CFOOTMAD’s newest dance series, Hands Across Contra, features inclusive gender-neutral contra dance every fourth Saturday. Calls are made using the terms “larks” and “robins” rather than the traditional “gents” and “ladies,” and we encourage all dancers to choose whichever role or roles they prefer. Hands Across is also a great place to experiment if you’d like to learn a new role!

We’ve changed the language, but we preserve the traditions that make contra such a fun and engaging dance form. You will still find fantastic live music, a welcoming community, and vibrant dancing to thrill experienced dancers and first-timers alike. There’s a beginner lesson before each event, and every dance is taught by the caller. Everyone is welcome, no partner or experience needed!

The dance happens every fourth Saturday at Christ Church UMC in Denver (map), from 7-10pm. A free lesson starts before each dance at 6:15pm. The price is a sliding scale, from $5 to $15. We value being financially accessible to as many dancers as possible, we value paying our performers as fairly as possible, and we trust our community to share weight in balancing the two. For options below $5, please contact an organizer to explore working in exchange for admission.

Hands Across is also affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Rainbeaus, Denver’s all-inclusive LGBTQ+ and friends square dance club.