Portland Intown Contra Dance

- Most events at State Street Church, 159 State St, Portland, ME 04101

In the heart of Portland, Maine, a vibrant and joyful tradition comes to life every week at Portland Intown Contra Dance. This dance hall is much more than a place to move; it's a welcoming and inclusive community hub that celebrates a time-honored form of American folk dance. Rooted in traditions that have been evolving for centuries, contra dance is a lively and accessible social dance that has a passionate following in Maine and beyond. What sets this particular event apart is its commitment to creating a space that is not only fun and energetic but also safe, respectful, and open to absolutely everyone.

The dance hall is proud to be a women-owned and LGBTQ+ owned business, a distinction that is reflected in its welcoming and inclusive ethos. As one reviewer enthusiastically states, "Truly no partner is needed." This is a key part of the contra dance experience, as dancers change partners frequently throughout the night, ensuring everyone has the chance to connect with many different people. This focus on community over individual couples is a core part of the culture here.

Whether you're a seasoned dancer who makes a "4 hour round-trip drive every week" to be there or a complete beginner who has never contra danced before, you will be met with open arms and a helping hand. The organizers and regulars are committed to making newcomers feel at home. With fantastic live music, a free lesson for beginners, and an atmosphere that is uplifting and friendly, Portland Intown Contra Dance offers "the most fun you can have on two feet!"

The main events for Portland Intown Contra Dance are held at the historic State Street Church, 159 State St, Portland, ME 04101, USA. This central location in Portland's West End neighborhood makes it easily reachable for people from all over the city and beyond.

The dance hall and its host venue are committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and wheelchair-accessible seating. The bathroom facilities are also wheelchair-accessible, and there are gender-neutral toilets available. For those arriving by car, there is free of charge street parking available in the surrounding area, with metered parking being free after 6 PM on Thursdays. The welcoming nature of the venue ensures that everyone is able to participate in the joy of dancing.

Portland Intown Contra Dance focuses on providing a single, exceptional service: a weekly social dance that brings people together through movement and music.

• Weekly Contra Dances: The core offering is a weekly contra dance event held every Thursday night. These events feature live music from talented bands and a professional dance caller who teaches and guides the dancers through the patterns. Admission is by a donation on a sliding scale, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation.

• Free Beginner's Lesson: To make the experience as accessible as possible for new dancers, a free lesson is offered before the main dance begins. This is highly recommended for newcomers and provides a great opportunity to learn the basic moves and get a feel for the rhythm and flow of the dance.

• Live Music: All dances are accompanied by live, fantastic music. The presence of a live band creates an energetic and unique atmosphere that is a core part of the contra dance experience, setting it apart from other dance forms.

• A Social and Community Event: More than just dancing, the events are social gatherings. There is a sense of genuine connection and community among the dancers, making it a great place to meet new people and build lasting friendships.

• Inclusive and Safe Environment: The organization explicitly identifies as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, actively working to create a welcoming environment for all. The commitment to a no-jerks policy ensures that everyone feels respected and safe on the dance floor.

What makes Portland Intown Contra Dance so special and why do people travel long distances to attend? Its standout features are a testament to its dedicated community.

• No Partner Needed: This is a major highlight for many, as it completely removes the pressure of having to bring a partner. The structure of the dance, where partners change frequently, ensures that everyone gets to dance and connect with multiple people throughout the night.

• Welcoming to All Abilities: Contra dance is known for being a very accessible form of dance. A reviewer noted that if you "can walk and smile at the same time, you are capable of Contra dancing." The experienced dancers are always happy to help guide and support beginners, making the learning process easy and fun.

• Inclusive Identity: As an LGBTQ+ owned and women-owned organization, the dance hall has a strong identity built on inclusivity. The use of gender-neutral terms for dance roles ("larks" and "robins") instead of traditional gendered terms is a small but powerful example of their commitment to being a safe space for all.

• Great Exercise and Fun: Beyond the social aspect, contra dancing is a fantastic form of exercise. It's a joyful and aerobic activity that is a welcome alternative to a traditional gym workout, providing both physical and emotional benefits.

• Authentic Connections: In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, Portland Intown Contra Dance offers a space for "great authentic connection with people." The close-knit community and the nature of the dancing itself encourage genuine human interaction and camaraderie.

To learn more about the schedule of dances or to get in touch with the organizers, you can use the following details.

Address: Most events at State Street Church, 159 State St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Phone: (207) 541-9494

For anyone in Maine looking for a truly unique and enriching activity, Portland Intown Contra Dance is an exceptional choice. The most compelling reason to choose this dance hall is the incredible combination of a high-quality dance experience with an unparalleled sense of community. This is not a place for performance or competition; it's a place for connection and joy. As one reviewer beautifully put it, the community "takes that concept" of being welcoming "to a whole new level."

The experience of contra dance itself is incredibly rewarding. The dances are simple to learn, requiring no fancy footwork, and with a free lesson before every main event, beginners can get a solid footing. The "all dances taught" and "no tricky footwork" approach removes all intimidation, making it accessible to anyone who wants to try. The live music adds an energy and authenticity that simply cannot be replicated with a recorded track.

Ultimately, the Portland Intown Contra Dance is more than just a dance hall; it's a social sanctuary. The explicitly stated commitment to being a safe and welcoming space for all, including the LGBTQ+ community, makes it a rare find. The "loads of fun" and "uplifting" nature of the dances, coupled with the genuine kindness of the regular dancers, ensures that every visitor leaves with a smile on their face. For a joyful night out that is both great exercise and a powerful way to make real connections, Portland Intown Contra Dance is the perfect destination.

Portland Intown Contra Dance

Most events at State Street Church, 159 State St, Portland, ME 04101, USA