WSLR continues its monthly dance series tonight at Fogartyville Community and Arts Center with its Community Contra Dance event. Classified as a folk dance, Contra Dance is similar to square dancing, but rather than dance in a square, performers instead dance in lines of couples or in groups. Coordinator David Beaton hopes to create a greater sense of community within Sarasota and create a more prominent presence through this series.  

“I have a passion to bring it and people together,” said Beaton. With Contra popular in New England, North Carolina, and parts of Florida, Beaton realized Sarasota needed to participate in the rising trend. Fogartyville hosts a variety of musical performances and events, though none like Contra Dance where people can “meet and greet everyone on the dance floor,” said Beaton. “This type of dance builds a community.”

Unlike other venues, Fogartyville attracts dancers with a wood floor that creates a sprung effect unlike dancing on cement. The intimate-yet-lively event generates a welcoming, communal atmosphere. Beaton hopes the dance trend, which is gaining popularity on college campuses, will catch on with the younger population in Sarasota. “I hope to get more of the younger people involved. There are smaller colleges in this town and it will take more time.” Contra dances are a place where people of different lifestyles gather together to dance, socialize and gain exposure.

Each dance consists of a different variation of steps, taught by the caller prior to the event. New College Student Rona Weiner will be the caller for the dance this month and in December. As a new caller, she “has a pleasant way about it and is good at giving instructions” said Beaton. As the caller leads the dance, a live band provides the soundtrack to the evening. Local band Terns at Tide performs tonight.

Tonight’s Contra Dance will begin at 8pm at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center. Both experienced dancers and amateurs are welcome and instructional walkthroughs will be held at 7:30pm. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Students pay half price and children age 12 and under are free.