^*Non-CFOOTMAD events are subject to change without notice, although we will correct the calendar if we can (we appreciate receiving corrections, updates, or new events — send email to the webmaster). You may wish to confirm this event before making plans.

How To Submit Your Event To The Website Calendar
We would be happy to add your event to the website calendar, provided that it generally fits within the scope of “Colorado old-time music and dance.” (We understand this is nebulous and boils down to a judgment call, but read on...) Send email to the webmaster with your event information (note current examples of format and content).

We wish the website calendar to be a resource for all Coloradoans looking for old-time or traditional music and dance events. To help publicize your event all upcoming events are listed on the home page and the website calendar is integrated with a search engine and email notification system. A variety of events—with rich descriptions—makes the CFOOTMAD website a better resource, draws more visitors, and increases your event’s exposure, thus benefiting both you and CFOOTMAD.

Why do some events have two admission costs?
CFOOTMAD members pay a reduced admission at most CFOOTMAD events. Some events have two prices depending on when you purchase tickets—see the event listing or the event location for more information.

CFOOTMAD Dance Series

Boulder		Celtic Céilí		Denver		English Country		Ragtime Tea
Waltz Night		Westminster		Zesty Contras		Other Dance Series

Boulder Community Dance

Traditional American contra, square, and circle dances

Community Montessori School (formerly known as “New Vista High School”), 805 Gillaspie, Boulder (take Table Mesa two blocks West of Broadway, left on Gillaspie). 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays. Lesson 7:15. Dancing 8 – 11 p.m. $8/$6 members (prices may vary for special events). Call Teri at 303 499-1346 for more info. Shoes with clean soles are mandatory!
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Contra dancing is participatory American folk dancing — vigorous and enthusiastic. Contra dances feature “live music” every time — Irish fiddle music, Old Time fiddle music or some “wild derivation.” Fun and easy to do, each dance is taught before the music begins. Our typical Saturday night dance is held 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays with an easy lesson beginning at 7:15 p.m. Both singles and couples attend, ages 30 to 60, with some younger and older folks.

September 2005 and upcoming events...

• Saturday, September 10^th, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Jim X. Borzym with Rodney Sauer, Teri Rasmusson, and Friends. Lesson at 7:15 p.m. $9/$7
• Saturday, September 24^th, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Chris KermietÊwith Ladies’ Choice (Sue Reading, Tina Guegler, with Kim Harris on piano). Lesson at 7:15 p.m. $9/$7
• Saturday, October 8^th, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Pat Tognoni with Deb Carstensen and the Pariahs. Lesson at 7:15 p.m. $9/$7
• Saturday, October 22^nd, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Special Weekend Event. Wild Asparagus with George Marshall calling, also playing concertina, and bohdran drum.. Lesson at 7:15 p.m. $22/$20

 

Celtic Céilí Dance

Celtic dance party—come and explore the celtic roots of our American traditional dances

Westminster Grange 3935 West 73^rd, Westminster. 3^rd Saturdays. 7 – 10 p.m., $7.
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Céilí (pronounced kay – lee) dances are a fun way to kick up your heels and learn a different dance style. The word céilí literally means “party.” The dances—sets and lines, reels and jigs—bear some similarities to American contras and squares, but are Irish, Scottish, Welsh and French Canadian in origin. They are high energy with lively swings.

September 2005 and upcoming events...

Saturday, October 15^th, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. — Caller and band TBA. Variety Ceili. Lesson at 7:30 p.m. $8/$7

Read Chris Kermiet’s article on Celtic Dance...

 

Denver Community Dance

Traditional American contra, square, and circle dances

Temple Events Center, 1595 Pearl Street, Denver (16 ^th and Pearl, one block north of Colfax). 1^st and 3^rd Fridays. Lesson 7:15. Dancing 8 – 11 p.m. $8/$6 members (prices may vary for special events).
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Contra dancing is participatory American folk dancing — vigorous and enthusiastic. Contra dances feature “live music” every time — Irish fiddle music, Old Time fiddle music or some “wild derivation.” Fun and easy to do, each dance is taught before the music begins. Our typical Friday night dance is held 1^st and 3^rd Fridays with an easy lesson beginning at 7:15 p.m. Both singles and couples attend, ages 30 to 60, with some younger and older folks.

September 2005 and upcoming events...

