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Country Dance * New York, Inc. |
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When and where are dances held?Weekly dances are held from September to mid-June at The Church of the Village, 201 West 13th Street, Manhattan (northwest corner of 13th Street & 7th Avenue).English Country Dances -- Tuesdays from 7:00 to 10:15 pm American Contra Dances -- Saturdays from 8:00 to 10:45 pm Special events are often held at other locations. |
Do I need to bring a partner?Short answer: no. This is a highly social pastime, and dancing with as many people as possible is encouraged. It is quite permissible to ask ANYONE to dance. If you are new to this, try asking people who appear to know what they are doing... They will welcome your participation, and it is the best way to learn. |
What should I wear?Dress is usually casual. It can get rather warm when you are dancing - even in mid-winter. Men often wear a casual shirt and jeans, or even shorts. Women usually enjoy wearing something with a bit of swirl to it - dress or skirt, but pants won't prevent you from dancing.In order to preserve the finish of the floor and our good relations with the church, we ask dancers to wear soft-soled shoes that have not been worn outdoors. Sneakers are fine. If you do not have an indoor pair of shoes, scrub the soles of a regular pair (not ones with hard spiky heels) and bring them in a bag to change into at the dance. |
How do I get there? Can I park?Subway: 7th Avenue 1 or 2 or 3 train to 14th Street. Exit from the middle of the platform and the stairs will take you right up to the 13th Street entrance.A C E or L to 14th and 8th Avenue F or PATH or L to 6th Avenue See NYC Subway map with current updates and The Subway Navigator for help with subway and LIRR routes. Car: Limited on-street parking, but there is a parking lot a bit west from The Church of the Village, at W. 13th St. and Greenwich Ave |
How much does it cost?Tuesday English country: Members - $10; General public - $13Saturday American contra: Members - $10; General public - $14 |
How do you keep your prices so reasonable?CD*NY is a volunteer-run organization. We pay only the musicians and the caller. All other tasks - from hiring the band and organizing publicity, to collecting money at the door and paying our bills, are carried out by the dancers you see around you. This volunteer support helps keep the entry fee well below the cost of most NYC musical events. |
How do I join?Membership is $30 for one person, or $50 for two people at the same address. Memberships run from September to August. Join in June and your membership is good through the next year.Membership form here |
How can I help?Become a volunteer. If you work during a dance at the door, you can get in free to that dance plus one more. If you work with refreshments or with the sound system you can get in free to that dance. If you agree to work 8 dances in any one season, you get in FREE to all the regular dances that season.Other important volunteer opportunities include mailings and helping move things to "away" events. If you want to be even more involved in helping to run a small non-profit, consider joining the CD*NY board. For more info on any of the above, ask whoever makes announcements at a dance, or talk to any member of the CD*NY board. |
What are the differences between "English" and "Contra" dance?Both English country dances and American contras are derived from social dances done in England in the 17th century. They are still done today, usually by couples, in longways sets, with two lines facing each other. In both English and contra dances, most of the movements involve a dance-walk step in patterns; some are simple (partners changing sides or four people circling with hands joined); others are more complex (heys or figures-of-eight). See terms. Some people prefer either English or contra dancing, but many enjoy both, finding a different kind of energy and excitement in each. English dances are more varied in pattern and expressive character, ranging from lively barn dances to lilting waltzes,whereas contras are more aerobic, with emphasis on lively, repeated patterns. Contras also involve more partner holds, usually swings, but eye contact adds sparkle to both. Today both traditions remain vital, and we often do new dances by contemporary choreographers and musicians. See this article on English Country Dancing. |
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| Contra Menu | English Menu | FAQ | Links |
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Call the Dancephone: 212-459-4080
Write to CD*NY at P.O. Box 878, Village Station, New York, N.Y. 10014
Send us an email to subscribe to our email list, ask questions or make suggestions.
Country Dance * New York, Inc., is an affiliate of the
Country Dance and Song Society.