Emerald City Contra Dance

- 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

In a city as vibrant and diverse as Seattle, finding a unique and engaging activity that is both fun and great for your health can be a rewarding experience. For those looking for a lively, social, and beginner-friendly dance scene, Emerald City Contra Dance is a true local treasure. More than just a dance school, this organization is a community hub that keeps the rich tradition of contra dancing alive and well in the Washington region. It's a place where you can step into a long line of dancers, learn new moves, and connect with a diverse group of people, all set to the energetic rhythms of live folk music.

Contra dance is a form of traditional American folk dance with roots in English and French country dances. It's done in long lines of couples, and a "caller" guides the dancers through a series of figures. The beauty of contra dance, and what makes Emerald City Contra Dance so special, is that you don't need a partner or any prior experience to participate. The dances are taught and walked through before the music begins, making it incredibly accessible for newcomers. This welcoming approach, coupled with the inclusive community, makes it an ideal activity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The atmosphere at Emerald City Contra Dance is consistently described by attendees as being a "great health activity" and a wonderfully positive experience. It's a place where laughter and connection are just as important as the dance steps themselves. The community's energy is a key part of the experience, as dancers move and flow together, creating a shared sense of joy and rhythm. The dances have recently restarted, bringing back a cherished tradition that many in the Seattle area had missed. This renewed energy and commitment to providing a space for a great night out is what makes Emerald City Contra Dance a must-visit spot for locals and visitors alike.

Emerald City Contra Dance is located at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, a well-known community hub in Seattle. The address is 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA. The dances are typically held in the Community Hall of the brick building, near the lower parking lot, which provides convenient access.

Accessibility is an important feature of the location. The Phinney Neighborhood Center is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can easily access the dance. This commitment to inclusivity is a testament to the community-focused nature of Emerald City Contra Dance, striving to make this vibrant activity available to as many people as possible. Its location in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood makes it a central and easy-to-reach destination for residents from all over the Seattle area.

Emerald City Contra Dance offers a variety of dance activities and classes, centered around the traditional folk dance format.

• Community Dance: The main event is the weekly community dance, which brings together people of all ages and experience levels for a night of dancing to live music.

• Beginner's Workshop: A dedicated fundamentals or "basic class" is held before the main dance begins, perfect for newcomers to learn the core moves and figures.

• Partner Dances: Contra dance is a partner dance, and the structure allows you to dance with a variety of partners throughout the night, making it highly social.

• Folk Dancing and Live Music: The dances are always accompanied by a live band, typically playing traditional Irish, Scottish, old-time, and French-Canadian folk tunes, creating a truly authentic experience.

• Waltz Dance Classes: In addition to the main contra dance program, waltz classes are often offered, providing a different style of partner dance to learn.

• Dance Camps and Events: The organization participates in and hosts special dance events and camps, extending the fun beyond the regular weekly schedule.

• Diverse Dance Forms: While contra dance is the focus, the broader Seattle folk dance community offers opportunities to explore other forms, such as Irish Step Dancing and other dance activities.

Emerald City Contra Dance has several key features and highlights that make it a standout destination in Seattle.

• Community-Oriented: The organization is volunteer-run and part of the Seattle Folklore Society, emphasizing community and volunteerism.

• Beginner-Friendly: The pre-dance workshops and supportive atmosphere ensure that anyone can participate, regardless of skill level or whether they have a partner.

• Live Music: A major draw of the event is the live music, with a rotating roster of talented bands and callers that keep the energy high.

• Accessible Location: The wheelchair-accessible car park at the Phinney Neighborhood Center ensures that the dance is accessible to a broader audience.

• Good for Kids: The venue is noted as being "good for kids," making it a family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by multiple generations.

• Health and Wellness: The activity provides a great workout and a social outlet, promoting both physical and mental well-being in a joyful setting.

For those who want to learn more, here is the contact information for Emerald City Contra Dance.

Address: 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA

Phone: (206) 440-9839

Mobile Phone: +1 206-440-9839

Choosing Emerald City Contra Dance is a decision to embrace a unique and fulfilling part of Seattle's local culture. What makes it particularly worth choosing is its ability to blend a classic dance form with a modern, inclusive, and welcoming community. You don’t need to worry about coming alone, as the format of the dance encourages interaction with multiple partners throughout the night. The pre-dance workshop is a huge benefit for anyone new to contra dancing, providing a clear and supportive introduction to the basics. This is highlighted by the enthusiastic review that simply states, "The dance has just restarted!" which speaks to the strong desire for this communal activity.

The value of Emerald City Contra Dance goes beyond the dance floor itself. It's an excellent "health activity" that combines physical movement with a strong social component, which is crucial for overall well-being. Attending a dance here is a chance to step away from screens and connect with real people in a shared space of joy and movement. The live music, featuring local and regional folk musicians, elevates the experience from a simple exercise to a full-fledged cultural event. The fact that it is part of a larger non-profit organization, the Seattle Folklore Society, gives you confidence that you are supporting a mission-driven entity dedicated to preserving and sharing this art form. In a city where finding your community can sometimes be a challenge, Emerald City Contra Dance offers a built-in network of friendly faces and a consistently fun, healthy, and engaging way to spend your time. It truly is a gem for the Seattle community.

Emerald City Contra Dance

6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA