What is barn dancing?

A community barn dance is a social event where people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities come together to learn a variety of group dances. No partner or experience is needed to participate. A live band plays tunes, and an experienced caller teaches the dances before the music starts. The evening often starts with a short "lesson", teaching new dancers some common movements. Dancers learn and "walk-through" the dance, and then dance to live music. Barn dances can include a wide variety of dance traditions: square dancing, set dances and reels, contra dancing, circle mixers, and others. They are woven seamlessly together through the evening, often with couples dances interspersed throughout, such as waltzes, polkas, schottisches, or swing dance.

I have two left feet! Can I learn to barn dance?

Absolutely! All our dances are taught by an experienced caller, whose job it is to help beginners get comfortable. There is no required footwork, but rather a caller uses figures, moves done collaboratively with your partner and group like “chain”, “swing”, “circle left” or “ go forward and back”. Callers are skilled at helping the whole room be successful in creating the dance experience. Before each dance, the caller will organize people on the dance floor, and help group couples in the right way. Then, without music, the caller will slowly teach each figure to the group, and the group will walk through the dance. Often, the caller will do a second walk-through. Only after the group is ready will the band play and the dance be called to music.

Still worried? All of our dances start with a 30 minute beginner’s lesson right before dancing begins. Come to the hall at 6:30pm to learn the basic figures before dancing begins, and get one-on-one instruction to help build your confidence. If you can count to 4, you can barn dance!

Do I need to bring a partner?

No need to bring a partner, all are welcome! In fact, it is customary at barn dances to dance with different partners through the evening,, not just the person you came with. It is also common for women to dance with women, and men to dance with men. Any gender can dance any part (lead or follow, “lady” or “gent”), so it’s never a problem to find a partner.

Can I bring my kids?

Children are welcome at barn dances! We ask that if you bring your children, you or another adult plan to partner them at the dance so that you can stay close to your child should they need help, and that dancing can continue smoothly. Some parents with infants may even “wear” their infant in a wrap or carrier and dance safely!