid-September through May, essentially the regular school year. Generally, first-Saturday dances are hosted by the Ten Pound Fiddle (TPF) and third-Saturday dances are hosted by the Looking Glass Music & Arts Association (LGMAA). You'll see many of the same smiling people helping out in both organizations, and helpers are always welcome!

What to wear and bring: Wear soft clean-soled shoes that you don't wear outside, and dress in loose layers that you can peel off as you get warm (and we do get warm!) If you want to help with setup, feel free to come 20 minutes early.

Costs

We have adopted a pay-what-you-can model for our dances. Looking Glass Music and Arts Association is a non-profit, so all proceeds are invested into future dances and perpetuating the dance community. If we fail to cover the costs of each dance, we will no longer be able to host dances. We suggest between $5 and $25 per dancer.

Inclusivity in calling

We want everyone to feel comfortable at our dances and practice this in our calling (the directions provided by the instructor). All dances will be called according to the dancer's position using gender-free terms. New dancers are encouraged to pick a consistent position while they learn the steps. Experienced dancers will often switch position to balance the dance or to support their current partner. Are you unsure of what position your partner wishes to dance, just ask!

COVID-19 Protocols

To keep our community safe, we have adopted the following risk-based protocols:
  1. Proof of vaccination is no longer required.
  2. Masks are recommended, but not required.
  3. If you are sick do not come to the dance.