• Friday, September 2^nd, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Viki Lawrence with Ladies’ Choice. Lesson 7:15 p.m. $10/$8
• Friday, September 16^th, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Ed Hall with Mark Brissenden and Rhythm Republic.. Lesson 7:15 p.m. $10/$8
• Friday, October 7^th, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Eric Curl with Sandra Wong and Friends. Lesson 7:15 p.m. $10/$8
• Friday, October 21^st, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Special Weekend Event. George Marshall with Wild Asparagus. Lesson 7:15 p.m. $22/$20

 

English Country Dance

From the 1600s to the present—come and experience the English ancestry of our present-day contras

Clements Community Center, 16^th and Yarrow, Lakewood (one block Northwest of Colfax and Wadsworth). Last Friday of the month, 8 – 11 p.m. $9/$7 members.
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Experience the “Sense and Sensibility” of English Country Dance to live music. All dances are taught and walked through—easier dances at the beginning of the evening lead up to more elegant and graceful dances by the end of the evening; no partner or previous experience needed. English country dances are the direct ancestors of our American contra dances, but are more graceful and elegant with special tunes for each dance.

September 2005 and upcoming events...

• Friday, September 30^th, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Chris Kermiet with band TBA. $9/$7, teens $5, under 12 $2.
• Friday, October 28^th, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Chris Kermiet with band TBA. $9/$7, teens $5, under 12 $2.

A Brief History of English Country Dance in America
English Country Dances came to America with the first settlers in the early 1700s. They were the traditional social dance in America through the late 1700s, and in many places, well into the 1800s. They are historically important, since they were the direct ancestors of the contra dance and the square dance, America’s two enduring traditional dance forms. By the 1770s, Americans in many regions were altering and adapting the English Country Dance. This soon evolved into the New England contra dance (contra meaning “across,” i.e., dances done in long lines with the men on one side, and their partners across from them.) The first genuine contra dances begin appearing about 1775. The development of the square dance takes a more circuitous route. It is heavily influenced by the popularity of the Cotillions and Lancers (French imports --remember, the French were our allies in the fight for independence, and everything French was way cool).

In modern times, the English Country Dance was taken up by Americans with enthusiasm, due primarily to the influence of two school teachers from England, May Gadd and Genevieve Shimer, who brought the dance to their students as a means of teaching social graces and deportment, as well as rhythm and movement, in the 1940s. Since then, English Country Dance has found more of a home in America than in England, with active English Country Dance groups in most major American cities, as well as in many smaller communities.

The dances themselves are an elegant and delightful blend of figures and rhythm, with each dance set to its own particular tune. The dances are done in long sets (called “longways sets”) or in two, three, or four couple sets. There are slow and graceful dances, as well as exciting and energetic ones.

An English Country Dance is also a great form of community dance. By community dance, I mean that they are fun to do, and can be learned by all, young and old alike, with no special training required. They are good mixers, since partners customarily change after every dance. So there is a resulting blend of sociability, mild exercise, and wonderful music. Just the thing to relieve the anomie of a fragmented high-tech society.

That, then, is an extremely brief history of English Country Dance in America, from the early 1700s to the present. They are an important component of our American cultural history, and the principal influence on the only two uniquely American folk dances, the contra dance and the square dance.
Chris Kermiet

More on What is English Country Dance...

 

Ragtime Tea Dance

American ragtime era dances including one-steps, fox trots, waltzes, tangos, and more

Temple Events Center, 1595 Pearl Street, Denver (16^th and Pearl, one block north of Colfax). 2^nd Sundays, September – March and May. Lesson 1:30. Dancing 2 – 5 p.m. Complimentary refreshments and the introductory dance lesson are included in your admission price—$14 general admission, or $11 for CFOOTMAD members, $4 discount for full-time students with student ID. Must pay for parking in lots around building.
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Rollick in the social ballroom dances of the ragtime era — waltzes, foxtrots, tangos and one-steps, or just dance cheek-to-cheek to the original music of American social dance. A wide variety of live music from the ragtime and tango craze of the 1900s through the early swing of the 1920s is provided by the Mont Alto Ragtime & Tango Orchestra. Easy-going dancing, mixed crowd, and complimentary refreshments makes these dances fun for all. All are welcome, and no partner is needed. Dressy or vintage attire is encouraged.

September 2005 and upcoming events...

• Sunday, September 11^th, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Mont Alto Ragtime and Tango Orchestra. One-Step and Trot lesson at 1:30. $14/$11, $4 discount for FTE students.
• Sunday, October 9^th, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Mont Alto Ragtime and Tango Orchestra. Foxtrot lesson at 1:30. $14/$11, $4 discount for FTE students.

