This is where we lift the lid of Pandora’s box and let you know a bit about how the dance runs and what it needs. So, there’s more here about challenges than successes, but don’t worry, we love our dance and there’s lots to celebrate! Word is getting out in the contra world that the Orlando dance has something special going on. If you happen to know what that is, please tell us. We’re still figuring it out! We want your constructive feedback, too. Email us at info@orlandocontra.org or comment in our social media.
Today, Orlando Contra Dance is a labor of love by Joe Harrington and a few helpers. We’re funded generously by the donors on the Thanks! page, but our main support ends in September 2025. To maintain our LIVE MUSIC long-term, we need 60 paying dancers at each event. As of Spring 2025, about 20 dancers come, though we’ve had over 50 occasionally. Our goal is to get our attendance up to 60 by the end of 2025, and to incorporate as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. To do that, we need the right dance and a volunteer team to make it happen.
Our dances are energetic and fun, and people typically stay to the end and go out after. A wide variety of ages, dance abilities, personalities, and even political leanings is comfortable here and has a great time together. So, we think we’re on the right track, though we’re always trying to improve it. All we need now is to let more people know about it.
There are 2.3 million people within an hour’s drive! What if 0.1% of them knew about our dance? That’s where you come in! Here are some ways to help:
- Bring a friend! Most of us were first brought by a friend.
- Take and post videos and photos online.
- Tell your friends, co-workers, family, members of other groups you’re in. Pick up some QR cards at a dance.
- Post a flyer at your school, job, coffeehouse, library bulletin board, or work fridge!
Download here.
- Help run our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, etc.) – talk to Joe.
- Bring snacks to share.
If you’re a musician and you’d like to learn how to play for contra (the tune structure is quite specific), talk to Joe. Almost any musical style can work!
If you’re a dancer who would like to learn to call, talk to Joe.
To promote contra, Joe calls dances at churches, schools, and clubs around Central Florida. If you know of a group that might be interested, talk to Joe.
Finally, if you’d like to contribute, your donation will help us keep LIVE MUSIC, guest callers, and professional sound in our lineup! We currently rent our hall for $250 and pay $100 per person plus gas to our musicians, caller, and sound tech, which includes renting all the sound equipment. Our most expensive events cost $940. Our cheapest are $250, with recorded music and Joe calling for free. Those sponsoring more than a full night’s expenses will be recognized on the Thanks! page. However, whether you round your admission up to $20 or fund a grant for $5000, THANKS!
Joe Harrington
Orlando Contra Dance organizer, caller, DJ
321-247-8864
Dancer Joe on social media