The Second Sunday Contra Dance will be held from 2:30-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14, at the new Senior Center in Sylva.

This dance will be a fundraiser for the Community Table. Dancers are encouraged to get sponsors to pledge a donation for each dance they will do during the afternoon. Sponsor pledge forms are available from Ron Arps at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There will be a silent auction and raffle of locally-made handcrafts. Donations will be used for the renovation of the former Golden Age Club in Sylva, which will soon be the new home of the Community Table.

No previous experience with contra dancing is required and all dances will be taught and walked through before dancing. There will also be a short beginners’ workshop at the start of the dance. Some dances for children as well as a waltz or two will also be included in the program. No partner is required.

Local musicians will play music for all the dances. Local musicians are invited to sit in with the band, to jam and learn how to play music for dancing.

There will be a potluck dinner following the contra dance, starting at 5:30 p.m. Bring a covered dish, plate, cup and cutlery and a water bottle.

Contra dancing is a form of English country dancing that has become very popular with people of all ages during the last 20 years. It uses many of the same figures as square dancing such as circles, stars and swings.

Information about the dance and the fundraiser is available from Arps at 828.586.5478.