For information:

Rodney Sauer, 303 665-9413, Email Rodney Sauer Jim X. Borzym, 303 449-5962 Email Ragtime Tea Dance Coordinator

More details...

Read Jim Borzym’s article on Ragtime Dance in Colorado.

 

Waltz Night

Waltz Dances

Temple Events Center, 1595 Pearl Street, Denver (16 ^th and Pearl, one block north of Colfax). 4^th Friday of any month with five Fridays. 8 – 11:00 p.m. Lesson 7:15. $9/$7 members.
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An evening of waltzing to live music by local ensembles playing traditional music from a variety of countries including the British Isles. You may come alone or bring a partner, but in this relaxed evening people generally dance with a different partner for each dance. Dress can be casual to dressy, vintage to modern! A free lesson is provided at 7:15 p.m. for people just (or still) learning to waltz, and light refreshments are provided during the breaks.

September 2005 and upcoming events...

Friday, September 23^rd, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Music by Sandra Wong. Lesson at 7:15 by Carl Pangle. $9/$7 Parking in the south lot paid inside.

 

Westminster Old-Time Community Dance

Squares, reels, circles, contras, waltzes and other couple dances to live, old-time music

Westminster Grange 3935 West 73^rd, Westminster. 1^st Saturdays. 7 – 10 p.m. $6/$5 members, $2 kids 6 – 15.
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The Westminster Grange Hall dance features squares, reels, circles, contras, waltzes and other couples dances. Live American old-time music is provided with Southern, Northwest and Northeast influences. Beginning dancers are always welcome and supported. Callers and musicians seeking to gain experience should contact the dance organizers for information on calling and participating in a band at this dance. Casual dress, no partner needed, all dances are taught, beginners and well-behaved youngsters are welcome.

Directions: Take Boulder Turnpike (US 36) to Federal Blvd. exit, south on Federal to West 72^nd Avenue, turn right (west) on 72^nd, go to stoplight at Lowell Blvd., turn right (north) on Lowell, go one block north to 73^rd Avenue, turn left (west) on 73^rd about 4 blocks—theGrange is on the right across from the fire station. Park on the street or in the back (not on the east side of the building!) Also sponsored by the City of Westminster.

September 2005 and upcoming events...

• Saturday, September 3^rd, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. — Richard Myers with Ladies’ Choice. $6/$5, kids $2
• Saturday, October 1^st, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. — Eric Curl with The Boulder Bogtrotters.. $6/$5, kids $2

 

Zesty Contra Dance

Contras for experienced dancers—quick walk-throughs and little caller leading

Clements Community Center, 16^th and Yarrow, Lakewood (one block Northwest of Colfax and Wadsworth). 2^nd Fridays, 8 – 11 p.m. No lesson—beyond the basics, quick walk-throughs and little caller leading. $9/$7 (First timers free.) members
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Zesty Contras are for dancers with enough experience to successfully do contra corners, hey-for-four, half-figure-eight above, California twirl, and similar moves without an explanation from the caller. Zesty contras are danced with little caller instruction and minimal walk-throughs. We do high energy contra dances. Emphasis is on good timing, good manners, and smooth moves. Dancers help each other so we can all have a great time. If you have been dancing for a while, check out the Zesty Contras—you will be in for the time of your life—fun, engaging, and definitely aerobic!

September 2005 and upcoming events...

• Friday, September 9^th, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Devin Nordberg with Balance and Swing. First time Zesty Dancers get in free; recruiters in for $6. No lesson. $10/$8
• Friday, October 14^th, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. — Rick Smith with Balance and Swing. First time Zesty Dancers get in free; recruiters in for $6. No lesson. $10/$8

Other Dance Series

Buena Vista Community Dance

Traditional circle, square, longways, contra, and couple dances — fun for all!

2^nd Fridays, September – May at Buena Vista High School Cafeteria, intersection of Railroad and Marquette, Buena Vista. (Head East from the stop light in town. Take your first right after the railroad tracks. Go about two blocks. The high school will be on your left. The high school is on the right of the middle school which is attached to it.) . 7 – 9 p.m. $3

Live music — traditional Irish and old-time tunes played by local musicians. Band often includes hammered dulcimer, guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. Light refreshments included, beginners welcome, casual dress. Dances are taught and called throughout the evening by local callers, Randy Barnes and Eleanor Fahrney. Generally we change partners after each dance (not required) so that you need not come with a partner. Call Randy or Carole Barnes at 719 395-6704 or email Eleanor.

