Sautee Contra Dance

About Contra Dancing

Contra dancing is a blend of folk and square dancing - with a flavor and warmth all its own. It is relaxed, fun, and easy to learn. Whether you come with a group, a partner, or alone, you'll always find plenty of folks to dance with.

An evening of contra dancing includes contras, dances in which a couple dances with other couples up and down a line of dancers. In Sautee, we include circle and square dances and waltzing, as well. Some simply call it a "community dance". Regardless, it is a fun activity for all ages that builds community in a friendly and safe environment.

In fact, part of the fun of contra dancing is getting to dance with just about everyone in the room at least once during the evening! Old friends reconnect and new friends meet in this really welcoming, upbeat environment.

Dancing in the Historic Gym

Since 2002, the Sautee Community Contra Dance has welcomed dancers of all ages and experience to its wonderful wood floor in the Historic Gymnasium. Who could know the joy inside the over 80 year old "box on rocks". It rocks the with joy of people balancing, swinging and smiling to live music provided by regional and national dance bands.

Each evening is made up of many dances using figures such as Do Si Do, Swing, and Allemande. A band plays music appropriate to the dances and a caller teaches the dance and then "calls" - prompts the moves - during each dance.

If you are new to contra dancing, you are invited to come early (by 7:30 pm) to learn the moves in an easy, relaxed atmosphere. Then, during the course of the evening, change partners as a way of gaining experience and skill from other dancers.

We recommend that you dress comfortably and wear close-toed shoes that aren't slippery. Shoes with low heels work best as comfort is key.

Sautee Dance Videos

Jim Crawford is a dancer from Atlanta, GA and a long-time videographer of contra dance in communities around the Southeast. Follow this link for a playlist of his work documenting the contra dance experience in Sautee: YouTube

More Dancing Opportunities

Want more dancing? Dances are held all across Georgia and in every state of the nation. Find joy, fellowship and new partners(!) at these regional dances.

Dancing in Georgia

Gainesville, GA
@gaga hosts a monthly contra dance at the First Baptist Church's Family Life Center in Gainesville, GA, and occasional concerts. Learn more

Atlanta, GA
The Chattahoochee Contra Dancers (CCD) dance to live music almost every Friday night at the Decatur Recreation Center, 121 Sycamore St, Decatur, next to the Library. Learn more

Athens, GA
Dances, concerts and a festival are presented by the Athens Folk Music & Dance Society with live music and calling in Athens. Learn more

all Georgia
Here's the "Big Board" for dancing in Georgia. This page tries to keep track of all contra dances, traditional square dances (but not Modern Western Square Dances), traditional waltz sessions and Scandinavian dances in Georgia including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Georgia which include contra dancing and these other forms. Learn more

Dancing in North Carolina

Brasstown, NC
Dances, concerts, classes and festivals are held at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. Learn more

Dancing in South Carolina

Marietta, SC
Harvest Moon Folk Society holds Contra Dances at the River Falls Lodge which is located at 150 River Falls Lodge Road, Marietta, South Carolina 29661. Learn more