MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The next contra dance will be held this Saturday, Janu. 4, at Armstrong Hall (home of Lake County Jazzercise) in Middletown.

This dance will be led by Lea Smith. The live, old-time fiddle music will be provided by “Tradition!” from Sonoma County.

Contra dancing is a great low pressure and fun way to socialize for people of all ages.

If you are unfamiliar with contra dancing, it is somewhat similar to square dancing, but less formal. There is no fancy footwork that you have to learn or memorize; you are led through each dance by the caller.

Because it’s a social dance, you don’t need to arrive with a partner; in fact, most people don’t.

When you dance, you dance with a partner, but you also have many neighbors that you dance with too. At the end of a dance, you say goodbye to your partner and get another one.

Armstrong Hall is located at 15642 Armstrong St. in Middletown, two blocks behind the post office.

The dance begins with easier dances at 7 p.m. and gently progresses to more challenging figures until 9:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 at the door. Please wear clean shoes that won’t harm the hardwood floor and bring your own water bottle.

For more information, contact Beth Rudiger, 707-260-2900 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .