This calendar lists traditional music and dance-related events throughout Michigan, Northwest Ohio, and Northeast Indiana. Ann Arbor, Clawson, Goshen IN, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo area, Lansing area, Midland, and Traverse City all have regular contra dances, for example. All listings include contact information in case you have questions about that event.
Unless stated otherwise, all dances welcome beginners, with or without a partner. ("Advanced" means the program is not geared to first-timers.) Comfortable loose-fitting clothes are recommended. Bring flat, smooth-soled shoes with clean soles to change into for dancing. Generally, all dances are taught or walked through before the music starts.
Mon Feb 8
- Ann Arbor Dawn Dance Weekend Festival. Early Bird discount avaliable until February 15. Clague Middle School (Ann Arbor)
- OWDC International Folk Dance Class. Learn ethnic and traditional dances. 8pm; $3; 248-376-6992. ROSC (Royal Oak)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Tartan and Thistle members teach jigs, reels, and strathspeys. 7:30pm; $5; 734-426-0241; Gretchen's Barn (Ann Arbor)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Scottish Country dancing to recorded music. 7pm; $2; 269-384-2061; Oshtemo Grange (Oshtemo)
- Set Dancing. Led by Anne McCallum. 8pm; $3; 519-944-1549; Gealic League (Detroit)
Tue Feb 9
- AACTMAD English Country Dance. Bronwen Gates and Don Theyken lead. Music by David West and Donna Baird. 7pm; $7/$4 students/free under 14 with parent; 734-665-7704; Chapel Hill (Ann Arbor)
- Israeli Folkdancing. Sunny Seigel leads. 8-10pm; $6; 248-661-0710; Oak Park JCC (Oak Park)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Laurel Paterson leads jigs, reels, and strathspeys. 7:30pm; $4; 586-294-4329; EPC (Roseville)
Wed Feb 10
- Israeli Folkdancing. Cheryl Feit and others lead. Beginner instruction at 7:30. 7:30-10pm; $6; 248-661-0710; W Bloomfield JCC (West Bloomfield)
- UM Argentine Tango. Lessons 8pm; Open dancing 9:30pm. UM campus (Ann Arbor)
- UM Swing Dancing. Lessons 7:30 & 8:30pm; Open dancing 9:30pm. $5/$4; UM campus (Ann Arbor)
Thu Feb 11
- Irish Dancing. Ceili dancing 7pm; Sets from 8:30-9:30pm. $2.50; 616-361-5946; 6th Street Hall (Grand Rapids)
- Israeli Folkdancing. Basics early. 7:30-10pm; $6/$5 students; 734-395-4223; JCC-WC (Ann Arbor)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Laurel Paterson teaches jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Basics early. 6:30pm; $4; 586-294-4329; MHUMC (Madison Heights)
Fri Feb 12
- AACTMAD Advanced English Dance. Tom Siess (London, Ontario) leads to music by Childgrove. For experienced English country dancers ready for a challenge. 8pm; $10; 248-288-4737; Pittsfield (Ann Arbor)
- AACTMAD Swing Dancing. Free lesson at 8pm followed by open dancing at 8:45pm. Lindy hop, east coast, charleston, blues, and balboa with multiple swing DJs each week. $5/$3; 734-972-9141; Dakota Bldg (Ann Arbor)
- GRFAS International Dance. Ethnic dancing from many cultures to recorded music. 7pm; $5; 616-949-8374; Wealthy St. (Grand Rapids)
- OWDC International Folk Dance. Ethnic, traditional, mixers, group or line dances. 8:30pm; $7/$6; 248-376-6992. St James (Ferndale)
Sat Feb 13
- 2nd Saturday Contra Dance. Don Theyken calls. Music by the Sharon Hollow Stringband. 8pm; $8; 734-408-1829 or don.theyken@gmail.com; Webster (Ann Arbor)
- AAF International Folk Dance. Balkan, Middle Eastern, & European dances. 8pm teaching of easier dances. 8-11pm; $5/$3 students; 734-995-0011; Gretchen's Barn (Ann Arbor)
