About
Contra Montreal is a vibrant dance club located in the heart of Montreal, offering a unique and inclusive dance experience for the community. With a focus on Contra dancing, the club welcomes dancers of all ages, income levels, and skill levels to come together and enjoy the joys of dancing led by talented callers and musicians.
The club's upcoming dances are usually held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at Patro Villeray (Room R. 01) on Avenue Christophe-Colomb. The dances feature live music by musicians such as Tamsyn Klazek-Schryer, Matisse Gubby-Hurtig, and Karl-Andre Rozankovich, with calling by Jonathan Werk. For newcomers, there is an introductory lesson recommended to get acquainted with the basic moves and calls before joining in the dance.
Contra Montreal operates on a sliding scale payment system to ensure that dances remain accessible while also supporting the talented musicians and callers. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Interac or Paypal transfers. The club is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all dancers, and encourages participants to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Contra dance is a social dance where each couple dances figures with a series of other couples, guided by a caller. The roles of "larks" and "robins" are danced by whoever wishes, regardless of gender, and it is common to see same-gendered couples participating. Beginners are welcome to join in the fun, and there is always an opportunity to learn and improve dancing skills at Contra Montreal.
Children are also welcome to participate in Contra Montreal's events, as contra dancing is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The club encourages families to join in the dancing and create lasting memories on the dance floor. To stay updated on upcoming events and news from Contra Montreal, dancers can sign up for the club's newsletter and connect with the community through various online platforms.
