The July 9th edition of Dance Band Night features foot stompin’ good music from Broward Contra Dance House Band, Cornbread and American style line dancing. Contra Dance is a community a folk dance, similar to a Square Dance, except instead of the square formation, it is danced in lines of couples, with every other couple facing up or down the hall. Contra dancers stand opposite (or “contra to”) their partner. You dance with another couple as a group of four, and move on to dance with other couples in the course of a dance. It is highly interactive and forms a bond that creates a sense of community and camaraderie among the dancers.

The Broward Contra Dance is South Florida’s longest-running contra dance. The style is from the English/Irish/Scottish community dance tradition, which first took hold in the Northeast and parts of Canada. It spread throughout the US, and is the origin of American square dance. The caller guides you through easy steps.

Cornbread is the premier contra dance band in South Florida, featuring twin violins over a 12-string guitar and driving beat. Their music is an eclectic mix of Old Time, Bluegrass, Irish, French Canadian, contemporary, novelty tunes, swing and original tunes. A set can range from reels, polkas, jigs and beautiful waltzes- all with a solid groove to energize the dancers. The full ensemble at their monthly second-Saturday Broward Contra dance includes a mandolin and a grand piano and fills the hall with music.