DANCE BASICS

 

Dance With us Intown, on the Peninsula in Portland, Maine

Our weekly dances are hosted at

State Street Church
159 State Street

When you arrive, follow the sidewalk sign to enter through the courtyard.

TIMING Every weekly dance has the same timing:

Beginner’s lesson 7 PM

Dancing from 7:30-10 PM

Arriving a bit early is a good idea.

COST The suggested donation for a weekly dance is $15-25, with a pay what you can option.

We accept cash, tap to pay (including ApplePay and Google Wallet), Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App.

Tips for a Great Time

  • Attend the Lesson

    Every weekly dance starts with a lesson at 7 p.m. Beginners will get an overview of key dance moves and what to expect to have a fab time. Don’t miss it!

    Show up five minutes early to pay, change into your dance shoes, and fill your water bottle

  • Come Chem-Free

    Contra involves a lot of circling and spinning. To avoid dizziness and keep things safe for everybody, avoid drinking and drugs before or during a dance.

    Avoid smoking and vaping, too—the smell can bum out other dancers.

  • Dress for Light Exercise

    Wear comfortable clothing in which you can move and get a little sweaty.

    Avoid clothing or accessories that can drape or get caught on others, and clothing you’ll just be too darn warm in! 😜

  • Bring Indoor Shoes

    You’ll be asked to change into soft-soled indoor shoes for dancing. Clean, low-heeled or flat shoes with a soft sole are best!

    If you just have outdoor shoes, you’ll be asked to dance in socks or bare feet.

  • Bring a Water Bottle

    You’ll get thirsty! Bring a clean water bottle with your name on it to fill in the kitchen between dances.

  • Mind Your Smells

    Be kind: come smelling fresh and neutral! Strong scents like fragrances, soaps, alcohol, and smoke can trigger allergies in others.

  • Be Ready to Meet Lots of Cool People

    Contra dancers are super welcoming. You can come alone, with someone else, or a group. No matter what, you’ll be asked to dance! In contra, we generally mix around and dance with lots of different people. You’ll leave feeling like you have a bunch of new friends!

  • Stay Home If You're Sick

    Be kind to yourself and others: if you’re coming down with something or you’re ill, stay home and come another time! You’ll touch hands with lots of people and breathe hard as you exercise.

GETTING HERE

We’re walkable and bikeable for folks on the peninsula.

BIKING You can lock your bike in the church’s courtyard.

PARKING Spots are available in the West End neighborhood, metered until 7 PM. Free after 7!

These municipal lots have free public parking after 5 PM on week nights:

  • SPRING STREET LOT
    98 High Street (Corner of Spring Street)

  • FRESH APPROACH MARKET
    155 Brackett Street

  • REICHE SCHOOL
    166 Brackett Street

  • REICHE POOL & COMMUNITY CENTER (Back of School)
    Clark Street

ACCESSIBILITY There are two on-street handicap parking spaces directly in front of the church on State Street.

After you go through the courtyard and front door, which is on the right, there is a short stairway prior to entering the dance hall, for a total of about 10 steps. The dance hall is on the first floor.

To access the elevator for entry, you’ll use the door on the left of the building as you enter the courtyard. The person at the Greeter Table can open it for you if it is locked.

Once you’re in the building, the hall is on a single level. There are two bathrooms: one has multiple toilet stalls (with one larger stall) and the other is for one user at a time. Both bathrooms are open to all genders.

Dancing on the peninsula in Portland, Maine every week.

Dancing on the peninsula in Portland, Maine every week.

UPCOMING EVENTS