The Capital City Grange Hall is one of the best dance halls in New England.
The main hall features a smooth Vermont maple floor and a stage for musicians. There are weekly and bi-weekly dance events at the hall that are open to all, including Contra dances and Afro-Caribbean dance. There are also many one-time public or private dance events (including weddings and proms), dance lessons, dance performances, dance parties and more.
Contra dancing
The Montpelier Contra Dance re-started from our COVID shutdown on Saturday, April 16, 2022! More info at the Contra Dance page.
To get a taste of the dance, we invite you to look at the above YouTube video that shows a one-minute clip of a dance. In this video you can hear the quality of the music and see the room is filled with enthusiastic dancers!
Contra dancing at the Capital City Grange hall started when the dance series which started in the mid-1970s found its home at the Grange in 1983. The Montpelier Contra Dance committee organizes this dance series, which draws an average of 150 dancers on first and third Saturdays to participate in this long-standing New England traditional dancing to live calling and music. The dance series at the Capital City Grange Hall is considered one of the best in the country and draws an intergenerational crowd.
While the majority of the dancers come from within an hour of the hall, performers travel from around the region and many an intrepid dancer will also drive two hours or more to attend these “hot” dances.
In 2023, we began offering waltzing sessions before selected dances. Check the website Calendar listings for dates!
West African Dancing
Classes in West African dancing had a similarly long history at the Grange Hall. Held on every Tuesday evening, they feature LIVE drumming, teachers from the region, and friendly people who welcome newcomers. In 2024, the first “West African Intensive” dances on the weekend of April 27 & 28. Check the Calendar for listings of the regular classes and (we hope) more large-scale events!
Afro-Caribbean Dancing
Another long-running dance class has been in Afro-Caribbean dancing, held every Thursday morning in the Grange Hall since the 1980s. More information is on the Afro-Caribbean Dance page.
Please bring your favorite dance genre to the Grange Hall (or add more contra dances!) by starting a dance series or hosting an event. Contact the Grange Rental Agent for more information: rentals@capitalcitygrange.org