Wednesday Night Contra & Square Dances
As a community we take the health and welfare of our members seriously.
Starting May 1, 2023, unless otherwise noted, we will be not be requiring vaccinations and masks for in-person events. Some dances in May and June may still require masks - check the individual event listings for details. Participants are welcome to bring individually wrapped snacks to share at the break
By participating in our events you are agreeing to be mindful of the safety precautions that limit the spread of disease and to treat others with consideration and respect. Please do not attend if you are not feeling well.
We will still be requesting payment via the BFMS Website
We look forward to singing and dancing together.
The Baltimore Folk Music Society presents American Contra and Square Dancing at 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 PM on 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays at Lovely Lane United Methodist Church, 2200 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.
Admission is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers, Under 21 and full-time students with IDs: $7 for members, $10 for nonmembers.
Admission is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers, Under 21 and full-time students with IDs: $7 for members, $10 for nonmembers.
All dances are taught and walked through beforehand. Music and dance styles include New England, Southern Appalachian, and Celtic styles. Nationally-known musicians and callers appear regularly. These dances are sponsored in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
New Dancers' workshops:
Free workshops introducing basic contra dance figures take place every dance evening at 7:30p.m. Beginners are encouraged to attend.
See our Contra dance FAQs for general information on Contra Dances
Please see our Behavior Policy
For more information call the BFMS hotline at 888-646-BFMS or email amdance at bfms.org.
Please help support our Callers and Musicians
BFMS encourages our members to donate to musicians and callers who had their BFMS sponsored gigs cancelled due to coronavirus. We are no longer accepting donations through our website, but CDSS has established a website for donations to musicians and callers.CDSS send love to freelancers
If you cannot find contact info for specific performers, please contact our dance chairs, who can provide contact info.
Check our Facebook group for the latest information.
Wednesday, June 07 2023
Steve Gester calls to music by Contra Intuitive - Ryck Kaiser (fiddle) and Peggy Shutes Kaiser (keyboard) with speical guest Dan Levenson (banjo, fiddle). Intro lesson at 7:30. Dance starts at 8 at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Wednesday, June 21 2023
Please join Renate and Jeff for a special contra dance to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary! The location is the usual, Lovely Lane Church in Baltimore, but admission is free because Renate and Jeff are sponsoring the dance. Just register as usual (link to come). All are welcome! Intro workshop at 7:30pm.
Anna Rain will be calling to the music of Are We There Yet - Susan Brandt (flute), Tom Wright (mandolin), and Charlie Pilzer (on piano and squeezebox).
A note from Renate and Jeff: We danced our first contra 36 years ago on a Wednesday night at Lovely Lane, and we would love to have you celebrate with us by doing what we love the most—dancing with the friends who have been so dear to us over the years. No presents, please, but if you like, please consider a donation to the Baltimore Folk Music Society.
Wednesday, July 05 2023
Come contra dance to live music! Band and caller TBD. Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Wednesday, July 19 2023
Music by Ken and Brad Kolodner and Friends! Caller TBD. Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Wednesday, August 02 2023
Come contra dance to live music! Band and caller TBD. Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Wednesday, August 16 2023
Come contra dance to live music! Band and caller TBD. Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Wednesday, September 06 2023
Come contra dance to live music! Band and caller TBD. Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Wednesday, September 20 2023
Music by Callithump - Glyn Collinson (mandolin), David Knight (fiddle), and Andrew Marcus (accordion). Caller TBD. Intro lesson at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
Wednesday, October 04 2023
Come dance to fabulous music by the Baltimore Open Band! Interested in joining the Open Band? Email amdance[at]bfms.org for information. Intro lesson at 7:30. Dance starts at 8 at Lovely Lane Church. Online payment only: https://bfms.org/contradancepay.php
