Contra Dances in Waynesville & Sylva

Contra dances happen every month in Waynesville and Sylva, NC!

Waynesville dances are held at the Gateway Club (GC), 37 Church Street, in Waynesville.

Sylva dances are held at the Jackson County Library Complex (JCC) (old courthouse). A potluck supper follows most dances (see schedule below).

All dances are done to the music of live (and alive!) bands. For many of the dances, an open band appropriately called Out of the Woodwork plays without amplification. Musicians are welcome to come and join Out of the Woodwork to get experience playing for dances.

Dancing can be quite aerobic, so please bring a water bottle.

No previous experience with contra dancing is necessary. All dances will be taught and walked through before dancing. No partner is required.

Admission to all Waynesville dances is $5 per person. Sylva dances suggest a donation of $5.

Contra dancing is a form of English country dancing and uses many of the same figures as square dancing such as circles, stars and swings.

Upcoming Dances

Date Location Time Caller Band Potluck After?
May 12 JCC-Sylva 2:30-5pm Beth Johnson OOTW Yes
May 26 GC-Waynesville 2-4:30pm Stephanie Voncannon OOTW No





If attending the potluck, bring a covered dish, plate and cutlery
GC - Gateway Club, 37 Church St, Waynesville
JCC - Jackson County Library Complex (old courthouse)

OOTW is an open band. All musicians welcome.

Sylva Sunday Contra Dance, May 12, 2013

Date: Sunday, May 12sylva dancers 1 300px

Time: 2:30pm-5:00pm

Where: Community Room, Jackson County Library Complex (old courthouse)

Caller: Beth Johnson

Suggested donation: $5

Band: Out of the Woodwork.

More information: Cathy Arps ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).




Waynesville Sunday Contra Dance, May 26, 2013

Contra dance at the Gateway ClubDate: Sunday, May 26

Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm

Where: Gateway Club in downtown Waynesville

Caller: Stephanie Marie Voncannon

Band: Out of the Woodwork

More information: Kathy Odvody ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or Pam Garrett ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )