We are the go-to organization for contra dancing and English country dancing in and around Syracuse, NY. These are multi-generational, participatory dances that are part of a very cool and ever-evolving living tradition. What makes our dance events so enjoyable is participation from YOU as a dancer.
All our dances have live music and a caller who teaches you everything you need to know to participate. Dancers of all experience levels come to our dances, and there’s no need to bring a partner to attend. If you come 20-30 minutes early and let our greeter know, someone will be happy to run you through a few basics before the dance begins.
If you have never done this sort of dancing before, expect to smile. A lot! All evening!
Our schedule is changing this fall! Beginning in September, we’ll dance twice on 1st and 3rd Saturdays: 2pm English, and 7pm contra.
Also… Early Bird Registration is now open for this year’s Phylla Mae Fall Fest.
Our dance schedule can be found on this website by clicking this link, or you can pick up a paper schedule at any of our dances, suitable for posting on your fridge or on a phone pole near you.
Starting September 2026 a typical Saturday includes:
- English country dancing from 2-5 PM
- Contra danceing from 7-10 PM
There are many exceptions to our regular schedule. Sometimes we offer special events, or move to accommodate the Steeple Coffeehouse which uses the same space, or cancel a dance to support another special dance opportunity in our region. To keep up, check this website often, or subscribe to our email list and/or our calendar.
CDSS
Syracuse Country Dancers is proud to be an affiliate of The Country Dance and Song Society, which is an umbrella organization that supports participatory dance, music, and song traditions like ours with grants, technical support, programming and more. CDSS has been around since 1915, and it is fair to say that we would not be dancing as we do if it were not for CDSS. Check out their amazing website, and avail yourself of their resources and programs.
How can I support this kind of dancing?
- Come and dance!
- Volunteer – We are an all-volunteer organization. You can help clean up after a dance, bring a snack to share, help decorate for a special event, or offer a bed to visiting dancers or performers. Want to volunteer? Just ask at any dance.
- Donate – Donations help us to better afford to hire live performers, put on special events, etc.
- Join our parent organization, CDSS – And support the larger ecosystem of participatory dance, music and song across the US and Canada.