New Dancers

What to Expect / Top Ten Reasons to Contra Dance in Madison

1. It’s fun!

Hopefully the video gave you a flavor.  The music is lively and cheerful. The energy on a dance floor is electric and invigorating. The endorphins fly and the social aspect is great fun. Some people drive hundreds of miles to attend weekend-long dances. Come find out why!

2. It's easy to learn

Every dance is walked through before the music starts. You're taught everything right before you have to do it, so it's easy to jump into as a beginner. If you're new to contra dancing, we recommend coming at the beginning when dances are easier and figures are introduced.

3. Always live music!

Live music is essential to contra dancing. Enjoy energetic tunes from the traditions of New England, Appalachia, the British Isles, Quebec, and beyond. We book talented local and traveling bands!  

4. Make community

People of a wide range of ages have formed lasting friendships in our dance community. During the summer, we sometimes get together in the park before dances for potlucks. All of this is optional — if you just want a space to dance, great! 

5. Affordable fun

We offer a sliding scale for both Tuesday and Saturday night dances, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Your donations are the sole means of paying our hall rental, bands, and callers. Please give what you can. Below are the suggested donations for each night (we are only able to accept cash): 

• Tuesday: $5-$10 

• Saturday: $10-$20

6. You don't need gracefulness / poise / dancing talent

Can you get good at this? Of course. But as a beginner, you can literally just walk around in patterns and actually be considered a good dancer.

7. No special shoes or clothes needed

Dress comfortably! T-shirts are common. People often enjoy dancing in skirts, as skirts flow to the music. Don’t worry about what to wear, just be comfortable. You'll probably get sweaty as you dance. 

People have danced in socks, barefoot, in tennis shoes or whatever. If you get into dancing you might purchase a pair of dance shoes. To avoid damaging the floor, we ask that your shoes be clean, indoor, non-scuffing shoes. 

8. You don't need a partner

To get a good orientation, we recommend that new dancers dance with experienced dancers as partners for the first few dances in an evening. If you attend with a date, give each other a present by dancing with others for a while. You'll then be able to have more fun dancing with each other.

Or not. In a room full of strangers, you'll want to cling to the one you know. But go ahead, dive into the unknown — we're all here to catch you.

9. It's great exercise

For the mind and body. Dancing has many physical and mental health benefits. 

10. Convenient dance hall 

The Wil-Mar Center has been a pillar of the Madison community for decades. Recently renovated, the dance hall has a beautiful stage, wooden floors, and air conditioning for those hot summer nights of dancing. Not to mention centrally located on the isthmus, ample parking, and right on a bus line!