HOLIDAY CONTRA and WALTZ Party with Joe Harrington
Schedule
Fri Dec 19 2025 at 07:00 pm to 10:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
6904 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792-7003, United States | Winter Park, FL
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Kick it up at our holiday contra dance and waltz party! If you're new to either contra or waltz, we've got you covered. We'll start with a beginner contra class at 7. After a few easy contras, around 8pm, we'll have a beginning folk waltz class that everyone can join. Then, we'll mix in a few waltzes and maybe a little swing between the contras. We've also got some giveaways for the best holiday costumes and outfits!Caller (teacher): Joe Harrington (Orlando) - Calling is gender-neutral.
Music: DJ Joe Harrington will spin a mix of pop-rock, Celtic rock, and holiday tunes. Including one that teaches you how to make latkes!
Intermediate lesson topic: Waltz!
This event is open to everyone looking to make new friends and enjoy the vibrant community of Orlando. Whether you are a seasoned contra expert or entirely new to dancing, our inclusive and welcoming atmosphere will have you twirling and swinging in no time. No partner? No problem! We encourage singles to join in the fun and meet fellow dance enthusiasts. Our dance calling is gender-neutral.
Join us at the Winter Park Ballroom Dance Co., just 15 minutes from UCF and 100 yards east of Jeremiah's Italian Ice.
Admission is $15. Students and job seekers are FREE! If it's your second contra ever: FREE!
Contra dance is great exercise and loads of fun besides, so bring a water bottle and dress for cardio. This is an alcohol-free event.
Check out the videos, FAQ, and links to socials on our website:
https://orlandocontra.org/
6:30 Doors open
7:00 Beginner lesson (everyone can join)
7:00 Intermediate lesson (if you've come at least once)
7:30 Beginner/Intermediate dancing
8:00 Waltz lesson
9:00 Intermediate/Advanced dancing
10:30 Dessert at Jeremiah's Italian Ice
Dances start easy and get more challenging as the evening progresses. BEGINNERS SHOULD COME FOR THE LESSON before the dance starts. All dances in the beginner session are taught.
Starting at 9, expect the full catalog of contra moves, interaction along diagonals, and the occasional no-walkthrough dance. If these dances are a bit more than you're ready to dance, you're still very welcome to listen and enjoy the music and fellowship of the dance community, and to join us for ice cream afterwards. Don't worry, you'll be dancing in the second half soon enough! Our free Technique Workshop will help you get there.
INTERMEDIATE LESSON: For dancers who have come at least once, this workshop will help prepare you for advanced dancing. We'll work on adding zing to our swings, flowing smoothly into and between moves, styling and flourishes, and communicating with our partners. Let us know you're coming in the event comments!
We use Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, and many other media to invite new dancers. Typical attendance is 20+, including about 5 new dancers. Don't worry if you only see a few people interested here. You'll be in good company.
Click GOING and we'll see you there!
Orlando Contra Dance is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, home of the Arts & Culture Calendar, UA Arts Education, and Artistry magazine. #unitedarts
Orlando Contra Dance is funded in part by a generous donation from Joe Rush.
#orlandocontra #contradance #contradancers #socialdance #dance #orlando #orlandoflorida #orlandofl #dancelessons #livemusic #UnitedArtsCFL #UnitedArts #MakeArtThrive
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Where is it happening?
6904 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792-7003, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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