- Bayside Travellers Jamboree. Open jam for anyone wishing to share a tune. 4:30-6:30pm; Free; 231-946-2102; Gilbert Lodge (Traverse City)
- Bayside Travellers Contra Dance. Caller and band TBA. 7pm beginner's workshop. 8pm; $10/$8/$4 under 13 Free; 231-228-6149; Gilbert Lodge (Traverse City)
- CDK Contra & Square Dance. Danika Murray calls. Music by New Money. Skills workshop 7pm. 7:30pm; $8/$6/$4 students; 269-372-7613; Oshtemo Grange (Oshtemo)
- FMSM Contra Dance. Callers and music TBA. Beginners session at 6:30pm. 7:30pm; $6; 989-631-7153; Midland CC (Midland)
- GTVDA Valentine's Ball. Cathy Stevens leads dances from 1900-1920s to music by Huron Valley Sarenaders. Period attire and advanced registration encouraged. Preball workshops begin at noon. 8-11pm; $25 advance tickets/$30 at the door - includes preball workshops. 734-769-0041; Pittsfield (Ann Arbor)
- Morning Harmony Sing. Tom & Anne Siess (London, Ontario) will lead a variety of songs and share harmonizing tips. Brunch at 10am, singing 10:45-12:45. All welcome, donation requested. RSVP & info: 734-761-8806 or shirleyharden@sbcglobal.net 1480 Kelly Green Drive (Ann Arbor)
- OCTDS/PCFLS "Starry Night for a Ramble" Benefit Contra Dance. Glen Morningstar & Drake Meadow call. Music by the Paint Creek Country Dance Orchestra. $3 off with helping or dessert. 8pm; $10/$8/$5 homeschoolers; 248-967-1055; Clawson (Clawson)
Sun Feb 14
- AACTMAD Ann Arbor Morris Practice at 6pm; Confirm location at 734-747-8138. (Ann Arbor)
- BoRC Morris Practice at 7:30pm. Confirm time and location at 616-949-8374. (Grand Rapids)
- Contra Dance. Glen Mornigstar calls. Music by Dawn's Early Light. Wood dance floor. 1:30-4:30pm; $8/under 16 free; 734-369-8193; APPC (Allen Park)
- GRFAS Sing. Sing gathering and potluck. 5pm; Free; 616-246-6468; Postellons (Grand Rapids)
- UM Ballroom Dancing. Lessons 5, 6, & 7pm; Open dancing 8pm. $8/$5; UM campus (Ann Arbor)
Mon Feb 15
- Ann Arbor Dawn Dance Weekend Festival. Early Bird discount avaliable until February 15. Clague Middle School (Ann Arbor)
- OWDC International Folk Dance Class. Learn ethnic and traditional dances. 8pm; $3; 248-376-6992. ROSC (Royal Oak)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Tartan and Thistle members teach jigs, reels, and strathspeys. 7:30pm; $5; 734-426-0241; Gretchen's Barn (Ann Arbor)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Scottish Country dancing to recorded music. 7pm; $2; 269-384-2061; Oshtemo Grange (Oshtemo)
- Set Dancing. Led by Anne McCallum. 8pm; $3; 519-944-1549; Gealic League (Detroit)
Tue Feb 16
- AACTMAD English Country Dance. Ray Bantle and a potpourri of leaders. Music by Childgrove. 7pm; $7/$4 students/free under 14 with parent; 734-665-7704; Chapel Hill (Ann Arbor)
- Israeli Folkdancing. Sunny Seigel leads. 8-10pm; $6; 248-661-0710; Oak Park JCC (Oak Park)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Laurel Paterson leads jigs, reels, and strathspeys. 7:30pm; $4; 586-294-4329; EPC (Roseville)
- Shape Note Sing. Traditional hymns and melodies. Beginners welcome. Loaner books available. 7pm; Free; 517-381-1321; Edgewood (East Lansing)
Wed Feb 17
- CDK English Country Dance. Roger Williams and Jan Coray lead. Music TBA. 7:30pm; $4/$3 students; 269-375-4867; Oshtemo Grange (Oshtemo)
- Howell Opera House Community Dance. Contra dances, quadrilles, square dances and couple dances from the period of the Opera House 1881-1924 selected so dancers from new to experienced can join in the fun. Glen Morningstar calling with music by classic Howell area musicians Judi Morningstar, Carl Visconti, and Neil Woodward. 7-9 pm; $5; 248-889-3013 or 517-223-7832. Howell Opera House, 123 West Grand River in downtown Howell.
