Example photo of contra from our dance 2025 November, featuring the Memorial Room well-lit by ceiling lights. Two lines of dancers were photographed mid-motion, highlighting a moment when dancers collectively spun into position and clapped their hands. Skirts have flared and hands are lifted. The dancer population is mixed between younger students and local community members, most smiling. At the head of the left dance line the caller for the event, Casey Carr, is faintly visible. A view of the band, Raven and Goose, is momentarily blocked by the dancers. Banner for Contra Double Dance with Here on the Hill and Luke Donforth - 2027!

Contra Double Dance with Here on the Hill and Luke Donforth - 2027!

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Open Event Activism Community Dance Fitness Free Fun Funded by GPSAFC Music Student Life Workshop

Sat, Mar 13, 2027

3 PM – 10 PM EST (GMT-5)

Break from 5:00-6:30pm

Willard Straight Hall - Memorial Room (WSH407)

Ithaca, New York 14853, United States

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Registered

Registration

Options Sales Start Sales End Availability Price
Option Student

Sales Start - Sales End - Availability Unlimited Price FREE
Option Visitor-Evening Dance

Sales Start - Sales End - Availability Unlimited Price $15
Option Visitor-Advanced Dance

Sales Start - Sales End - Availability Unlimited Price $10
Option Visitor-Both Dances

Sales Start - Sales End - Availability Unlimited Price $20

Details

Ad for the dance, listing: Event date March 7th 2026, In Willard Straight Hall backslash ’s Memorial Room ( WSH407 ) , Featuring Music by band backslash “Here on the Hill backslash “ and dance calling by Cornell alum Luke Donforth; A backslash “Contra Double Dance backslash “ sponsored by the Cornell Contra Dance Club. Schedule: Advanced Contras - 3-5pm Break - 5-6:30pm Beginner Lesson - 6:30-7pm Evening Contras - 7-10pm Pricing: Cornell Students - Free Admission For visitors, pricing is $20 for both afternoon plus evening dances, or $10 for the advanced afternoon session and $15 for the evening session if unable to commit to the entire day. All Inquiries: Instagram: @cornellcontradance e-mail: contradanceatcornell@gmail.com. Flyer for Contra Double Dance with Here on the Hill and Luke Donforth - 2027!
Join us for an afternoon AND evening of Contra Dance on Saturday, March 7th! Music by the fabulous Here on the Hill, with calling by Cornell alum Luke Donforth!

The evening dance is most accessible to those new to contra dancing, with an intro lesson at 6:30pm, followed by live dancing to music from 7-10pm in Willard Straight's gorgeous Memorial Hall. Join us for a phenomenal time! ~8:30, we will break briefly for fresh fruit and water. 

Alternately, start the afternoon off strong with an advanced contra dance from 3-5pm. If you have been to a couple of contra dances, this dance should be accessible for you! Beginners are welcome, though as a word of warning you will be immediately thrown into the deep end of contra! We will take a break for dinner from 5-6:30pm.

If you are a student, Please, Please, Please fill out the dreaded physical activity waiver: https://cglink.me/2ee/s95776 before the dance! OR at the dance!

Free for Cornell students! | $20 for both dances, $15 for the evening dance, and $10 for the advanced dance for Cornell non-students and visitors. Pay @ door with cash or Venmo. 

Registration through CampusGroups is primarily used for tracking types of attendees and ensuring event waivers are signed. Reach out with any questions or concerns!

No experience or partner is required. If you'd like an example of what a very well-attended contra dance such as we hope to host looks like, check out a video from a festival earlier this year: Contra @ NW Folklife Fest 2024

Contra is a form of folk dancing, where each individual has one partner and they dance in concert with predetermined footwork alongside upwards of 50 additional couples per dance. Contra is remarkably inclusive, with roles such as lead or follow being gender-agnostic. The music played at contra dances is traditionally live and variously acoustic, consisting of such instruments as violin, keyboard, guitar, assorted methods to produce percussion, and occasionally special solos from the likes of saxophones. Each dance is guided by a “caller,” who selects from an assortment of pre-drafted dances shared between authors. It is highly dynamic, with each event largely showcasing unique combinations of moves to entertain even experienced dancers, while orienting new dancers within movements such as “swing your partner” or “spin towards your right shoulder” they will have limited difficulty learning, and practice multiple times throughout any given dance. 

The hobby crosses many generational lines, with community dances frequently attracting parents with their young to teenaged children as well as spry retirees seeking a delightful night out with their friends.
Food Provided (Pre-cut fresh fruit bowls from Wegmans will be provided alongside water for rehydration. )

Where

Willard Straight Hall - Memorial Room (WSH407)

Ithaca, New York 14853, United States

Hosted By

Cornell Contra Dance Club | Website | View More Events