Portland Contra Dance Information
If you’re new to contra dancing or just curious what it’s all about, check out our newcomer’s page.
Covid Policies
We follow PCDC’s COVID policies: vaccination and boosters are not required, but ARE encouraged. Masks are optional for contra dances – please respect your fellow dancers’ choices.
Dances
Normally, PCDC hosts Portland contra dances on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Saturdays of each month, year round. Contra dances hosted by other organizations are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at the same time and location. PCDC also hosts Hillsboro dances – check the main events calendar for details.
The Portland dances are located at Fulton Park hall (formerly Fulton Park Community Center) in southwest Portland, 68 SW Miles St, Portland OR, 97219
- 7:00 pm: Workshop for dance newcomers. Experienced dancers encouraged to attend.
- 7:30 pm: Dance begins
- 9:00 pm: Waltz, 10-15 minute break
- 9:15 pm: Second half started off with a couple’s dance such as a hambo
- 10:30 pm: Last waltz
- 10:35 pm: Everyone puts away chairs. Someone dust mops. Conversations are taken outside so the hall can be closed.
Pricing is on a sliding scale from $6-20. Many dances run at a loss and we appreciate your giving what you are comfortably able. We prefer cash and are able to take checks.
Please consider volunteering at some dances instead of a cash contribution. More information can be found on our volunteers page.
Getting here
Trimet bus line 12 stops within a block of Fulton Park.
There is ample parking in the small lot and on the street.
Many dancers carpool. There is a Facebook group for PCDC that can be used to coordinate rides.
Bicycling will likely bring you up a long incline on the way to the dance, but it’s a coast home.
Etiquette and Safety
We’d love it if you read our Contradance Etiquette. We keep this updated and it represents the community we strive to foster.
Please note that alcohol, illegal drugs, and firearms are not permitted on the premises of any PCDC event. There is no smoking inside the building.
Afters
Many dancers go to a pub after the dance. There is a count during announcements of those interested so the pub knows about how many to expect. Everyone is welcome. This is a good opportunity to meet new people in increments of longer than a few seconds. Pub location will be announced at the dance.
Floor host
Every dance has a volunteer that acts as the Floor Host. This volunteer can be identified by the bold purple sash they’re wearing and will also be pointed out at the beginning of the dance. If you have any questions or encounter any incidents during the event, please let the floor host know.
This can be anything – you tripped on the entry rug because it’s curled at the edges, someone told you to smile more, a dancer is crushing fingers instead of gently guiding, the toilet paper ran out. The floor host can take note, can help you talk with another dancer, or can speak with a dancer without you.
If the floor host is unavailable, any of the button-wearing contra committee members are glad to step in, including the person at the door.
Contact us
Have a suggestion? Want to tell us what we’re doing right? Is there something you don’t feel comfortable telling the floor host? There are multiple other ways to contact us, including anonymously.
- Email – you can always email us at contra@portlandcountrydance.org
- Website – use our online contact form, with or without your name
- At the door – there’s a locked box by the door at each dance and plenty of paper. This box is opened once a month during committee meetings.
Volunteer
Everything we do relies on volunteers. Opportunities are outlined on the volunteers page.