- Israeli Folkdancing. Cheryl Feit and others lead. Beginner instruction at 7:30. 7:30-10pm; $6; 248-661-0710; W Bloomfield JCC (West Bloomfield)
- UM Argentine Tango. Lessons 8pm; Open dancing 9:30pm. UM campus (Ann Arbor)
- UM Swing Dancing. Lessons 7:30 & 8:30pm; Open dancing 9:30pm. $5/$4; UM campus (Ann Arbor)
Thu Feb 18
- Irish Dancing. Ceili dancing 7pm; Sets from 8:30-9:30pm. $2.50; 616-361-5946; 6th Street Hall (Grand Rapids)
- Israeli Folkdancing. Basics early. 7:30-10pm; $6/$5 students; 734-395-4223; JCC-WC (Ann Arbor)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Laurel Paterson teaches jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Basics early. 6:30pm; $4; 586-294-4329; MHUMC (Madison Heights)
Fri Feb 19
- AACTMAD Swing Dancing. Free lesson at 8pm followed by open dancing at 8:45pm. Lindy hop, east coast, charleston, blues, and balboa with multiple swing DJs each week. $5/$3; 734-972-9141; Dakota Bldg (Ann Arbor)
- AWFAC Contra Dance. Ed Vincent calls. Music by Fiddlefire. 7:15pm; $8/$5 students/$20 family; 616-772-0411; Park Twp Hall (Holland)
- OWDC International Folk Dance. Ethnic, traditional, mixers, group or line dances. 8:30pm; $7/$6; 248-376-6992. Tonight's dance at the Hunter Community Center in Clawson. (Clawson)
- Red Barn English Country Dance. Bronwen Gates and Ray Bantle lead. Music by Childgrove. Family friendly for all. 7pm; $7/$4 students/$14 family; 734-665-7704, Red Barn (Ann Arbor)
Sat Feb 20
- AACTMAD - POB Open Jam. All musicians/instruments welcome. Bring Ruffwater book if you have it. 4-6pm; Free; 734-994-9307; Pittsfield (Ann Arbor)
- Cobblestone Contra Dance. Robin Warner and Peter Baker call. Music by the Millers. Beginner session at 7:30pm. 8pm; $10; 734-426-0241; Pittsfield (Ann Arbor)
- LGMAA Contra Dance. Caller and band TBA.. Beginner's workshop at 7:30pm. 8pm; $8/$7/$4 students; 517-371-2122; CUMC (Lansing)
Sun Feb 21
- AACTMAD Ann Arbor Morris Practice at 6pm; Confirm location at 734-747-8138. (Ann Arbor)
- BoRC Morris Practice at 7:30pm. Confirm time and location at 616-949-8374. (Grand Rapids)
- Grange Family Dance. John Freeman, David Park Williams, and Ed Vincent call. Music by David West and Donna Baird. Suitable for children with (grand)parents. 2-4pm; $12 family; 734-769-1052; Pittsfield (Ann Arbor)
- International Folk Dance. Ethnic dancing (Eastern European, Israeli, Greek, etc.) to recorded music. Beginner dances first hour. 6:30pm; $4/1st time free; 269-665-5981; Bolero (Kalamazoo)
- UM Ballroom Dancing. Lessons 5, 6, & 7pm; Open dancing 8pm. $8/$5; UM campus (Ann Arbor)
Mon Feb 22