 

Dance Tunes Jam

Traditional contra and square dance tunes session

The purpose of the dancetunes jam is to promote the playing of traditional contra/square dance music and to have fun. All levels of expertise are welcome. We usually start with simple tunes and wind up cookin’, so there’s something for everyone, including the opportunity to play for dances. Usually on the last Sunday of the month. Call Kate Lawrence at 303 300-2368 for time and place.

 

Durango Contra Dance

St. Colomba Catholic School Gym, 1801 E 3^rd Ave, Durango (see map...). Beginner instruction is at 7:00 p.m. Dancing is from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. All dances are taught and called. No partner is necessary, and dancers of all abilities are welcome. $6 adults, $5 members & students.

Directions:
From Main Ave. head East on 18^th St. go 10 Blocks. Turn north onto driveway between the St. Colomba Church and School. Park on north side of School next to playground. Gym entrances are on the west and south sides of the School.

 

FoTD: Friends of Traditional Dance

Fort Collins. Contra dances 1^st & 3^rd Saturdays. City Park Center (Club Tico), W Mulberry. $6. 970 493-8277. Driving Directions. Also visit the FOTD web site.

Music is always live and always excellent! Our mainstay for awesome dancing music is Eric Levine on fiddle and Rodney Sauer on piano/accordion. However, true to contra dance bands, we have mix and match musicians. Sometimes we import a band from the North, South, East, West, or some point in between.

For upcoming FoTD events check here!

 

Fort Collins Ballroom Dance

Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Rumba, Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Jive and the occasional Charleston, Merengue, Polka, etc.

Ballroom Dancing 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays, (except May – August) Masonic Temple, 225 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins. $5 — all ages welcome. Please also visit Fort Collins Ballroom Dance website.

 

Glenwood Springs Community Contra Dance

Circles, contras, squares, waltzes and other couples dances to live, old-time music

Masonic Temple/Blue Acacia Playhouse, located on the corner of 9^th St. and Colorado Ave. in downtown Glenwood Springs. 3^rd Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. $7 ($2 kids 6 – 15).

The Glenwood Springs dance features squares, reels, circles, contras, waltzes and other couples dances. Live American old-time music is provided with Southern and Northeast influences. Beginning dancers are always welcome and supported. Callers and musicians seeking to gain experience should contact the dance organizers for information on calling and participating in a band at this dance. Casual dress, no partner needed, all dances are taught, beginners and well-behaved youngsters are always welcome.

Directions: From Hwy 82 West/Grand Ave., Turn left onto 9^th St. and go 1 block. The dance hall will be on the SW corner. Turn left and park along the street.

From I-70, take the Glenwood Springs exit, go East at the light and turn right onto Grand Ave. Go over the bridge and turn right at the 2^nd stoplight (9^th St.). Go 1 block. The dance hall will be on the SW corner. Turn left and park along the street.

For more info, call Don at 970 945-0350 or email Andrea.

 

Lyons Old-Time Community Dance

Old-time reels, mixers, squares, waltzes and the occasional polka

Various Saturdays — October, January – April — Odd Fellows Hall, one-half block north of 4^th and Main, Lyons. Dessert potluck, $10 families or $5 per person and $2 for kids and seniors. All dances are taught and are beginner and family-friendly, with simpler dances earlier in the evening and more complex dances as the evening progresses, plus a good mix of beginner and experienced dancers. For more info, please contact dance organizer Ellen Rosenberg at 303 823-0816 or via email.

September 2005 and upcoming events...

Saturday, October 29^th, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. — Chris Kermiet with Poultry in Motion. Odd Fellows Hall at the corner of High and 4^th Streets., just north of 4^th and Main. This is the annual Halloween dance right after the Lyons Halloween parade (6 pm) and trick-or-treating in town at local businesses. Costumes optional. Dessert pot-luck. Call Ellen for more info, 303 823-0816. $Free.

 

Pikes Peak Traditional Dance

Contra dances 3^rd Saturdays, Carriage Stop, 27^th and Robinson St, Colorado Springs (see map), $3.00 admission plus band donation. For additional information call: 719 578-8979, email Adele B., or visit www.geocities.com/pptdcontra/index1.html.

September 2005 and upcoming events...

• Saturday, September 17^th, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Richard Myers with band TBA. Hillside Community Center. Lesson at 7 p.m. $7.
• Saturday, October 15^th, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Caller and band TBA. Hillside Community Center. Lesson at 7 p.m. $7.

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