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For the LGBTQIA community, friends & allies. No partner or experience necessary!

Dates: 4th Saturdays, October through April
Time: Intro lesson 2-2:30; dancing to live music 2:30-5:30
Location: Berith Sholom, 167 3rd St, Troy NY
Cost: $10-20, no one turned away due to lack of funds
COVID protocol: Well-fitting high-filtration mask (N95, KN95, KF94) required. Air purifiers will be present and running. 

Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes (i.e., sneakers that don't leave scuff marks) to protect the wooden floor. Also please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes and other highly scented products. All dances are smoke, drug and alcohol free.
Dates and performers
  • October 25 - Calling by Liz Nelson; Music by Cojiro (Jess Newman and Mark Price)
  • November 22 - Calling by Qwill Duvall; Music by Thunderwing (Cedar Stanistreet and Amy Englesberg)
  • December 27 - Calling by Joan Savitt; Music by Eric Buddington and Seamus Connor
  • January 24 - Calling by Ben Sachs-Hamilton; Music by Paper Plane (Daniel Raine, Emma Azelborn, and Rohan Weeden)
  • February 28 - Calling by Tommy Linden; Music by TBD
  • March 28 - Calling by Julian Blechner; Music by Ben Hemmendinger and friend
  • April 25 - Calling by Adina Gordon; Music by Mo Brachfeld and friend

Troy Queer Contra FAQ

What is contra dancing?
Contra dancing is a social dance in which a caller coaches dancers through steps that repeat over the course of a song. Dancers typically keep one partner per song, but dance with a variety of neighbors. There is not a “lead” and a “follow” role in contra dance; rather, the caller acts as the leader for the whole room. Many figures differentiate two roles among the dancers, which we call Lark (the dancer on the Left) and Robin (the dancer on the Right). Here is a video of a contra dance.

Why queer contra specifically?
Although modern contra dance is very queer-friendly, it is important to have queer-specific spaces. It can foster a stronger sense of community and comfort.
I have no dance experience, can I still come? How will I know what to do?
Yes, please come! Contra dance is a great way to get moving with friends and strangers. We recommend attending the intro lesson from 2-2:30, but if you don’t get here in time, the whole room will help you learn! Every dance is taught.
It sounds like a long event. What is the structure like?
There is an intro lesson from 2-2:30, during which the caller will teach the things that are most important to know for the session. Each dance is taught by the caller, and then we dance together to a song. After each dance, we find new partners, learn a new dance, and dance it. The dancing goes from 2:30-5:30, with a short break in the middle. There are places to sit out and watch when you need a break.
How do I get a partner for a dance?
At contra dances, you can ask anybody if they would like to dance. If someone asks you to dance, you have the option to accept or decline. When you and someone else agree to dance together, you will probably dance one song together and then find other partners. Saying “no” when someone asks you to dance is totally normal. If you say no to someone, it does not mean you need to sit that dance out; you are welcome to find a different partner.
What's up with the price range?
We have a sliding scale, and appreciate dancers paying what they can. You know your own situation, and know what you can comfortably spend on an afternoon of entertainment. Funds go toward the performers on the day you pay, and any extras will be used to pay future performers. If the low end of the sliding scale is beyond your means, please email [email protected] and we will make it work!
What should I wear?
Please bring clean, non-marking, soft-soled shoes (such as sneakers that don't leave scuff marks) to protect the floor. Beyond that, wear whatever you’re comfortable moving in! Many contra dancers of all genders wear skirts to help with air flow and make spinning more fun. Contra dancers are also known to wear t-shirts, tank tops, button downs, polos, pants, jeans, shorts, sweats, and anything else you can imagine!
Do I need to bring anything?
While water will be available, we recommend bringing your own water bottle. Please bring clean, soft-soled, non-marking shoes to protect the floor. It can be a good idea to bring snacks - dancing is a lot of work! Please avoid bringing anything with peanuts in case of severe allergies.
Can I bring kids?
Yes! Contra dancing is recommended for kids of any age who can listen to and follow directions, who won’t be distressed by being confused or making a mistake, who are comfortable saying “no” to strangers, and who are comfortable holding hands with adults they don’t know. All kids must be accompanied by a trusted adult.
Why is it at a synagogue?
Berith Sholom is being generous with their space, and their beautiful new wood floor! TQC, and contra dance generally, does not have a religious affiliation or any ritual significance. Everyone is welcome to attend and dance.
Why are masks required?
Contra is a community dance, where we are in close contact with many different people. Wearing masks helps to protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us, from transmitting airborne illnesses that can cause permanent and severe disability. Because of our history, the queer community tends to be more conscientious than the general population when it comes to being cautious about spreading disease. There will also be air purifiers running in the space. We protect us!
How do I drink water/take mask breaks?
It's expected that folks will lower their masks to drink water. If you need a break from breathing with a mask on, please step into the courtyard or outside before removing your mask.
I have another concern about accessibility!
The building is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator up to the dance space (sanctuary) on the second floor, and down to the basement for the accessible bathroom. The space is heated but not air conditioned. We do not offer ASL interpretation. If you have another question about accessibility, please email [email protected]
Who's organizing this?
Hi! My name is Rindle Glick; I use they/them pronouns. I've been contra dancing since 2015, and helping to organize the Albany contra dance since 2022. If you'd like to help make Troy Queer Contra happen, please email me at [email protected]

Safety Policy (adapted from Downtown Amherst Contra)

  • We expect attendees of all genders, races, sexual orientations, bodies, abilities, ages, and backgrounds. We actively work to offer events that do not present barriers to participation.
  • We strive to create an environment where attendees can feel safe to express themselves and to have fun. Dancing should be done with consciousness of physical safety of self and other attendees.
  • We respect each other as people. We believe that all attendees have something valuable to offer. We trust that our attendees will show this respect.
  • We want to have fun! We love contra dancing as an art form, social experience, and recreational activity. We want to share that love with others, and we want to connect everyone with the joy of contra dancing.
  • We want the Troy Queer Contra to be a place where new attendees can discover and experience contra dancing. We offer lessons, dances that are easy to learn, and we encourage experienced dancers to help new attendees learn.
  • We aim to introduce students to contra dancing. We aim to foster connections between students and the broader community of local dancers.

Anti-Harassment Policy
Troy Queer Contra is dedicated to providing harassment-free events for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion (or lack thereof). We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form.
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, and religion.
It also includes deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
Participants should feel comfortable to tell any other participant to stop an action or behavior, without explanation required at the time. Any request to stop should be honored, whether a perceived miscommunication or not. Participants are welcome to bring comments, complaints, and/or disputes to Troy Queer Contra organizers to help facilitate resolution.
Participants asked by Troy Queer Contra organizers to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the Troy Queer Contra organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender, up to and including expelling them from the event and/or future events.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please alert a Troy Queer Contra organizer immediately.