- OWDC International Folk Dance Class. Learn ethnic and traditional dances. 8pm; $3; 248-376-6992. ROSC (Royal Oak)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Tartan and Thistle members teach jigs, reels, and strathspeys. 7:30pm; $5; 734-426-0241; Gretchen's Barn (Ann Arbor)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Scottish Country dancing to recorded music. 7pm; $2; 269-384-2061; Oshtemo Grange (Oshtemo)
- Set Dancing. Led by Anne McCallum. 8pm; $3; 519-944-1549; Gealic League (Detroit)
Tue Feb 23
- AACTMAD English Country Dance. Arlene Kindel and Greg Meisner lead. Music by Brad Battey, Judi Morningstar, and Susie Lorand. 7pm; $7/$4 students/free under 14 with parent; 734-665-7704; Chapel Hill (Ann Arbor)
- Israeli Folkdancing. Sunny Seigel leads. 8-10pm; $6; 248-661-0710; Oak Park JCC (Oak Park)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Laurel Paterson leads jigs, reels, and strathspeys. 7:30pm; $4; 586-294-4329; EPC (Roseville)
Wed Feb 24
- Israeli Folkdancing. Cheryl Feit and others lead. Beginner instruction at 7:30. 7:30-10pm; $6; 248-661-0710; W Bloomfield JCC (West Bloomfield)
- UM Argentine Tango. Lessons 8pm; Open dancing 9:30pm. UM campus (Ann Arbor)
- UM Swing Dancing. Lessons 7:30 & 8:30pm; Open dancing 9:30pm. $5/$4; UM campus (Ann Arbor)
Thu Feb 25
- Irish Dancing. Ceili dancing 7pm; Sets from 8:30-9:30pm. $2.50; 616-361-5946; 6th Street Hall (Grand Rapids)
- Israeli Folkdancing. Basics early. 7:30-10pm; $6/$5 students; 734-395-4223; JCC-WC (Ann Arbor)
- Scottish Country Dancing. Laurel Paterson teaches jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Basics early. 6:30pm; $4; 586-294-4329; MHUMC (Madison Heights)
Fri Feb 26
- Ann Arbor Dawn Dance Weekend Festival. Evening dances. (Ann Arbor)
- AACTMAD Swing Dancing. Free lesson at 8pm followed by open dancing at 8:45pm. Lindy hop, east coast, charleston, blues, and balboa with multiple swing DJs each week. $5/$3; 734-972-9141; Dakota Bldg (Ann Arbor)
- GRFAS Contra Dance/Jam. Open mic callers and pick-up band (call ahead to get on roster). 7:30pm; $6; 616-361-9219; 5th Street Hall (Grand Rapids)
- OWDC International Folk Dance. Ethnic, traditional, mixers, group or line dances. 8:30pm; $7/$6; 248-376-6992. St James (Ferndale)
Sat Feb 27
- AACTMAD - POB Open Jam. No jam today - check out the Dawn Dance Weekend. (Ann Arbor)
- AACTMAD 4th Saturday Contra Dance. No dance tonight - see Dawn Dance Weekend. (Ann Arbor)
- Ann Arbor Dawn Dance Weekend Festival. Afternoon workshops and dances. Evening dances. (Ann Arbor)
- CDK Contra & Square Dance. Karen Neils calls. Music by the Celery City Sodbusters. Skills workshop 7pm. 7:30pm; $8/$6/$4 students; 269-372-7613; Oshtemo Grange (Oshtemo)
- FMSM Contra Dance. Callers and music TBA. Beginners session at 6:30pm. 7:30pm; $6; 989-631-7153; Midland CC (Midland)
Sun Feb 28 |
